Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from County Councillors H Humphrey, J Ward and T Smith.

The Committee is invited to confirm as a correct record the notes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2019 were agreed as a correct record, subject to Margery Kemp be amended to read Kempe.

Councillor Kemp stated that at the previous meeting she had advised that the brick kiln had been demolished and the bricks would be incorporated into a structure.

To consider any matters arising.

Kick the Dust Project

Christine Marsden from NNS Kick the Dust project be invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee to provide an update.

Free Admission Cards for Care Leavers

The Chair confirmed that 100 cards had been issued.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the King’s Lynn Museum Report.

The Assistant Head of Museums and Curator, Lynn Museums and Curator, Lynn Museums presented the report which provided information on the King’s Lynn Museum activities for the period from June 2019 to August 2019.

The Operations Manager, NMS tabled the visitor numbers up to 31 August 2019 and it was highlighted that for Lynn Museum the figures reported were close to the previous year (2% deficit) but it was anticipated that the total visitor number for the end of the current financial year would be promising.  The Operations Manager reported that the retail income had increased by 12% and the admission income had increased by 15%.

The Assistant Head of Museums reported that for the year to date, Stories of Lynn (which included school visits), the visitor numbers had increased by 4,000 from 2018.

The Assistant Head of Museums and Curator responded to questions and comments relating to:

·        Current exhibition at Lynn Museum – Journeys, People, Place and Pilgrimage.

·        Baines Calendar 2020 – the Curator undertook to discuss the opportunity with the NMS Retail Manager.

·        The Museum shop.  Reference was made to replica Torc bangles previously being on sale and the question asked if it would be possible to source and sell the item in the future.  The Curator undertook to discuss the suggestion with the NMS Retail Manager.

·        Wednesday afternoon talks.  It was confirmed that the talks commenced at 2.15 pm for approximately 45 minutes.

·        Norfolk Day 27 July 209 – 107 people visited the museum.

·        Review/Inspection of Museums.  The Curator explained that the Museums Association had a regular monthly journal which provided an opportunity to invite a reviewer.  The Assistant Head of Museums provided an overview of awards which the NMS could be nominated for, together with independent reviews undertaken.  The Committee was also confirmed that a mystery shopper exercise was also undertaken at no cost.  Feedback was also received from visitors on their experience at the Museum.

·        Archaeology – The Committee was advised that archaeological events had been held as part of a roadshow to highlight the importance of archaeology.  Officers could examine the potential to hold a future archaeological event.  The Chair explained that Norfolk County Council had a strong relationship with metal detectorists.  Meetings had been held with metal detectorist clubs and recorded the finds.

·        Free admission for children in care/carers.  It was explained that the NMS worked with colleagues at NCC to build on existing contacts and link to appropriate projects and develop key priorities.

·        Stories of Lynn Learning and Engagement Officer.

·        Custom House.  The Chair referred to the last Full Council meeting where a response had been given to Councillors.

·        Pop-up venue for recitals during the King’s Lynn Festival in July each year.

·        Promotion of Lynn Museum Gift Shop.  The Curator undertook to see if the shop could be promoted by signs displayed on the Museum windows and on the A boards which were placed outside the Museum.

The Chair informed the Committee that she had attended the Green Pilgrimage Interreg project partner  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note the date of the next meeting is 9 December 2019, 2.15 pm, Council Chamber, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn.

Monday 9 December 2019, 2.15 pm, Council Chamber, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn.