Author: IT Team

  • Summer Lates – colleague survey

    Summer Lates – colleague survey

    Thank you to everyone who helped deliver our very successful Summer and Summer Lates programme. We’ve had some amazing feedback from our visitors and now we need to hear from you!
    Please take a few minutes to fill in the colleague survey to tell us what you think by clicking here.
    What we did well:
     
    “First time we have visited. Loads to see and do, we ran out of time and need to come back. Absolutely loved the man who did the chain link at 12:30pm, he made it interesting for the kids and adults. He also did a very good job on the chain link. The people who you had playing the ‘holidaying couple’ were absolutely fantastic. We saw them several times, we interacted with them a couple of times and they always stayed in character, made numerous jokes, it really brightened up our day. Absolutely fantastic.”
    • 75% Excellent, 24% Good = 99% Overall Satisfaction Rating
    • 57% Excellent, 33% Good = 90% Food & Drink Satisfaction Rating
    • 56% Excellent, 32% Good = 88% Trail Leaflet Satisfaction Rating
    • 94% of visitors purchased Food & Drink during their visit
    “Being Asian Indian (born in the UK) it made me realise the challenges and struggles of my parents who came over in the 60s” -Feedback on the BCT X Jai Patel performance
    “We enjoyed absolutely everything, the music, the protest which we were apart of, the dance lessons, how amazing all the staff were in the shops and of course the fish and chips”
    “The play by Black Country Touring was absolutely excellent. Really brought the history alive and amplified hidden voices/ stories in a provocative and hilarious way. Superb.”
    “There were great performances from singers and musicians, the atmosphere was great and it wasn’t too busy.”
    What we can learn from:
    “Don’t think the staff on that evening knew an awful lot about the history of where they were ie tilted cottage lady just sat sewing not bothered about interacting. The staff were all very young and whilst pleasant didn’t seem to want to interact with visitors or seem to have any idea of history. Have to say not many genuine Black Country speaking staff though can see this may be limited in obtaining staff .”
    “Food hut in the courtyard behind the 1960’s street wasn’t open like it was last year. The queue was too big at the chip shop so that meant good choice was very limited. See previous comments about the fair prices. Still not we bought signage and information boards about the buildings. You’re inside of looking at a building and no idea what it is……”
    Well done everyone however as this has proved to be a highly successful summer overall. Please do complete the survey and any specific questions regarding programme feedback, contact [email protected]
  • CCF Update

    CCF Update

    Following the conclusion of the nomination process for the Cleaning & Recycling Constituency, a nomination has been received for Drew Rhodes.
    As Drew is unopposed, in accordance with the constitution and terms of reference, cleaning & Recycling constituents are invited to endorse their candidature.
    Cleaning & Recycling constituents are therefore asked to email [email protected] by Monday 15 September 2025 if they have any reason to oppose the nomination of Drew Rhodes for their constituency.
  • Keeping You Informed

    Keeping You Informed

    As part of our commitment to clear communication, we’ve now installed a new noticeboard next to the clock-in machine by the Green Gate, where colleagues enter and exit the Museum. This board will be regularly updated with important Museum notices, including information about internal and external events, Museum operations, and more.
    If there’s anything you’d like to see included on the noticeboard, please email: [email protected]
    In addition to the new noticeboard, don’t forget we also share updates through the following channels:
    • BCLM Intranet – BCLM Intranet
    • BCLM Newsletter – sent out bi-monthly to all email addresses
    • Planday – the homepage has recently been updated to include:
      • A news feed with links to the intranet and How-to guides
      • An events section to keep you up to date
    📸 See below for a preview of the updated Planday homescreen.
  • Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    During the summer we had the honour of hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw.

    Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the Museum and was introduced to a range of our stories, from joining the 1910 women chainmakers in a strike outside the Workers’ Institute to witnessing an Edwardian school lesson. There was also an opportunity to stop and enjoy the Museum’s famous fish and chips, as well as graciously stepping behind the bar at the Elephant & Castle Pub to serve drinks to pub patrons and delegates.

    We would like to extend our thanks to all colleagues who help made this visit a special and memorable one for Her Royal Highness. Particular thanks to the teams in the Elephant & Castle Pub, Hobbs’ Fish & Chip Shop and all colleagues who took part in showing Her Royal Highness our fantastic visitor experience.

    Her Royal Highness has since sent on her heartfelt thanks to Andrew and all of the Museum team in the following letter:

    Dear Mr Lovett, 

    It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend my sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues for so graciously hosting me at the Black Country Living Museum during my recent visit to the West Midlands.
    The experience proved to be both enlightening and most enjoyable, offering me a profound insight into the rich history and enduring traditions of the Black Country. I was particularly delighted to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Museum, to learn more of the remarkable heritage it preserves, and to see how lovingly it is presented to all who visit.

