Author: IT Team

  • May Half Term Programme Information

    May Half Term Programme Information

    Our May Half Term programme is “Made in the Black Country”, celebrating the most bostin’ things to come out of the region. This will include the development of internationally significant industries (of course!), but also other heroes that came from the Black Country – such as LGBTQ+ filmmaker, James Whale; female Tennis star, Dorothy Round; and the women chain makers who struck for minimum wage. Visitors will be able to learn how the Newcomen engine worked, have a go at throwing bricks, join in with a chain strike protest, and how to speak in the beloved Black Country dialect! The Anchor Forge will also be operational for both weekends.

    We are also thrilled to be introducing our first Deaf character and his companion, who will be roaming and interacting with the shops in the Town as well as the Cast Iron House 1968 and the Elephant and Castle Pub (playing darts and dominoes). These characters will be played by external Deaf actors and BSL interpreters so please make them feel welcome if you see them about.

    For more information about the activity taking place, please check out the attached context sheet and trail.

  • AIM – Further Information

    AIM – Further Information

    Further to the previous article, the AIM (Association of Independent Museums) annual Conference will be held at Black Country Living Museum on 13 & 14 June 2024.

    Applications to attend the whole conference are now closed but if there are certain sessions you would be interested in attending, please email [email protected] by 31 May 2024.

    More information is available on the AIM website; https://aim-museums.co.uk/aim-conference-2024/

  • New branding guidelines

    New branding guidelines

    We’re currently in the process of rolling out new brand guidelines. All managers were invited to attend mandatory training during W/C 6 May, so these brand guidelines (stage 1, our ‘brand basics’) are now ready to be implemented Museum-wide.

    Our brand basics are:

    • The colours and fonts we use
    • Our photography style
    • How to use our logo
    • Templates for email signatures and out-of-office notices

    By sticking to these guidelines, and checking with Audiences & Communications as you go, you will create an immersive, exciting experience for everyone interacting with our brand.

    Head to ‘Useful documents’ to view the brand guidelines.

    If you have any questions or comments, please email Claire Packer, Head of Audiences & Communications.

  • Bingo!

    Bingo!

    Join us for our latest Health and Wellbeing event: Bingo!

    Join us on Thursday 6 of June for a bostin’ evening filled with laughter and joy as we play bingo. Bring along your squad and your kin – the more, the merrier!

    Prepare for 4 thrilling rounds of bingo, with prizes awaiting those who shout ‘Bingo’ for 1x line or 1x full house in each game.

    Drinks will be available from the Enterprise Bottle Bar (Card payments only).  

    Admission: £2 per Bingo ticket or 3 tickets for £5 – every contribution directly supports the cash prize! (Cash payments only).

    Date(s): Thursday 6 June

    Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm

    Location: Hall 2

    To sign up, please email [email protected] and get ready to shout “Bingo!”.

     

     

     

  • Filming on site – Monday 13-Thursday 16 May

    Filming on site – Monday 13-Thursday 16 May

    Please note that there is a large-scale production (about Mahatma Gandhi) being filmed at the Museum next week. This will predominately be in the Workers’ Institute, Bottle & Glass Inn, Albion Depot, Pawnbroker’s Shop, Adey’s Greengrocers, and H. Morrall’s Gentlemen’s Outfitters.

    The Museum will be closed to visitors on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May. We’ll be back open Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, but closing one hour earlier at 4pm. Normal opening hours will resume from Friday 17 May.

    Car park

    The production’s unit base will be at the end of Car Park 2, however you should still be able to park as normal at the top of the car park.

    Access to the Museum

    Please enter the Museum in the morning via your usual route.

    Halls 1 and 2 will be used for costume and wardrobe between Monday 12-Friday 17 May so should not be used by colleagues, including the toilets next to Hall 2.

    Cricket Field Brickworks is being used as catering while they are on-site so should not be used by colleagues.

