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V25-1064 : MUSEUM REPORT

It was reported that the season had been a success with 22,700 visitors to date, an increase of over 1000 on 1996. The average visitor count per week was expected to be 735 compared to 720 last year.

The display "Lowestoft Museum, the First 25 Years" provoked a lot of interest and comment. The barrier in the Hollingsworth Room of Domestic History has been completed, and a set of boards on top gave background information on the exhibits and also made it more difficult to climb over.

Accessions included two millwheels from the old windmill on Bridge Road and other items that filled gaps in the collection. The most notable gift was the complete surgery and dispensary of Dr. Eastwood from his house in Victoria Road. Paper items were still offered to the Record Office, who had better storage conditions. Conservation was continuing, the main work being on metal items, such as medieval nails and house furniture from the finds of the Society team.

Plans for 1998 included a complete revision of the Taylor Case to set up Dr. Eastwood's surgery and dispensary. This would take up half the case, the remainder being devoted to Victorian costume and life. The Pakefield Fieldwalking case would also be revised into two cases. The Fieldwalking finds would be set up in a case of their own, which reflected the excellent work of the Society's team. The special exhibition would be "The History of The Fish Finger" with help from Birdseye PLC.

Mr. Reed spoke of a minor security problem with the key arrangements as Mrs Carpenter, who resided in the flat above the Museum and held a key, was now going out far more. Several solutions were still being examined and the Principal Arts and Heritage Officer would liaise with Mr. Reed to resolve the problem.

Mrs. Carpenter had indicated that she would eventually be moving to sheltered accommodation. Mr. Reed reported that the trustees and management had approved a plan in preparation of this impending move. The Principal Arts and Heritage Officer advised that the cost of developing the flat for Museum use would be £17,500. However, she reminded the Committee that any future redevelopment was dependant upon the Coastal Leisure Development Plan and any policy adopted relating to this.

Mr. Reed also asked if the forum for local museums could be revived, particular with the millennium approaching and the opportunities it presented for joint action. The Principal Arts and Heritage Officer would take this on board for when the new Arts and Heritage Development Officer was appointed.

RESOLVED

That everyone concerned with the running of Lowestoft Museum be congratulated on their continued commitment to developing the exhibits within the museum and the increase in visitor numbers during the season.

Volume 25 Minute 1064

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