BAFM CHAIRMAN - NORAH DUNBAR - SUMMER 2010
In the last few weeks I have been looking back to when BAFM first came into being - in 1972. So not only will 2012 be the occasion of the London Olympics but also the 40th anniversary of BAFM. As I said in a previous message, we want a lasting legacy from the Cultural Olympiad. I would also like to see that year celebrating BAFM’s continuing strengths.
No organisation can stand still - to rest on your laurels is in fact to go backwards. So what better time for BAFM to take stock - to look at where we have come from and to where we are going? To this end we issued a questionnaire at the beginning of the year - BAFM is your organisation and therefore your views are paramount. A big thank you to all of you who completed and returned this questionnaire. We are also currently carrying out a review of how BAFM operates and how we can promote best practice.
In the spring of next year our Journal will reach its 100th issue. This is another great landmark and our thanks are due to our current Editor, Isobel Straw, and to all her predecessors in this position. The Journal has certainly evolved over the years and it is interesting looking through old copies and seeing the many changes.
Back in 1972 technology had not yet brought us the computer, e-mail, blogs, facebook, twitter, texting, etc., etc. and we managed with post (which usually arrived next day!) and telephone. We must embrace all this new technology and use it to our best advantage.
Whilst we welcome a new government in office, after the uncertainties of the past months, no government will be able immediately to solve the underlying economic problems that face us in the UK. But culture is part of all of us and of our society and should not be seen as an add-on and therefore an easy option for cost-cutting. In the present climate, it is now even more essential that museums, heritage and the arts should be championed.
Our AGM and Conference will be held this year in the Isle of Man, from 24th to 26th September, hosted by the Friends of Manx National Heritage. You will see from the booking form in this Journal the good programme and speakers they have arranged. Perhaps as well as representing your museum and supporting BAFM, you will enjoy a short early autumn break somewhere different. I hope to see you there.
I started by looking back to 1972. I do so with gratitude to those inspired founding members. I am enthusiastic about our review and I think BAFM can look to the future with confidence.
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