    I also wish to remark on the great pleasure I derived from partaking in the traditional fish and chips – a true highlight of the day – as well as the opportunity to serve behind the bar at the Elephant and Castle public house, which provided a most memorable and joyful moment of my visit.

    Please extend my appreciation to all members of your team whose dedication and hospitality made the occasion so very special. I shall treasure the visit for many years to come, and I look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between your institution and the wider global community.

    Alternatively you can view the full letter. 

  • Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    During the summer we had the honour of hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw.

    Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the Museum and was introduced to a range of our stories, from joining the 1910 women chainmakers in a strike outside the Workers’ Institute to witnessing an Edwardian school lesson. There was also an opportunity to stop and enjoy the Museum’s famous fish and chips, as well as graciously stepping behind the bar at the Elephant & Castle Pub to serve drinks to pub patrons and delegates.

    We would like to extend our thanks to all colleagues who help made this visit a special and memorable one for Her Royal Highness. Particular thanks to the teams in the Elephant & Castle Pub, Hobbs’ Fish & Chip Shop and all colleagues who took part in showing Her Royal Highness our fantastic visitor experience.

    Her Royal Highness has since sent on her heartfelt thanks to Andrew and all of the Museum team in the following letter:

    Dear Mr Lovett, 

    It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend my sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues for so graciously hosting me at the Black Country Living Museum during my recent visit to the West Midlands.
    The experience proved to be both enlightening and most enjoyable, offering me a profound insight into the rich history and enduring traditions of the Black Country. I was particularly delighted to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Museum, to learn more of the remarkable heritage it preserves, and to see how lovingly it is presented to all who visit.

    I also wish to remark on the great pleasure I derived from partaking in the traditional fish and chips – a true highlight of the day – as well as the opportunity to serve behind the bar at the Elephant and Castle public house, which provided a most memorable and joyful moment of my visit.

    Please extend my appreciation to all members of your team whose dedication and hospitality made the occasion so very special. I shall treasure the visit for many years to come, and I look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between your institution and the wider global community.

    Alternatively you can view the full letter. 

  • Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    During the summer we had the honour of hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw.

    Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the Museum and was introduced to a range of our stories, from joining the 1910 women chainmakers in a strike outside the Workers’ Institute to witnessing an Edwardian school lesson. There was also an opportunity to stop and enjoy the Museum’s famous fish and chips, as well as graciously stepping behind the bar at the Elephant & Castle Pub to serve drinks to pub patrons and delegates.

    We would like to extend our thanks to all colleagues who help made this visit a special and memorable one for Her Royal Highness. Particular thanks to the teams in the Elephant & Castle Pub, Hobbs’ Fish & Chip Shop and all colleagues who took part in showing Her Royal Highness our fantastic visitor experience.

    Her Royal Highness has since sent on her heartfelt thanks to Andrew and all of the Museum team in the following letter:

    Dear Mr Lovett, 

    It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend my sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues for so graciously hosting me at the Black Country Living Museum during my recent visit to the West Midlands.
    The experience proved to be both enlightening and most enjoyable, offering me a profound insight into the rich history and enduring traditions of the Black Country. I was particularly delighted to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Museum, to learn more of the remarkable heritage it preserves, and to see how lovingly it is presented to all who visit.

    I also wish to remark on the great pleasure I derived from partaking in the traditional fish and chips – a true highlight of the day – as well as the opportunity to serve behind the bar at the Elephant and Castle public house, which provided a most memorable and joyful moment of my visit.

    Please extend my appreciation to all members of your team whose dedication and hospitality made the occasion so very special. I shall treasure the visit for many years to come, and I look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between your institution and the wider global community.

    Alternatively you can view the full letter. 

  • Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    During the summer we had the honour of hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw.

    Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the Museum and was introduced to a range of our stories, from joining the 1910 women chainmakers in a strike outside the Workers’ Institute to witnessing an Edwardian school lesson. There was also an opportunity to stop and enjoy the Museum’s famous fish and chips, as well as graciously stepping behind the bar at the Elephant & Castle Pub to serve drinks to pub patrons and delegates.

    We would like to extend our thanks to all colleagues who help made this visit a special and memorable one for Her Royal Highness. Particular thanks to the teams in the Elephant & Castle Pub, Hobbs’ Fish & Chip Shop and all colleagues who took part in showing Her Royal Highness our fantastic visitor experience.

    Her Royal Highness has since sent on her heartfelt thanks to Andrew and all of the Museum team in the following letter:

    Dear Mr Lovett, 

    It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend my sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues for so graciously hosting me at the Black Country Living Museum during my recent visit to the West Midlands.
    The experience proved to be both enlightening and most enjoyable, offering me a profound insight into the rich history and enduring traditions of the Black Country. I was particularly delighted to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Museum, to learn more of the remarkable heritage it preserves, and to see how lovingly it is presented to all who visit.

    I also wish to remark on the great pleasure I derived from partaking in the traditional fish and chips – a true highlight of the day – as well as the opportunity to serve behind the bar at the Elephant and Castle public house, which provided a most memorable and joyful moment of my visit.

