Category: General News

  • 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

  • Sunday 7 September, 3pm – Emergency Alert Test

    Sunday 7 September, 3pm – Emergency Alert Test

    The Government will be testing the Emergency Alerts system this Sunday, and your phone is likely to make a loud noise even if it’s on silent. If you are working in a visitor facing role on Sunday, please be mindful of this if you need to have your phone with you in your station.

    What is the Emergency Alerts test?

    On Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm, the government will carry out a national test of the Emergency Alerts system. This means most mobile phones and tablets across the UK will receive a test message, accompanied by a loud siren-like sound and vibration that will last for about 10 seconds.

    The message you receive will clearly state that this is a test and that no action is required on your part. The alert will come through even if your device is set to silent mode, which is an important feature of the system designed to ensure people receive warnings in genuine emergencies.

    To find out more about the test, please visit the Government website.

  • 🎉 BCLM Big Bostin’ Thank you! – save the date!

    🎉 BCLM Big Bostin’ Thank you! – save the date!

    We’re excited to invite you to the BCLM Big Bostin’ Thank You on Tuesday 14 October 2025. It promises to be a brilliant evening of fun, food, and friendly competition!

    📅 Date & Time: Tuesday 14 October 2025, 6.30–9.30pm
    📍 Location: Across the Museum site
    ✅ RSVP by: Monday 6 October 2025 via: Big Bostin Thank You – RSVP
    ✉️ More info: Contact [email protected]

    What’s Happening?

    🍹 Welcome drinks with leadership.

    Join us at 6.30pm for a free welcome drink and a short thank you from our leadership team. You’ll also sign in and receive your food and raffle vouchers.

    🌭 Food at Hobbs’ Courtyard Huts.
    When you RSVP, you’ll be able to select your preferred food option and let us know about any dietary requirements, choose between:

    • Hot dog & chips (vegan & GF option available)

    🍺 Drinks at Hobbs’ Courtyard Huts.
    Additional drinks will be available to purchase (card payments only).

    🎡 Unlimited fun fair rides.
    Enjoy free and unlimited access to the fun fair rides and stalls all evening!

    🎤 Open mic at the Halesowen and Hasbury Co-Op. 
    Calling all performers! We’re hosting an open mic night and would love to see your talents – whether it’s singing, spoken word, or something else. Sign up with [email protected] to take part.

    🎟 Raffle
    Every colleague attending will receive a raffle ticket along with their food voucher at sign-in, giving you the chance to win a fantastic hamper!

    📸 Photo Booth in Hut 14
    Grab your colleagues and make some memories!

    🎲 Tabletop games in the Elephant & Castle Pub 
    Relax and play with a variety of classic games, including Uno, cards, Buckaroo, Kerplunk, Twister, Snakes & Ladders and many more.

  • All Colleague Briefings – Q&A and September sessions

    All Colleague Briefings – Q&A and September sessions

    Thank you to everyone who joined our May ‘All Colleague Briefings’. You can now read through the Q&A from those sessions here: Colleague Briefings Q&A May 2025

    Upcoming September briefings:
    • Tuesday 9 September (in Hall 2).
    • Friday 12 September (in The Workers’ Institute).  
    • Saturday 13 September (in The Workers’ Institute).

    All the briefings will commence at 9am, finishing at 9.30am.

    • Many of you will already be scheduled by your line managers to attend one of these sessions. If you have not yet been scheduled, please contact your line manager.
    • All contracted colleagues are mandated to attend these sessions. We would also strongly urge colleagues from both our volunteer and casual community to all attend.
    • You only need to attend one of the briefing sessions.

    Can you please sign up using the following link: All Colleague Briefings September 2025

    Submitting questions in advance.
    Slips will be available for colleagues to submit questions or comments in advance.  These can be submitted anonymously, which is especially helpful for anyone unable to attend or who prefer not to speak up on the day. We will place some in break areas, but they will be available from line managers at morning briefings.
    Having Trouble Signing Up?

    If you don’t have a BCLM email address and are unable to register using the link, please let your line manager know and they will add your name for you.

  • Car park safety reminder

    Car park safety reminder

    We’ve had a few recent incidents in the car park, so please take extra care when arriving and leaving.

    • Keep your speed below 10 mph at all times.

    • Be especially mindful if your shift begins after the Museum has opened to the public, as there may be children and families moving between vehicles.

    • Remember that gravel and loose tarmac can make it easier to skid.

    Thank you for helping the car park team keep both staff and visitors safe.