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Agenda item
Curator's Report
Minutes:
Cathy Walling, Museum Curator, presented a report to update members on issues arising from previous meetings and confirmation of curator’s actions, with visitor figures and information on exhibitions and events. It had been agreed at the last meeting to condense these reports under one item.
The Curator reported that attendance figures for visitors attending between October and December were down by 1,228 compared to the same period last year. The total number of visitors for 2017 had increased by 2044 compared to 2016. Pupil numbers were down slightly by 88 compared to 2016.
At the time of the meeting, the number of followers on Twitter had increased to 1,609 and Facebook to 1,883. The ratings on Trip Advisor remain the same.
The number of weddings/ceremonies booked till the end of December compared to the same period last year has increased from 10 to 15.
The Hastings Museum & Art gallery events leaflet for April-October 2018 were sent out this week.
The next event in the art gallery will be the 50th anniversary memorial exhibition celebrating the work of Vincent Lines, Head of Hastings School of Art. From 3rd March there is an exhibition by Evacustes Phipson on topographical water colours. This is followed by an exhibition by students from the School of Art and Design at Sussex Coast College relating to the Vincent Lines exhibition.
Three Family Activity days will be held focusing on print; toys and insects to mark the centenary of Votes for Women. With National Insect day on 23 June, visitors to the museum will be able to handle the insects. There will be a talk and book signing by Ann Kramer and two sessions with Women’s Voice on 23 June to make banners, sashes etc. Blooming Green will be providing adult workshops to make foliage crowns for Jack in the Green, and Fiona Pienkowska will be holding a workshop on lino printing. The curator said the adult workshops had proved very popular and were booked out. To celebrate his 90th birthday, the Happy Harold trolley bus will be visiting the museum on 1 April. A day of tours and rides have been arranged. A new series of talks by Edward Preston will begin in June. Details are listed in the events leaflet.
Mrs Purdey encouraged members and their relations to participate in Happy Harold’s birthday celebrations on 1 April. Tours and rides will be available from the museum along with refreshments and an easter egg hunt for children.
Mr Peak informed the Committee that Happy Harold will be at the bus depot in Silverhill the week prior to Easter. He asked the curator if picture postcards could be made available of the Evacustes Phipson exhibition. The Curator advised him that there was probably not enough time before the exhibition ends on 6 May, but would consult colleagues. The event will be advertised on the Museums Facebook page.
Councillor Street proposed a motion to recommend the resolution as set out below. This was seconded by Mr Palfrey-Martin.
RESOLVED (unanimously) that the committee accepts and is satisfied with the report
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