Category: Events

Last week, the Museum hosted the annual conference of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM). Many of you will know that I Chair AIM, and so I was especially proud to be the host this year for 250 delegates, funders, policy-makers, Government officials, speakers, and exhibitors from all parts of the United Kingdom, at this important and always highly valued time together.

Here are just a few of the lovely comments about you and the Museum. Read more on X and other social media channels, including @Aimuseums, and @bclmdirector.

“How can you follow BCLM… can’t wait to welcome you to Mary Rose. This is seriously overdelivering! What a conference social.”

Dominic Jones, Chief Executive, Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth

“Another triumph for your team who performed uniformly and magnificently this week. Another great AIM conference, reminding us why we love to join in and support AIM.”

Dr Matthew Tanner MBE, Former AIM Chair

“….massive thanks to every single person at BCLM for making it happen so smoothly. Lovely venue, great staff, bostin’ food and beer.”

Sarah Clarke, Project Director, Newark Castle

“On behalf of all the AIM team, thank you so so much to all the people at BCLM who worked on our conference – from the organisers and general problem-solvers/magicians, to those responsible for making and serving the delicious lunches, snacks, and dinners, to speakers, to the AV team and staff in the room on the day (especially for all the extra chairs!), to the historic characters who spent time with our members (with an extra big thank you to those who were outside on what turned out to be a windy and drizzly evening!), and really everyone who contributed to making the event a big success.

“AIM Conference is very important to the team and the organisation and always a source of some anxiety, and I can’t describe how much of a comfort it was to have a venue that did everything to such a high standard. I know the swan-like professionalism visible to us will have come from much ‘below the water’ busyness and really appreciate the friendliness and good nature to shown throughout to all of us, and our delegates! I was surprised by how many said they hadn’t been to BCLM before and trust having seen how amazing the museum is they will come back as you really did show off what a great operation you’ve got. Thank you again!”

Lisa Ollerhead, Director, AIM

So, a really big thank you to you all for making the conference such a great success and valued by everyone who attended. A special mention to members of the Museum Team who liaised with the AIM Team in the run-up to the conference, who were part of the conference programme, and who delivered so wonderfully well over the two days. You all set the bar very high for next year’s host, Mary Rose Trust.

Andrew Lovett
Chief Executive

Festival of Vehicles weekend is a daytime programme happening on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, showcasing Black Country vehicles from our collection and external connections. The weekend will include displays of vehicles around the site and then a cavalcade (at 1:30pm both days) showcasing iconic vehicles from Black Country history. 

Even our horses will get the chance to shine – pulling their cart, before we showcase bikes, cars, and finally our ‘specials’ – unique vehicles from our collection that only come out on special occasions.

For more information about the activity taking place, please check out the attached programme info sheet. 

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.

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]

As the excitement for Red By Night builds up, we want to remind you that staff tickets are still up for grabs!

Details:

• Location: Sales and Ticketing Office in Canalside
• Discount: Enjoy a fantastic 50% off on your tickets!

If you are interested, just pop in and say hello to purchase your tickets.