The Blake Museum and its collections were transferred to the ownership of the Bridgwater Town Council (BTC)with effect from 1 April 2009. For the four years from that date to 31 March 2013 the ownership is subject to the terms of an agreement between the former owners and BTC. That agreement assures a funding stream for the four-year period, but places certain legal restrictions upon the working of the Museum. The restrictions have been taken into account during the preparation of this Forward Plan.
Scope
This plan is made to guide the activities of the Blake Museum Bridgwater during the three-year period 1 Aoril 2009 to 31 March 2012.
Philosophy
Since 2006, the Museum has suffered a period of considerable uncertainty. In December 2007, the former owners announced their intention to close the Museum on or before 31 March 2008 and to dispose of the collections. Through the persistent efforts of the public, particularly the volunteers of the Friends of Blake Museum, the Museum has been retained in the public sector and re-opened after a period of temporary closure January - May 2009.
This Forward Plan seeks to correct the adverse effects upon the Museum and of its collections resulting from previous uncertainties and to provide solid foundations upon which to rebuild a fine Museum serving its stated purpose.
Framework
Period 1: 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 Stabilisation
Period 2: 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 Consolidation
Period 3: 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013 Foundation
Note: The dates are approximate and may change according to the progress of the plan.
The overall intention is that the completion of the Foundation Period will secure a firm base upon which the Blake Museum may develop. Statement of purpose
The Blake Museum Bridgwater is established for the public benefit:
Key Aims
These aims represent threads that guide and bind the work of volunteers and the Governing Body over the three year period covered by this Forward Plan.
| A1 | to improve the accessibility of the collections to visitors and a worldwide audience |
| A2 | to develop new interpretations, displays and learning experiences |
| A3 | to improve the care of collections through better storage and environmental control |
| A4 | to refocus the content of the collections to reflect more accurately the purpose of the Museum |
| A5 | to become the centre of excellence for the study of the local history of Bridgwater and its people |
| A6 | to improve the street signposting to the Museum |
| A7 | to encourage volunteers to develop skills of benefit to the Museum and thereby to enhance their enjoyment of their voluntary efforts; to work with others to increase the volunteer base |
It is the nature of voluntary work that realisation of aims depends upon the availabilty and skills of volunteers over time. This plan therefore does not prescribe timescales for achievement of key aims. It is expected that measureable progress will be achieved for all Key Aims over the three period. Achievements will be reviewed jointly by the volunteer group and the Governing Body at least annually.
Guiding Practical Objectives
| Objective | Links to P and A | |
| O1 | Develop website for display of downloadable digital images | P1 A1 A2 |
| O2 | Create Virtual Museum | P1/2 A1 A2 |
| O3 | Install PZT cameras to upper galleries with joystick or computer control from ground floor | P1/2 A1 |
| O4 | Refurbish upper galleries including exhibition of new/stored material; provide new services thereto; bring into use part of Room 4 for display of heavy/large objects | P1/2 A2 |
| O5 | Install networked monitoring of RH/ temperature and improve environmental control | P1 A3 |
| O6 | Install HWR system from electric boiler with fully zoned thermostat control | P1/2 A3 |
| O7 | Install roof insulation | P1 A3 |
| O8 | Bring back into use Old Mill store for Archaeological and other reserve collections ex Colley Lane | P1/2 A3 |
| O9 | Complete new catalogue, compile location index, review content, rationalise/dispose of duplicate and inappropriate items; identify and action urgent conservation work | P1/2/3 A3 A4 |
| O10 | Compile definitive web-based and other biographical resources on great men and women of Bridgwater; improve Museum Library facilities | P1/2/3 A5 |
| O11 | With agreement of Local Authorities, erect Museum sign on north wall of Old Mill and improve direction signs on streets | P1 A6 |
| O12 | Strengthen the volunteer base through well-structured inclusive initiatives to attract and retain volunteers; provide sensitive appropriate high-quality training; widen the network of contacts that encourage volunteers; enhance the friendly and welcoming atmosphere; provide better facilities for volunteers in Room 4 and elsewhere | P1/2/3 A7 |
Budget
By the Legal Agreement between BTC and SDC, a minimum equity funding package is assured (subject to the terms of the Agreement) for the four years 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2013.
| 2009/10 | £80,000 |
| 2010/11 | £50,000 |
| 2011/12 | £50,000 |
| 2012/13 | £50,000 |
An additional sum of circa £1,700 is retained in a separate Exhibit Fund, the principal and interest to be applied solely for museum acquisitions.
The approved budget for 2009/10 is appended.[not in web version]
Budgets for succeeding years will only be drawn up in the light of the ten-month outcome of the 2009/10 budget.
The Governing Body consider that the assured level of funding is adequate to maintain the Museum as a going concern and to meet the requirements of the Legal Agreement. over the period covered by this Forward Plan.
The Friends of Blake Museum (Registered Charity No. 1099815] are able to provide limited additional funding of the Blake Museum subject to the restrictions of the Legal Agreement between BTC and SDC.