Agenda item

To receive an update from Robin Hanley on Norfolk Museums Service.

The Panel received an update on the work of Norfolk Museums Service from Steven Millar and Robin Hanley.

A copy of the presentation is attached.

The Panel received information on the work of the Norfolk Museums Service over the previous year and how they worked with other partner organisations and Local Authorities.  The Service also had schools and early years programme.

The Panel received an update on Lynn Museum.  Robin Hanley explained that he provided regular updates on the Museum at King’s Lynn Area Museums Committee meetings.  He explained that visits to the museum were increasing year on year and was supported by volunteers and friends of the museum.  The Museum operated under a Service Level Agreement with the Borough Council and the Museums Service was also supporting the Borough Council with the Stories of Lynn Project at the Town Hall.

The Panel were provided with an overview of key activities carried out in King’s Lynn and how the Museum worked with schools and linked into the History National Curriculum. 

The Chairman thanked the representatives from Norfolk Museums Service for their update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

The Vice Chairman explained that she was a Governor at Greyfriars School who were involved in the Arts Award and asked how many other schools were involved in the Award.  Robin Hanley agreed to send through details of the schools which had taken part.

The Chairman asked if many schools outside of King’s Lynn visited the Lynn Museum.  Robin Hanley explained that the majority of schools were within walking distance and a small amount of schools visited from further afield.  Robin Hanley agreed to circulate details of the schools which had visited Lynn Museum.  Robin Hanley explained that Key Stage 2 primary sessions linked to Seahenge and a lot of schools visited the Museum for this exhibition.  Schools also visited the Museum when looking at local themes and community relevance.

Robin Hanley informed those present that information had been presented to the previous meeting of the King’s Lynn Area Museums Committee on understanding the importance of changes to the national curriculum.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health, Councillor Mrs Nockolds explained that the Museums service was very important with Schools as well as tourism and marketing.  She reminded those present that admission was free from October to March to encourage visitors and local people to attend.  She referred to the Youth Project Team and how the project run through the Museums Service had assisted the young people and given them something to add to their CV.

The Executive Director informed those present that Lynn Museum would be open on Sundays from March to October to fit in with the launch of the Stories of Lynn Project.  A joint ticket could be purchased to visit both sites.  The Sunday opening would be trialled for one year and its success would be monitored.

The Vice Chairman congratulated all those involved in bringing the Olive Edis exhibition into Norfolk.  Steve Millar felt that this was an amazing asset for Norfolk as she was an outstanding photographer, but little known.  The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health informed those present that there had already been two lectures held in King’s Lynn on Olive Edis.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health encouraged Members to read the King’s Lynn Area Museums Committee Minutes which provided a lot of information and would keep Members updated on the Museums Service.

RESOLVED: (i) The update was noted.

(ii) The Panel be kept updated on Norfolk Museums Service.