Chairman's Report from the Cowper and Newton Museum AGM held on 21st July 2005 individuals and groups in the community who have supported the work of the Museum. General greatly appreciate all the work she has done, particularly in fundraising, which has significantly improved the buildings and amenities. In 2004/5, the Trustees successfully obtained grants which enabled rther improvements to be made to the building and facilities. Colin Kempson resigned from his role as an uno icial Adviser to the Trustees: we thank him for the valuable manage My thanks go to all my fellow-Trustees and O cers, who have each taken on responsibility r running The agreed focus for mapping out ture strategy r the Museum is a determination to increase the Museum's relevance to the local community, in partnership with Olney Town Council, Milton Keynes Council, and the appropriate regional and national agencies. one or more aspects of Improvements to the buildings and cilities The Trustees see an expanded and lively programme of exhibitions and events as an essential element in the strategy of making the Museum a more integral part of the life of Olney and the surrounding villages. In support of this aim, a grant from Milton Keynes Community Foundation funded the purchase of display screens, spotlights, a digital camera and the installation of a glazed notice board in front of the Museum. Our thanks to Joan McKillop and Karen Parr for maintaining the Museum's high standards of collection care and to Sharon Farr for keeping it all neat and tidy. For a second year running, they have had to put up with huge disruption from the winter building works, but the good news is that next winter, for the rst time in three years, they will be ee of such distractions. limitations to what we can achieve as a small, volunteer-run museum, but on the other hand we ment and financial advice he has given us over a number of years and especially for coordinating and producing two successive versions of the Museum's Forward Plan. what has become an increasingly complex and time-consuming operation. I think we are all conscious o and frustrated by, the treasure our independence and ha" .. proved over the years our mgenu1ty( achieving a great deal with slen resources. Tony Seward Chairman ofthe Trustees Shanks First, through EB Bedfordshire, nded the final phase of re rbishment to the buildings and courtyard. These internal works undertaken during the winter closure period included: It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Trustees, to express our appreciation to the Friends, led by Margaret Nicholas, for the wonder l support they continue to give, both by tireless fundraising, including a Ceilidh, a Burns Night Supper a Quiz Night and an Antiques Valuation Day. These were much enjoyed by all, and have made a significant contribution to Museum funds. The Grand Christmas Draw, sponsored by Marcus Jordon, topped £1000 for the first time. The Cowper and Ne on Museum Orchard Side, Market Place, Olney 01234 711516 e-mail cnm@mkheritage.co.uk replacement of the decayed plaster on walls of the staircase and landings in Orchard Side, and repainting in authentic 1 8 th century colours, both Heritage standards; replacement of some beams and treatment of other sections r wood worm; repair and redecoration of windows and other paintwork to the rear exterior; clearing old flowerbeds and completion of the relaying of the courtyard with period paviours; and repointing the brickwork over the lean-to kitchen. The grant also covered the installation of spotlights in the main exhibition areas, greatly improving the visibility of key exhibits. to English Please contact the Curator on 0 1 236 711516 or visit the website on w. cowperandnewtonmuseum.org. uk the The Cowper and Newton Museum is pleased to welcome group visits at anytime. The Trustees are extremely grate l to these donors, whose generous funding has made a real di erence to the Museum, securing the fabric for the ture and making the whole complex much brighter and more inviting. I am very grateful to the Friends for the thousands of hours they put in running the shop and welcoming visitors. I know how di icult it is to keep the show on the road sometimes, and especially appreciate the e orts of Doris Kent and her helpers in this area (an of Coral Bex, who has the unenviable task of organising the rota for weekend duties) . 1 1 October - 10 December In and Around Olney: Olney Camera Club A display of photographs by members of Olney Camera Club Trustees, O cers, Friends and Sta Hannah Denton resigned as a Trustee at the end of her five year term; the Trustees PAGE 58 PHONEBOX Thanks also to the Cowper and Newton Society who have continued t fund ongoing conservation projects, partularly on more watercolours and works on paper, and to all other 1 8 December Christmas Past with Marion Maule A lecture with Marion Maule. Mulled wine and mince pies included. Tickets £5 per person from the Cowper & Newton Museum. The Gardens EVENTS FOR 2005 The gardens as always have been a credit to the hard work and creativity ofCharles and Elizabeth Knight, and a lovely setting for Open Days and other events. 5 July - 1 October Routes through Milton Keynes This is a collection of archive and museum material on the major routes that cross this region