    Moving around the Museum

    Should you encounter the filming during the day, please act with discretion and do not take any photographs of the activity or any production personnel.

    BCLM staff will be accompanying the production at all times.

    Many thanks for your co-operation.

  • Access Your P60 for 2023/24

    Access Your P60 for 2023/24

    We’re pleased to inform you that your P60 for the tax year 2023/24 is now accessible for viewing and downloading on myePayWindow.

  • Remembering Daniel Robinson – A Tribute to a Museum Colleague

    Remembering Daniel Robinson – A Tribute to a Museum Colleague

    Daniel Robinson, a long-time casual worker at the Museum, has passed away.

    Joining in May 2009, he contributed significantly to various roles, notably in transport and at Hartill’s, Nash’s, and Doo’s Chemist. His profound knowledge and support were evident, particularly in documenting the Black Country music scene of the 1950s-1960s. He generously shared memories, photos, and insights, enriching the museum’s resources and commemorating his band, Danny Cannon and the Ramrods.

    Inspired by Buddy Holly’s legacy, Daniel and his friends formed Danny Cannon and the Ramrods on February 3, 1959. They frequented Bilston, performing regularly and exploring Stanton’s Music Shop for musical inspiration. Interactions with local bands like The N’Betweens and Sight and Sound, and performances on the Regan Circuit alongside renowned acts such as The Beatles, shaped their journey. Their achievements included performances at the Royal Albert Hall and touring in Dusseldorf.

    The Museum extends condolences to Daniel’s loved ones. Colleagues seeking funeral details can inquire via email at [email protected].

  • 1950s Weekend – All you need to know!

    1950s Weekend – All you need to know!

    Learn about the revolutionary 1950s at BCLM and see how people lived in the Black Country.

    Day Time:

    There will be even more characters to meet, Jive workshops in Folkes Park, Vintage Vehicles, Windrush characters, roaming musicians and hairstyling! Got a sweet tooth? Then grab yourself a Coca-cola float from outside the Workers Institute or some kola cubes from Burgin’s Newsagents.

    Evening:

    Experience a taste of the social and cultural revolution of the 1950s: try the new cultural cuisine that’s sweeping the nation – American burgers or Chinese food.

    Focus on music, dance and fashion of the period including the influence of America. Experience live music covering Rock & Roll, Skiffle, and Rhythm & Blues from a range of artists. Join in with live dancing – whether you prefer the old-fashioned Swing, or the latest craze – Jive!

     For the full lineup – please see the attached poster.

     As always, if you’re in the HC team – please do read your notes and props will be provided.

     For any questions – please contact Izzy Taylor by visiting her in Canalside or via email – [email protected]

  • Safe together at BCLM: Safe Handling of Chemicals

    Safe together at BCLM: Safe Handling of Chemicals

    Health and safety – Safe Handling of Chemicals

    Chemicals can cause you and others harm, cause skin allergies and asthma, and cause skin burns and eye damage.

    • Do: keep clean, cool, dry. Keep chemicals in their original containers, and secure storage to prevent access by vulnerable people.
    • Don’t: Mix chemical products, use chemicals if you are not trained to use them safely, and leave chemical products unattached.
    Colleagues will be able to find this poster on the notice board of their resting areas.
    Any questions please ask.
  • Media Training Session – DATE CHANGE

    Media Training Session – DATE CHANGE

    The Audience & Communication Team would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming Media Training sessions, designed to equip you with essential skills for interacting with the media effectively.

    Dates & Times

    • Tuesday 21 May: 3-4pm
    • Thursday 23 May – 10-11am

    Over the last few years, more and more of our colleagues have been asked to speak to journalists on our behalf. This has included pre-recorded interviews for TV, as well as live interviews for radio.

    This training session breaks down what we mean by “the media”, what the different types of media are, and why the Museum works with the media. Hints and tips on what makes a good interview will also be run through.

    To secure your spot in these informative sessions, email [email protected] with your preferred date of attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!