Dudley’s annual Holocaust Commemoration will take place online at noon on Friday 28th January with key-note speaker Janine Webber BEM.
As a young child, Janine Webber survived the Holocaust by moving between hiding places in occupied Poland, and witnessed the Nazis seizing and murdering other members of her family. She moved to the UK in 1956 where she met her husband. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2017 for services to Holocaust Education.
The annual event is organised by Dudley College’s Students Union, the Holocaust Educational Trust and a small group of volunteers.
The event will include a presentation from a local student who visited Auschwitz with the Holocaust Educational Trust and have contributions from local faith and civic leaders including the Bishop of Dudley, Rabbi Margaret Jacobi and the leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley.
It will be very easy for anyone with access to a smartphone, tablet or computer to join the event. If you would like to join, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/HolocaustMemorial22
As referenced on last month’s People News Paul Raybould has joined us as our Senior Motor Mechanic, Bonnie Wilkes as Enterprise Team Manager and Janine Downes as Head of Public Programmes.
Farewells
This month we are saying farewell to Liam Parkes. Liam left the Museum earlier this month after three years, as the Museum’s Engineering Manager. Liam’s role was initially part of our Collection Care and Management team and latterly part of the Maintenance team. Liam leaves to concentrate on his personal interests and opportunities.
Grant Bird, Head of Audiences & Communications will be leaving the Museum on 11 February 2022 after four years with us. Grant started with us as a volunteer in Collections and during his time here has worked not only as Head of Audiences & Communications but also as an Audience Analyst, Communications and Marketing Manager, Curator (Domestic & Cultural Life) and Acting Director of Visitor Engagement. Grant sadly leaves us to pursue free lance and consultancy work.
We have also said goodbye to Teresa Bullows, Sales & Ticketing Administrator, and Ben Owens, Painter and Decorator, as referenced in last month’s People News, Janet Andrews, Retail & Admissions Assistant.
Other News
Many of you will know Emily Smith as Casual colleague within the Museum’s Enterprise team and as one of our TikTok characters. Emily having now completed her University studies, is starting her professional career as a Coordinator within our Audience and Communications team. Emily is a another example of the careers that are possible for colleagues who initially join the Museum to offer Casual support.
As part of the recent recruitment we have also offered several historic characters from our casual pool permanent positions.
The AIM (Association of Independent Museums) annual Conference will be held at Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, on 16-17 June 2022.
This year’s conference theme of ‘Making it happen’ will see colleagues from across the UK explore the vision for independent Museums as we recover from the challenges of the pandemic.
Sessions will highlight how to implement the changes sector debates call for with practical and relevant examples from Museums of all shapes and sizes. As ever with AIM Conference, delegates can look forward to a schedule packed with inspirational and practical advice, debate and discussion.
As in previous years we are offering staff the opportunity to attend this year’s conference, with travel and accommodation provided. All you need to do is complete an application and provide us with some information as to how you think this will be of benefit to you in your role here at BCLM.
We sat down with Andrew last week, ahead of today’s reopening, who shared his reflections on the Museum’s successes in 2021 and hopes for the new year. You can watch the full interview below or click through to YouTube here.
Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Applications opened on 12 January for volunteers to join the cast of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Organisers are inviting Midlands-based people who are passionate about music, dance – and can move a beat, to apply to be part of something spectacular this summer. Athletes Hosts are also required to welcome the athletes taking part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This role should appeal to those who want to be part of the ceremony but don’t want to appear on stage.
Successful applicants will perform in front of a full capacity audience in Birmingham’s newly developed Alexandra Stadium, as well as a worldwide broadcast audience of up to one billion people.
The Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies Team is made up of some of the finest West Midlands creative talent, including, theatre director Iqbal Khan, award-winning writer Maeve Clarke, rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight. This team is calling for the most ambitious, outgoing, and dedicated local people to apply to be part of the performance that opens and closes the biggest sporting celebration since the London 2012 Olympic Games.
There are 2000 volunteer roles available and anyone over the age of 18 can apply. Applications close Monday 7 February
Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Applicants can find more information and register their interest for this great opportunity by completing the online applications form at birmingham2022.com/ceremonies
Maureen Farley-Remington ( Sales and Ticketing ) After 14 years in the Sales & Ticketing Team, Maureen has sadly decided to retire and will be leaving the Museum at the end of December. Maureen is moving out of the region to London to be closer to her daughter and spend some well-deserved time with her.
Janet Andrews ( Admissions) Janet has been a familiar face for both staff and visitors in her role on the Admissions desk having been with the Museum for over 4 years. Janet has sadly also confirmed her intention to retire at the beginning of January.
Other leavers include Ruth Harvey (Development Team) and Elli Fereday (Receptionist), both had been appointed in a temporary capacity.
Our sincere thanks and best wish to all of the above.
Welcomes
Next week Bonnie Wilkes is joining our Enterprise team as Enterprise Team Manager. Bonnie comes from a hospitality background and brings with her over 25 years of experience in the industry.
Ben Owen joins us in early January 2022 as our in-house Painter/Decorator. Ben brings a wealth of multi-skilled trade knowledge after working as a sub contractor for many years.
Also joining in early January is Janine Downes, our new Head of Public Programmes. Janine brings a wealth of experience from earlier careers, and latterly she has led the development of library services across Worcestershire and the event Programme at The Hive. Many of you may have already seen and met Janine on site, as she has been popping in to the Museum over the last few weeks.
