Friends of The Museum of Somerset

FOLLOWING an efficient and brief AGM, The Friends of The Museum of Somerset were fascinated by hearing Susie Simmons, visitor services manager at the Museum, talk about the First Five Years at The Museum of Somerset.

Looking at pictures mainly taken by Susie herself, it was amazing to see the roles that museum staff undertake as part of the day to day running of such an establishment. Buckets and leaking rainwater featured in early photos, but Susie was pleased to report that the use of these had reduced considerably! Amazingly, most of the visitors knew nothing of such problems.

Susie detailed the worry that goes with having nationally important artefacts on loan to the museum. Shortly before the Alfred Jewel arrived, the museum suffered some broken windows due to vandalism and she explained how the staff had to rally round to maintain the security of the site and to get the damage repaired.

Since the museum has acquired Castle House, Susie has had to add holiday let management to her CV and has been surprised at the demands made by some visitors to this exclusive accommodation!

For your chance to win a weekend stay in the seven bed Castle House, please purchase some raffle tickets from the museum between April and August.

The next meeting of the Friends of the Museum of Somerset will be at the museum on Tuesday, March 21 at 7.30pm, when Shaun McCormack will be talking about The Queens Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard. Guests are welcome to attend.

Please see the Friends’ website at www.friendsofthemuseumofsomerset.com for details of further events.