Category: Information Sharing

  • 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. 

  • Finding up-to-date policies and forms on the Intranet

    Finding up-to-date policies and forms on the Intranet

    We’d like to remind colleagues how to access the most up-to-date policies and forms.

    • Go to Useful Documents in the main menu.

    • Select the area relevant to you (casual, hourly, salaried, volunteers, or management).

    • Within each area, you’ll find documents organised by category, all of these are kept up to date.

    In addition, under Useful Documents – Management (at the bottom of the page), you can also access:

    • Storytelling notes.

    • Brand guidelines.

    • Inclusive storytelling language guide.

    • Directory of Museum buildings.

    • Our Bostin’ Promise policy.

    Please note: we don’t recommend using the search bar in the top-right corner to look for policies, as this may bring up old intranet articles from previous years. The correct way to find current documents is through the Useful Documents section, as outlined above.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Be part of our first ever all-colleague pantomime! ✨

    Be part of our first ever all-colleague pantomime! ✨

    We’re putting on the Museum’s very first pantomime on 26 January 2026 – and we’d love you to get involved!

    After a few auditions last week, we’re now inviting everyone to come along for a relaxed group reading of the script. Whether you’ve already auditioned, thought about it, or just fancy giving it a go for the first time, this is your chance to join in.

    • Tuesday 26 August
    • 5.30pm
    • Classroom 2

    No pressure, no need to prepare – just a fun, friendly chance to read through the script together and see where you might like to take part. The script is attached so you can have a peek before we meet.

    If you’d like to come along, simply drop us an email at [email protected] to let us know.

    Come along, have a laugh, and help make this panto one to remember! 🎭