Author: IT Team

  • Large format printer – reminders

    Large format printer – reminders

    When using the large format printer, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure everyone can continue printing their posters, signs, etc., and that we respect our colleagues.

    • If you’ve never used the large format printer before, instructions can be found in the large folder next to the PC by the printer in the Canal Side office.
    • Please let Hannah or Luke know straight away if the paper runs out or is running low. If they aren’t notified in time and we completely run out, especially in the lead-up to an event, it can cause a major operational issue, as we won’t be able to print signs, menus, or other essential materials.
    • Avoid wasting paper, and be mindful of the purpose of your poster and the type of paper needed.
    • When you finish a roll, replace it immediately and then let Hannah or Luke know.
  • Mental Health Support – Health 2 employment

    Mental Health Support – Health 2 employment

    As part of our ongoing commitment to Health & Wellbeing, we are able to offer support through Health 2 employment again this summer, in partnership with Able Futures, who are offering virtual or phone one-to-one consultation slots throughout July and August.

    These sessions are open to all colleagues who would like to learn more about the support available or discuss their mental health needs in confidence. The service is designed to help individuals have more good days than bad days by offering practical mental health support at no cost.

    Who Can Access the Service?

    You’re eligible if you:

    • Are aged 16 or over

    • Are employed or self-employed

    • Live in England, Wales, or Scotland

    • Experience a mental health issue (including self-diagnosed)

    Book a Consultation
    To arrange a free and confidential consultation, please follow the link below: 👉 Access to Work (Mental Health) – Book an Appointment — Health 2 Employment

    Feel free to share this with friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit.

  • Summer Holidays – programme overview

    Summer Holidays – programme overview

    Date and times:
    Saturday 19 July – Sunday 31 August 2025
    Concept:
    Summer is here, everyone is enjoying longer and warmer days. Although everyone’s working lives are busy, they can enjoy brighter hours in their spare time making the most of the nicer weather. Some characters are lucky enough to afford a holiday away from the Black Country with family and friends, and those that are not fortunate to do that are planning some time away in fresh country air working at hop picking. We’re trying to demonstrate the best BCLM has to offer with a summertime atmosphere through increased demonstrations, recognisable characters, and engaging activity. Around site there is a distinctive “summer holiday” feeling as characters talk about where they might be hoping to go this year.
    Contact:
    [email protected] (Programme)
  • On-site recycling information

    On-site recycling information

    You may have noticed new recycling bins appearing around the site as part of our ongoing sustainability efforts.

    In 2023–2024, our site-wide recycling rate was 23.21%. In 2024–2025, this increased to 32.16%—a positive step toward our environmental goals.

    Food waste bins are now available in all staff areas and are used for on-site composting, alongside coffee grounds collected from the café.

    Over the coming months, we’ll be expanding recycling facilities in staff areas by adding more bins to help capture a wider range of recyclable materials. This forms part of our ongoing commitment to improving our recycling rates and overall sustainability.

    A big thank you to the Maintenance Team for supporting this initiative and constructing the new bins—your work is greatly appreciated.

    Thank you all for your continued support.

  • Windrush stories day – colleague survey

    Windrush stories day – colleague survey

    We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our Windrush Stories Day event on Saturday 21 June.
    We’re proud to share that we exceeded our visitor target of 1,350, welcoming over 1,600 attendees! Notably, 39% of our visitors were from African Caribbean and mixed heritage backgrounds—a significant increase from just 10% in 2024. This reflects the growing visibility of this event and the continued work we have done with communities.
    We’ve already received some wonderful feedback from visitors who joined us on the day, and we’d love to hear from you too. Please take a few minutes to complete our staff survey with your response to the programme.
    • 93% of visitors “enjoyed their visit”
    • 85% of visitors rated their overall experience of the programme as “good” or “excellent”
    • 72% of visitors “learnt that the museum represented their heritage”
    • 71% of visitors gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges that the Windrush Generation faced.
    • 76% of visitors rated the quality of the trail leaflet as “excellent” or “good”
    Responses
    • “It was very well organised, easy to get around. The actors were amazing and the choir in the church were out of this world.
    • “I attended the Windrush event which meant the black community in the Black Country was represented…the presence of our history within the museum filled the missing gap.”
    • “All things going on for Windrush day the food activities and the people made it special so much fun and learn so much”
    • “…more Caribbean music around the park to create a atmosphere”
    • “I feel there could have been more activities/sessions regarding the Windrush. More actors/actresses on the streets.”
    • “Additional food Caribbean food stalls to reduce queueing and wait times”
  • 1940s Weekend – programme overview

    1940s Weekend – programme overview

    Date and times:

    Daytime: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 10am – 5pm

    1940s Evening: 12 July 7pm – 10.30pm

    Programme Concept:

    A full weekend of 1940s themed entertainment, activities and history, centering on life in the Black Country during the 40s. We want to offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the decade.

