Page 27 - Phonebox Magazine June 2013

Overview: The Museum again provided a full programme of events but despite this visitor numbers were down.
Visitor income rose as a result of the reintroduction of GiftAid but a reduction in donation income and higher than anticipated maintenance costs resulted in an operating de cit of £5,306. Additionally our Restoration and Improvement Fund sustained a de cit in excess of £18,000 – much of this represented a “catch up” on building maintenance allied to of ce modernisation costs. Costs are well controlled but as a charity reliant on our own efforts to survive, there remains an urgent need to increase visitor numbers and improve our fundraising efforts in this the 240th anniversary year of “Amazing Grace”.
The Museum and its Collections: During the 2012-2013 closed season, the central heating systems were overhauled and the costume gallery and Olney Room were redecorated. The opportunity was taken to improve the displays in the Olney room. Many thanks to the Volunteers and Friends who enabled this work to be completed in good time for the new season.
On the collections front, the task of digitising objects continued and work commenced on reorganisation of the book collections to make them more accessible to researchers.
A number of items were donated to the Museum during the year, the most notable of which was Cowper’s writing table. The cost of transporting this from Vancouver, Canada was kindly met by the Cowper and Newton Society.
In line with visitor numbers, shop sales were down but margins improved as the process of aligning product lines to the needs of the Museum was completed. We have continued to attract media interest – the Museum has featured in the Antiques Road Trip series and lming has just taken place for an appearance in an episode of Michael Portillo’s successful Great British Railway Journeys series currently scheduled to be screened on BBC2 in January 2014.
Trustees and Staff: A number of changes took place during this year. Peter Bennett my predecessor stood down as Chairman and I would like to thank him on behalf of the Trustees for his years of dedication to that role. Fortunately he remains on the Board of Trustees so we will not be losing the bene t of his experience and wisdom. Mike Hughes and Nikala Lane resigned from the Board during the year and Kate Bostock was appointed. Lydia Saul was appointed as our Museum Mentor. Our house Manager Leanne Philpot left to resume her studies at Cambridge University and Emily Evans was appointed as her replacement in August 2012 and is now rmly established in the role. Friends, Volunteers, and Supporting Organisations. With just one paid employee, a long open season, a hectic closed season, and a full events programme to deliver, it is undeniable that we are totally reliant on the goodwill, enthusiasm and dedication of our
THE COWPER & NEWTON MUSEUM Report to Olney Town 2013 Annual Meeting.
Volunteers and Friends in order to sustain the Museum and ensure that it will be there for future generations to enjoy. Everyone has an important role to play, whether involved in the running of the shop and gallery, welcoming and guiding visitors, catering, book keeping, conservation, gardening, monitoring exhibit environmental conditions, fundraising, marketing, property maintenance, general administration, assisting with events, or a whole host of other activities. To one and all we say a big “thank you” for your past and continuing support.
The Friends Committee has been very active over the past year in facilitating the Museum’s fundraising efforts through providing support for a variety of events and looks set for another busy year. Other than bodies previously mentioned elsewhere in this report, thanks are also due to a number of organisations who have provided nancial support over the past year. In particular we acknowledge support from Olney Town Council (contribution towards roof repairs), Milton Keynes Council (Heritage Day Grant), Olney Masonic Club (grant to reprint
the Museum’s lea et), Santander Bank (matched fundraising), and Milton Keynes Heritage Association (grant to purchase camcorder).
Going Forward. The most common reactions from rst time local visitors are: “I didn’t know that there was so much to see,” and “I didn’t think that it would be so interesting”.
I therefore invite you to spend the equivalent of two cups of coffee (£5) which I hope you will GiftAid if a UK Taxpayer at no extra cost to yourself. For this you will receive a year’s unlimited admission to the Museum and Gardens, free admission for your children under 16 and the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to sustain your Museum. To facilitate your visit we will additionally be opening on Sundays between 12 noon and 4.00 pm during June, July, and August.
I also invite you to join our growing band of enthusiastic volunteers. If you have fundraising skills to offer, you will be particularly welcome. The challenge is to eliminate our operating de cit, and to raise funds to construct a multi purpose room in the courtyard area for which we are currently seeking planning permission.
Paul Collins, Chairman of Trustee
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