bafm - north east news

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF MUSEUMS

NORTH EAST NEWS

BAFM email: a d m i n @ b a f m . o r g . u k

Contact: Jeff Lynn
West Lodge, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, County Durham. DL12 9PF

NORTH EAST CONFERENCE REPORT - 2008

Our North East Conference was held in May at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. It was very well attended, with thirty-five delegates representing ten groups. The speakers were Dr Ken Fairless and Mr Eric Barnes. Ken gave a lively introduction to the Roman Altars found locally and now stored in the Bowes Museum, while Eric took as his topic prominent local figures from Barnard Castle. These included a local dignitary who roused the local militia and residents to take up arms and go to war against Napoleon’s army, only to find it was all a hoax! A number of groups offered themselves as candidates to host next year’s Conference, including the Beamish Museum, South Shields Art Gallery and Museum, the Laing Art Gallery and Historic Dilston, so we can look forward to another successful Conference; feedback from this year’s event has been very positive.

NORTH EAST REPORT - JUNE 2007

It was with great sadness that I had to report he death of Ted Howard on 20th May. Ted was my immediate predecessor as North East Co-ordinator as well as being a fellow committee member of The Bowes Museum. He had been unwell for a number of years, but we were all so pleased that he managed to attend the national conference at The Bowes. I attended the funeral as his friend but also to represent BAFM.

I had a request from the Darlington Railway Friends to help find relevant speakers. By chance I met a descendant of one of the Kitching family (Darlington railway building company) who has a large family archive and he agreed to speak to them. The newly formed Historic Dilston Friends agreed to hold the North East Area Conference which took place on 2nd June. We were blessed with wonderful weather and 37 delegates representing ten north east museums attended as well as David Shipway BAFM's North West Co-ordinator. The day began with coffee and cake and was quickly followed with a welcome from Peter Jackson, Vice Chair of the North Pennines Heritage Trust. Frances Dickinson was then introduced as the Chair of Historic Dilston Friends. Frances then gave her lecture The Radcliffes of Dilston - in fact and folklore which demonstrated her immense knowledge of the Radcliffe family and her enthusiasm for the continued development of the site. Lunch was provided by Dilston Friends when there was time for informal discussion between friends from the different museums, lighthouses, Roman forts etc. The afternoon was spent with Frances on a guided tour, including the castle, chapel and finishing with a walk to the Devil's Water through what was once an ornamental garden. There was a real sense that time had stood still here and I think all who attended felt it was quite a magical place. Since the conference I was asked if I would write a letter of support for the NPHT to be submitted with their HLF bid which I was happy to do.

Lesley Taylor

Co-ordinator: Jeff Lynn

Since moving back to my native County Durham 10 years ago I have enjoyed being an active member of the Friends of Bowes Museum. As an engineer by profession I have spent most of my working life in a variety of management roles in the brewing industry. As a result I have lived and worked in the South East, the Midlands and latterly Yorkshire. Although I have enjoyed living in other parts of the country I have a natural affinity for the North East and I am looking forward to representing and supporting BAFM members in the region. My hobbies include art, history and travel most of which I am able to indulge now I am retired.

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