    There will be an emphasis on WWII, but post-War will also feature including the impact of rebuilding Britain, Industry and Rationing. Finally, we will acknowledge the 80th anniversary of VE Day which would have been marked earlier on in May.

    Daytime: Emphasis on storytelling and activity to provide visitors with an insight into the 1940s and how people experienced the decade. Light entertainment.

    Evening: Emphasis on entertainment with live music, dance, food and fashion. Lighter storytelling.

    Please, see the map.

    Programme context sheet.

    Contact: [email protected] (Programme) [email protected] (Event)

  • 🎉 Perkbox Cashback Is Now Live! 🎉

    🎉 Perkbox Cashback Is Now Live! 🎉

    A new way to save on everyday spending – just by doing your usual shopping.

    How it works;

    1. Spot a cashback deal – Look for the yellow Cashback icon in Perks
    1.  Choose your perk – Read the instructions and click the link.
    1. Shop as normal – Then wait for your cashback to roll in.
    1. Spend your cashback – on Perkbox gift cards.

    It’s that simple – happy saving! 💸

    📌 Perkbox Cashback – Poster

  • Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace

    Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace

    We are committed to fostering an open and supportive environment for everyone experiencing menopause symptoms. Our updated Menopause Policy is designed to help make our Museum understanding and inclusive, ensuring that managers and colleagues feel comfortable having open conversations about menopause-related issues.

    The policy outlines what support is available and how to access it, making sure those affected by menopause know where to turn for help and guidance.

    This policy applies to all colleagues – including employees, casual workers, and volunteers.

    🧡 Menopause Champions are here to listen, support, and help signpost you to the right resources (attached)

    If you have any questions please email [email protected]

  • Makaton Workshop – Round 2!

    Makaton Workshop – Round 2!

    Due to the fantastic response to our recent Makaton session, we’re excited to announce another workshop with Deb!

    Makaton is a valuable tool for building confidence and raising awareness when communicating with D/deaf colleagues, visitors, and members of the community.

    📅 Date: Tuesday 22 July 2025
    🕠 Time: 5.30pm–6.30pm
    📍 Location: Classroom 1, Learning Centre
    💷 Cost: Free

    Whether you’re completely new to Makaton or looking to brush up on your skills, this friendly and practical session is a great way to develop your communication toolkit and champion inclusivity.

    To sign up, email: [email protected]

    Let’s keep working together to create a more accessible and supportive workplace for all.

  • Celebration Weekend – Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July

    Celebration Weekend – Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July

    Following our recent triumph at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, we’re hosting an exciting Celebration Weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July. This public event will be filled with summer fun, freebies, and a whole lot of bostin’ Black Country spirit for our visitors!

    Here’s what our visitors can look forward to this weekend:

    • Cool down with a free Marshfield’s Farm ice cream* topped with a BCLM wafer, in a range of delicious flavours
    • Take a spin on the vintage fairground, with one free ride per child**.
    • Join the lively Gamesmaster in Folkes Park for classic sports day fun—test your skills in the egg & spoon race, limbo your way to glory, or prove you can skip better than your dad!
    • Step into Audree’s School of Dance and have a go at some dances through the decades with the historical dance teacher
    • Meet costumed historic characters, enjoy live heritage demonstrations, and take part in hands-on activities across the Museum’s immersive open-air site.
    • Celebrate everything that’s bostin about the Black Country, from its industrial roots to its unmistakable wit and warmth.
    • Explore their newly expanded 1940s–60s town, where stories from living memory come to life in an unforgettable, interactive experience.

     

    Plus, in case you missed our last post, we’ll be celebrating with colleagues too with a dedicated staff celebration in the Autumn – more details on this to follow.