    Please extend my appreciation to all members of your team whose dedication and hospitality made the occasion so very special. I shall treasure the visit for many years to come, and I look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between your institution and the wider global community.

    Alternatively you can view the full letter. 

  • Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    During the summer we had the honour of hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw.

    Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the Museum and was introduced to a range of our stories, from joining the 1910 women chainmakers in a strike outside the Workers’ Institute to witnessing an Edwardian school lesson. There was also an opportunity to stop and enjoy the Museum’s famous fish and chips, as well as graciously stepping behind the bar at the Elephant & Castle Pub to serve drinks to pub patrons and delegates.

    We would like to extend our thanks to all colleagues who help made this visit a special and memorable one for Her Royal Highness. Particular thanks to the teams in the Elephant & Castle Pub, Hobbs’ Fish & Chip Shop and all colleagues who took part in showing Her Royal Highness our fantastic visitor experience.

    Her Royal Highness has since sent on her heartfelt thanks to Andrew and all of the Museum team in the following letter:

    Dear Mr Lovett, 

    It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend my sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues for so graciously hosting me at the Black Country Living Museum during my recent visit to the West Midlands.
    The experience proved to be both enlightening and most enjoyable, offering me a profound insight into the rich history and enduring traditions of the Black Country. I was particularly delighted to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Museum, to learn more of the remarkable heritage it preserves, and to see how lovingly it is presented to all who visit.

    I also wish to remark on the great pleasure I derived from partaking in the traditional fish and chips – a true highlight of the day – as well as the opportunity to serve behind the bar at the Elephant and Castle public house, which provided a most memorable and joyful moment of my visit.

    Please extend my appreciation to all members of your team whose dedication and hospitality made the occasion so very special. I shall treasure the visit for many years to come, and I look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between your institution and the wider global community.

    Alternatively you can view the full letter. 

  • Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    Thank you – visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw

    During the summer we had the honour of hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Magindanaw.

    Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the Museum and was introduced to a range of our stories, from joining the 1910 women chainmakers in a strike outside the Workers’ Institute to witnessing an Edwardian school lesson. There was also an opportunity to stop and enjoy the Museum’s famous fish and chips, as well as graciously stepping behind the bar at the Elephant & Castle Pub to serve drinks to pub patrons and delegates.

    We would like to extend our thanks to all colleagues who help made this visit a special and memorable one for Her Royal Highness. Particular thanks to the teams in the Elephant & Castle Pub, Hobbs’ Fish & Chip Shop and all colleagues who took part in showing Her Royal Highness our fantastic visitor experience.

    Her Royal Highness has since sent on her heartfelt thanks to Andrew and all of the Museum team in the following letter:

    Dear Mr Lovett, 

    It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend my sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues for so graciously hosting me at the Black Country Living Museum during my recent visit to the West Midlands.
    The experience proved to be both enlightening and most enjoyable, offering me a profound insight into the rich history and enduring traditions of the Black Country. I was particularly delighted to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the Museum, to learn more of the remarkable heritage it preserves, and to see how lovingly it is presented to all who visit.

    I also wish to remark on the great pleasure I derived from partaking in the traditional fish and chips – a true highlight of the day – as well as the opportunity to serve behind the bar at the Elephant and Castle public house, which provided a most memorable and joyful moment of my visit.

    Please extend my appreciation to all members of your team whose dedication and hospitality made the occasion so very special. I shall treasure the visit for many years to come, and I look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between your institution and the wider global community.

    Alternatively you can view the full letter. 

  • Bereavement Support Hubs – Invitation to Colleague

    Bereavement Support Hubs – Invitation to Colleague

    Mary Stevens Hospice is offering bereavement support to the local community and invites all Black Country Living Museum colleagues to attend their Bereavement Hubs.

    Stourbridge Hub

    📍 Stourbridge Institute (turn by Tesco, opposite the Crystal Leisure Centre)

    🕑 1.30–3.00pm

    • Wednesday 29 October 2025
    • Wednesday 26 November 2025
    • Wednesday 7  January 2025
    • Wednesday 28 January 2026
    • Wednesday 25 February 2026
    • Wednesday 25 March 2026

    Additional informal session

    📍 Mary Stevens Hospice

    🕑 Wednesday 17 December 2025, 2.00–3.30pm (coffee and catch-up)

    Halesowen Hub

    📍 Halesowen Library, Caslon Hall (Cornbow Shopping Centre)

    🕑 10.30am–12.00pm

    • Thursday 18 September 2025
    • Thursday 16 October 2025
    • Thursday 20 November 2025
    • Thursday 11 December 2025
    • Thursday 15 January 2026
    • Thursday 19 February 2026

    📞 For more information, please contact Mary Stevens Hospice on 01384 445 423. Mary Stevens Bereavement Hub Poster