Minutes of Committee Meeting of the Friends of Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life 27 July 2020 (by Zoom)
1) Present
N. Lewis, M. Milbourn, Ms J Wooding, , M. Rosling, J. Henderson, P. Green, A Chandler Mrs M. McArdle , G. Stitt, K Moualem
Apologies
Mrs B. Stitt. Mrs D. Parsons C. Stitt
2) Matters Arising not elsewhere on the Agenda.
Discussion re potential new members for the committee.
It was noted that David Alladice would be willing to stand, Action Nigel to follow-up
It was also noted that any committee member must be a paid up member of the Friends.
Khal was given a warm welcome and thanked for joining the committee.
Retirements:
It was confirmed that Geoff Stitt would remain on the committee until the question of signatures on the bank accounts are sorted.
Local History Groups to be contacted when they are meeting normally at the museum Action Jules
RAF Association to be contacted to discuss some form of membership Action Jim
3) Newsletter
It was agreed that Nigel would include letter requesting volunteers for the committee for next issue. Action Nigel
It was noted that due to the current situation, part time working of staff could impact on availability of support re labels, mailing etc.
Geoff raised concerns re cost of four newsletters per year. This issue had been fully discussed before and the quarterly issue would continue for the remainder of the year. To be reviewed next year
4) Membership
There are currently 134 members. However, concern was expressed regarding payment via “PayPal”. which resulted in missed membership information to the Membership Secretary. It was reported that there are problems with banking due to staff on furlough.. There is confusion ref process for payment via PayPal and directly from the museum bank. Jules needed to discuss with the museum staff and would then agree a process for both with Carl & Mike R Action Jules
16% of members need to be contacted annually for membership payment which was considered acceptable for the present rather than try to enforce PayPal collection.
A review of forms for new membership on the website needs to be conducted Action Mike R
A review of the current levels of membership to be undertaken Action Peter & Mike R
5) Finance
Report from Carl accepted however we need to understand the basis for the estimated future expenses . Action Nigel
6) Patron
Lady Ballyedmond had wished to resign as Patron and had suggested that she be replaced by her daughter. A discussion took place as to the advisability of having a patron. With one abstention and one objection, it was agreed that the Hon Carolyn be invited to be Patron of the Friends and that Nigel would contact her with the invitation to take up the post. . Action Nigel
7) Curator’s Report
Jules gave a report on the current situation in the museum. Working with English Heritage, the museum has been open since 4 July. Working within current regulations, the museum is open 7 days a week with 2 members of staff each day. Visitors are welcome, but a one way system is in place, with hand sanitation, deep cleaning and good ventilation as required. Numbers are improving, mostly visitors to the region rather than local and reviews have been excellent. The refurbishment of the Crimean picture has been put on hold.
8) Any Other Business
AGM is postponed until 2021. Action Mary
9) Date of Next Meeting
28 September @ 4pm. Whether by Zoom or in the Castle to be confirmed.
Not Discussed at Meeting
Future Events 2020
Friends Acquisition Evening, BBQ/Hog Roast and AGM were cancelled
Events for next year 2021 – outline discussions for Garden Event, Acquisitions Evening. Plus one other fund raiser.