Finally, Paul Raybould joins in January as our Senior Motor Mechanic. Paul has over 40 years in the automotive industry and has a keen interest in classic cars and vintage vehicles. Paul even worked in the original Bradburn & Wedge when it was running in the 1970s!
John Hughes Project Lead ( Historic Development ) will be leaving the Museum at the end of this month. This is following a review of the Forging Ahead team, resulting in a decision to decentralise the Historic element of the project to sit within both Collections and Interpretation teams. John will be missed by his colleagues and we wish him the very best for the future.
Louise Berrow Sales & Ticketing Administrator left earlier this month having secured a new role as an Administration Assistant with the NHS. Louise leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes.
Roger Colbourne from the Maintenance team has decided to retire after almost 32 years of service and will be leaving at the end of this month. Roger will be greatly missed and we wish him a long and healthy retirement.
Welcomes
Beki Challoner joined us last week as Visitor Welcome Manager, having previously worked for The Birmingham Hippodrome.
Hannah Jameson, who previously worked for National Lottery Heritage Fund, joined us earlier this month as Development (Fundraising) Coordinator.
Amanda Eeles and Teresa Bullows join us in Sales & Ticketing. Amanda has recently returned to the area to live closer to family while Teresa joins us from The Wolverhampton Grand.
Olly Hipkiss who joined us a Trainee Gardener under the Kickstart team has joined the Cleaning & Porterage Team this week as Site Cleaner.
We also welcome back Geoff Payne as a casual within the Historic Character team.
The following new casuals will join our Enterprise team this month; Joanne Arnold, Sarah Gordon and Sharna Emery.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new colleagues.
Other news
Hannah Brown has been promoted to Audiences & Communications Manager. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hannah and wish her every success in her exciting new role.
Joe Davies who joined us a Trainee Gardener under the Kickstart team will be continuing his employment with us as an Apprentice Gardener. We look forward to continuing to work with Joe and support him in completing his apprenticeship.
We have also welcomed a number of Collections Care volunteers, please say hello if you see them walking around site and in staff areas leading up to Christmas and in the new year.
From left to right: Carrie, Beth, James, Lauren, William, Bethany, Lauren, Chloe, Rachel, Rebecca, Kelly & Marika.
The John Hughes Staff Award is available to support the professional and personal development of individuals through funding for qualifications, conferences, workshops, short courses and research trips.
This year the award is available to both permanent and casual colleagues who have worked at BCLM for a minimum of 6 months and are able to demonstrate how the award will support their professional and/or personal development whilst also benefitting the Museum.
The award will be offered to one or multiple staff members following submission of an application form. Any supporting or additional information about the development opportunity should be attached to your application. The cost of the development opportunity should be no less than £200.
Colleagues are required to discuss their interest with their Line Manager prior to completing the attached application. This is to ensure the application is suitable to be funded in this way and is not a requirement which may be able to be met by the Museum in other ways. Your application should be authorised by your Line Manager and submitted by you to [email protected] no later than Monday 16th August 2021.
All applications will be subject to a ‘panel’ review which will be held shortly after the closing date. Successful applicants will be notified by end of August 2021.
We are looking for new transport employees to train to drive, conduct and act as a banksman as appropriate for the fleet of passenger carrying vehicles, which includes Motorbuses, Trolleybuses and Trams. At times, you will be required to drive non-passenger carrying vehicles such as cars to enhance the visitor offer or for special events.
You will be involved in driving the passenger carrying vehicles in the fleet and engaging with the public with vehicle specific details and also the stories linked to such vehicles in the Black Country.
We’re looking for someone with: • Confident and engaging delivery • The ability to adapt their delivery to the audience • Excellent knowledge of the fleet, following training • A willingness to deliver a range of daily tasks to create an immersive experience for visitors. • The ability to adapt to the requirements and foci of programmed events/core offer. • A willingness to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals. • The ability to adhere to safety management systems and training and/or assessment protocols, including any specific restraints or requirements concerning individual vehicles.
Applicants will be subject to a Transport Driver initial driving assessment and only those that pass this will be considered for the formal skills training.
Successful candidates will then receive: • A training programme encompassing driver, conductor and banksman responsibilities starting with Motorbuses. • Continued support from experienced trainers. • A training pack including checklists, notes and supporting images of the fleet.
You will need to hold a full, current clean UK driving license. A driver medical will also be required. Our insurance only covers drivers between the ages of 25- 75.
Please email your interest to [email protected] by Monday 9 August 2021.
Co-Op Central England are launching an in-store fundraising campaign to support BCLM: Forging Ahead across its network of 36 stores.
The campaign will fund an Early Years learning space that will be constructed at the rear of the recreated Halesowen & Hasbury Cooperative Store, which is being built as part of our new 1940s-60s historic town. The fundraising target is £15,000 and will equip an exciting learning space for 3-5 year olds within the recreated store at the Museum. Replica food items, miniature trolleys, costume, display units and a counter with scales and a working till will allow children to explore and learn through play.
Fundraising activity will take place in Co-Op Central England stores across the weekend of Sat 21 – Sun 22 Aug. For six of the larger stores in the network, the Co-op have asked if BCLM staff and volunteers dressed in 1940s costume would be willing to visit these stories over the weekend and support the fundraising efforts. Ideally, we’re looking for two people per store who would be able to spend c.3 hours on Saturday or Sunday of that weekend and who could talk to shoppers about Forging Ahead and the Early Years fundraising. A full briefing would be given.
At this stage, we’re looking for an expression of interest from people who are available on these days and who would be willing to get involved with this project. If you’d be interested in finding out more, please complete the expression of interest form below by Sun 8 Aug:
