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From Susie Morgans
VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK by Volunteer Alan Crooks
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend any of the Volunteers’ Week events so a big “Thank You” to Alan for relating such interesting facts.
Agreed! Thank you Susie
03 Thursday Aug 2023
Posted Uncategorized, Volunteers Week
inTags
From Susie Morgans
VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK by Volunteer Alan Crooks
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend any of the Volunteers’ Week events so a big “Thank You” to Alan for relating such interesting facts.
Agreed! Thank you Susie
29 Saturday Jul 2023
This year I was able to attend three of the events organised for Volunteers Week – the coffee afternoon at Salisbury Museum involving a walk through the current ‘Salisbury on Camera’ exhibition, the visit to Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, and the Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour.
The talk ‘Salisbury on Camera, 50 Years of the Salisbury Journal Archive’ was given by Ken Smith, whose parents, incidentally, used to run The Little Junk Shop on Salt Lane. As a teenager I used to spend a lot of time in this shop buying books, and Brooke Bond tea cards especially. I recall that, on the birth of my first child, Ken’s Dad, Jim, presented me with a silver 3d coin, which I still have in her ‘Baby Book’.
During his talk Ken highlighted just a few of the 244 images in the exhibition, explained their background and why they were selected. They were also put into the context of what was happening throughout the country at the time.
Among the photographs I recall being highlighted was Salisbury’s first supermarket, Price Rite’s on Bridge Street (where Wagamama now is); an anti-vivisection demonstration aimed at Porton Down and the legendary Charlie Knight (of ‘Charlie’s Bikes’ fame). Regarding Price Rite, Ken Smith said that shop assistants had to explain to customers how to use self-service as, hitherto, they had been used to being served. Charlie Knight used to appear at local fetes with a range of idiosyncratic bicycles. I recall one where the rider had to pedal backwards in order to go forwards and turn the handlebars to the left in order to turn right.
The talk was followed by a very convivial tea, coffee and other refreshments on the back lawn.
The morning of Friday 2nd June saw four of us catching the 10.52 No.2 bus from New Canal to visit Wiltshire Museum in Devizes. As the journey time is 70 minutes, on arrival we ate our packed lunches on The Green (somewhat chilly!) before making our way to the Museum. Here we were met by Nicola Trowell, the ‘Partnership and Digital Lead’ and also, formerly, of Salisbury Museum, who, over coffee and biscuits, described to us the history of the Museum and something of its future, and reminded us that the Museum contains the largest collection of Early Bronze Age gold ever put on public display in England.
In terms of history, Nicola explained that The Wiltshire Museum was established in Devizes in 1874 and is accommodated in Georgian and Victorian buildings, with a number of floor levels and staircases.
In terms of the future, Nicola informed us that The Museum had been awarded Development Funding of £300,748 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to facilitate relocation to the former Devizes Assize Court. They plan to apply for a full National Lottery grant in 2025 which, if successful, will enable work to start in 3 or 4 years time, with a target opening date of 2030.
Among the very many exhibits, one that particularly attracted my attention on this occasion was the Britton Cabinet (Fig 3).
Made of mahogany and pine, with elm and maple veneer, this piece was made as a talking piece for a gentleman’s drawing room, and was once owned by the travel writer John Britton. At the top is a model of Stonehenge as it was when the cabinet was made in 1824. The sides of the glass are coloured red and orange so that, as demonstrated by Nicola, shining a torch (candle) light through would show how Stonehenge looks at dawn or dusk. The aerial views on the front are from before the days of aerial photography.
In one of the drawers is a model of Stonehenge as it may have been if it was complete. In a second drawer is a model of the Avebury landscape, based on a plan by the antiquarian William Stukeley. The drawer fronts are set with watercolours of prehistoric monuments in Wiltshire, Wales and the West of England by John Britton and leading artists of the day. The remaining drawers and cupboards held books, maps, plans and drawings.
The cabinet and many of John Britton’s books and papers formed the founding collection of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society which, today runs the Wiltshire Museum.
Tuesday 6th June saw another group of us meeting at the Cathedral West Front for a Tower Tour. Although I had been looking forward to, once again, having the opportunity to peer out across Salisbury from the little door at the base of the spire, as there were only four of us, we accepted the Guides invitation to go ‘off piste’ to areas that the general public doesn’t usually get to see. This included being led to see the construction work happening at the east end. Things I learned included:
The visit gave me another opportunity to view the graffiti previously pointed out to me on a specialist ‘Graffiti Tour’ and a glass window engraved by Rex Whistler.
This was a very informative and worthwhile visit and which reinforced some things which I already knew.
Many thanks to Alan for this, which will have some readers wondering what they missed! Great photographs too. Thanks to Kate, and all others involved, for organising another enjoyable, interesting, week’s activities.
20 Saturday May 2023
Posted Uncategorized, Volunteers Week
inTags
All events are free and exclusive to museum volunteers.
Places are limited for events no. 2, 4 & 5 and must be booked in advance. To book a place please contact Kate Stubbings, the Volunteer Coordinator: katestubbings@salisburymuseum.org.uk; 01722 820543. The deadline for booking events with limited places is Monday 29th May.
Thank you Kate and all involved!
08 Wednesday Jun 2022
Posted Uncategorized, Volunteers Week
inLucy Bridal, The Salisbury Museum Volunteer Co-ordinator, writes:
We kicked off this year’s Volunteers’ Week with a Coffee Morning at the Museum on the Bank Holiday last Thursday, hearing a riveting talk on the history of the Museum’s harpsichord, the history of harpsichords as musical instruments, and their accompanying styles of music across Europe. Our volunteer David, who regularly plays the harpsichord here on Tuesday mornings, then gave a delightful performance from different composers and styles. Thank you to all who came along to meet each other and share volunteering stories and a special thanks to David for the talk and performance.
Our next talk and social will be a Coffee Afternoon on Wednesday 15th June from 2-4pm with an Introduction to the Giant by the Museum Director Adrian Green followed by refreshments in the Lecture Hall.
I look forward to seeing you there!
12 Thursday May 2022
Posted Special Events, Uncategorized, Volunteers Week
inFrom Lucy Bridal (Volunteer Co-ordinator):
Volunteers’ Week runs from 1st – 7th June every year and so falls across the Jubilee bank holidays for 2022. There is a mix of events at the museum, socials, talks, and outside visits as well as online activities for a range of participation. Only three of the events have number restrictions which you will need to book directly with me for but the rest do not need to be pre – booked and it would be great to see as many of you that are available to say thank you and celebrate.
VW 2022 Timetable:
Wednesday 1st June – Exclusive Vineyard and Winery Tour at Botleys Farm (Downton) – Pre-booking needed
Thursday 2nd June – Coffee Morning – The Salisbury Museum Harpsichord
Friday 3rd June – Online Talk – Virtual Tour of Brixton Windmill
Saturday 4th June – Competitive fun on the Volunteers’ Blog
Monday 6th June – Visit to Wiltshire Museum
Tuesday 7th June – Walking Tour – 7000 years of Downton history: Some glimpses of a surprising past – Pre-booking needed
Post Volunteers’ Week:
Wednesday 8th June – Curator’s Exhibition Walk Through – Hardy’s Wessex – Pre-booking needed
Wednesday 15th June – Coffee Afternoon Director’s Talk – Introducing the Giant
27 Wednesday Apr 2022
Posted Volunteers Week
inFollowing Katy’s email on Monday, I wanted to say “hello” and give a brief introduction of myself to you now that I have started in the Volunteer Coordinator role. Initially having studied to be an archaeologist, I moved into historic property management with English Heritage, first at Old Sarum and then in London. From there I began working in heritage engagement with communities, visitors and volunteers, most recently heading up the charity that looks after Brixton Windmill. I have always worked with volunteers and aim to ensure that it is a mutually beneficial relationship for all, providing opportunities for development and skill sharing and exploring everyone’s areas of interest throughout each role. I am really pleased to have the opportunity to use my experience here at the Museum and enjoy the collection and our activities with you all.
I am currently working on getting all of our records and policies up together on our volunteer database system, Better Impact, as well as organising a timetable of events to say thank you to you all during Volunteers Week from 1st – 7th June. If you have any requests or ideas for this then please do let me know. I am also putting together the summer edition of the volunteer newsletter and welcome any ideas or requests for articles on specific areas of interests for that to be sent out in June.
I have managed to meet a few of you already over the past few days and thank those of you that I have for such a warm welcome. For those of you that I am yet to meet, you can find me in office Number 7 Monday – Friday where Katy’s predecessor was based last year – and at the Spring Fayre on this coming Monday.
Once again – welcome Lucy
26 Saturday Jun 2021
Posted Special Events, Uncategorized, Volunteers Week
inFrom this week’s Newsletter, Rachel Coman, Volunteer Co-ordinator writes:
“Ancient Technology Centre. Saturday 7th August, 10.30am start. We have been invited to come on a special tour of the fascinating buildings at the centre and delve into their knowledge around the early history. There’s a chance to chat about their learning provision. The tour will last around two hours and we are very welcome to stay and have a picnic after and go explore the local area.
For this trip, they are able to accommodate a total of 40 people, split into two groups. The visit is largely outside with the exception of going into the buildings. The trip will be conducted within social distancing guidelines at the time.“
To book your place, please contact Rachel. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you don’t know the Centre it is a fascinating place, in the village of Cranborne. There is a delightful garden centre in the village with cafe (light lunches, cakes) and Cranborne Manor is one of the homes of the Cecil family, gardens occasionally open. The church is worth a visit.
Nearby is Knowlton Rings and it is all deep in beautiful Cranborne Chase of course.
Other dates:
The Salisbury Museum Festival of Archaeology
Dr Phil Harding and Dr Alex Langlands, fresh from the Chalke Valley History Festival, lead a list of speakers.
Booking:
Pre-booking essential.
Booking up to 9am on the morning of the talk (subject to availability).
Visit Eventbrite here to book your place.
Cost:
Members £9.00
Non-members £12.00
Join us to find out about Ancestors, Alice Roberts’ new book which looks at the prehistoric period through seven fascinating burial sites.
One of the discoveries featured is the museum’s Amesbury Archer, one of the most important Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age burials found in the UK. The book also explores the archaeology of Cranborne Chase, an area excavated by General Pitt-Rivers in the 19th century. The General’s collections now reside at The Salisbury Museum and include prehistoric, Roman and medieval human remains. These burials are the focus of a new project that is going to use modern scientific techniques to learn more about the lives of these ancient people.
Professor Alice Roberts is an academic, author and broadcaster, specialising in human anatomy, anthropology, evolution, archaeology and history. In 2001, Alice made her television debut on Channel 4’s Time Team, and she is also the presenter of BBC’s Digging for Britain. This Online Event will be held on Zoom, and you will be sent the joining details by email at 10am on the day of the talk. The cut-off for ticket sales is 9am on the morning of the talk. You will be able to join on the evening from 7pm – giving you the opportunity to check your connection, test your sound, and settle in comfortably – with the talk itself starting promptly at 7.30pm.
04 Thursday Jun 2020
Posted Volunteers Week
inTags
This week is National Volunteers’ Week. Remember previous years?
Trips and talks, guided tours and ‘hands on’ experiences have been arranged in the past. But sadly not this year. Nevertheless,
….. from Bridget and all the Salisbury Museum Team for all hard work and dedication. We hope we will all be back together soon.
19 Wednesday Jun 2019
Hello, we are Victoria and Sarah, from South Wilts Grammar school, in the Lower Sixth. We both take History and Politics with Victoria also studying Geography and Sarah studying Business. We both share a passion for history and thought a student placement at the Salisbury Museum would be a fantastic way to explore a topic we deeply enjoy.
We were fortunate enough to be here during the National Volunteers’ Week (an event organised for Salisbury Museum volunteers by the amazing Bridget Telfer in order to thank volunteers for all their hard work), and this meant that we have spent our week enjoying (and documenting) many of the activities and events of the week. Over the past five days we have experienced:
You can imagine that we have had a very busy week, which has been utterly fascinating. However it wasn’t just a jolly week of activities (well, it predominantly was but…), we have had the responsibility of commandeering the social media accounts of the museum (we hope we have done you proud Louise), and we therefore spent all of our visits photographing and noting down interesting points, of which there were many.
Monday 3rd June: The Stonehenge Landscape Tour
We started off our week we an informative walk around the surrounding geography of Stonehenge led by the National Trust Tour Guide, Mike. It was great to see a new perspective of such a popular tourist attraction, and give greater context to the stones themselves. We learnt a great deal about the barrows in the landscape as well as excavations that delved into the mystery of Stonehenge. We also had the privilege of seeing a rare species of blue butterflies, which we were fortunate to get so close to. Overall a peaceful and informative first outing, which gave us a great start to documenting National Volunteers’ Week on social media, and starting our iMovie about the week.
Tuesday 4th June: Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour *Sarah’s personal favourite*
Our second day at the museum kicked off with a fantastic tour up the Cathedral Tower given by Tour Guide, Leslie Smith. The journey to the top was insightful and humorous. There was a spectacular view over Salisbury, including a new way of seeing the Salisbury Museum. It took 330 steps to get to the top, but it was more than worth it for such as sight. Leslie had a boundless knowledge of the Cathedral; the next time the bell rings make sure to look out for the tower swaying gently (the force of the bells and lack of foundations means it’s surprisingly unstable).
Tuesday 4th June: Salisbury Cathedral Stonemasonry Works Yard Tour
The tour gave us an insight into the talented masonry work of the cathedral as well as the impressive skill of the masons. Head Mason, Lee Andrews, took us round the yard, telling us about the intricate process or maintaining the stonework on the stunning Cathedral. We saw the Drawing Room, the Banker Shop (where the exciting shaping happens) and their wall of inspiration that was full of interesting stone carvings (shown below). It is impressive that Salisbury Cathedral is the only Cathedral that takes care of the whole process, from the massive bits of stone to the carefully crafted details we see on the beautiful building.
Wednesday 5th June: Mottisfont Abbey *Victoria’s personal favourite*
On Wednesday morning we had a tour of the house, with focus on the Whistler room – a large drawing room designed and painted by Rex Whistler at the height of his career. Our Tour Guide, Bob, gave us much understanding of the sheer talent of Whistler through his intricate use of perspective as well as the secrets in his art. There is much debate over whether the room was ever finished as Rex left for war during his time painting the room he left Lady Maud Russell a mural implying that he would return to finish the room (it is a small paint pot in one corner). Not only did Bob tell us all about the Whistler Room he also gave a talk on the bittersweet life of the artist, who unfortunately died during active service in the prime of his career.
After the talk, we had freedom to roam the house and gardens and found our way to the stunning rose gardens which were in full bloom and made the beautiful estate even more picturesque.
Wednesday 5th June: Wessex Gallery tour
Adrian Green, the curator involved in creating the Wessex Gallery and current director at Salisbury Museum, gave a detailed tour of the gallery, with particular focus on some of his favourite objects in the museum. He started with a brief acknowledgment that the gallery is designed to go back in time, which is an interesting choice, so that visitors can start with the relatable model of Old Sarum. The object we found most interesting was the glass bowl that was found in a tomb, which is still complete. It is incredible to think that a bowl made, 1,300 years ago is still in pristine condition today. It was also uplifting to hear the story of the key and its portrait being reunited and displayed together in the gallery. Adrian Green was a fantastic speaker, and it was great to hear such detail delivered with genuine passion.
Thursday 6th June: Wessex Archaeology Tour
Our penultimate outing was a tour and talk at Wessex Archaeology, we were led round the different departments of the archaeological process, including Environment which looks at the soil composition of excavation areas, Graphics which looks at reconstruction and printing of fragmented finds – this includes a lot of 3D printing, Unit 13 – Marine and Oceanography which looks at finds in the ocean and the desalination process, and the Finds Department which labels and identifies excavated objects. After the tour, we had a fascinating talk by Si Cleggett, who described the excavation of a WW1 practise battlefield in Larkhill, he retold stories from the areas as well as plans to use their finds to create a lasting memorial to soldiers.
Thursday 6th June: Behind the Scenes Tour of Salisbury Museum
The tour, given by the very knowledgeable Roger Wadey, took us to hidden places in Salisbury Museum, where we saw incredible objects that are not currently on display. There was a selection of stuffed birds, a whole room full of geology, the library and a cupboard full of delicate artefacts, such as Victorian toys and medical equipment. It was great to see the objects up close, and even handle a few.
Overall, this week has been an incredible experience and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the volunteers on their trips and events. Both of us have learnt so much about the history in Salisbury and its surrounding areas, as well as what it is like to be part of the Salisbury Museum team. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers for making us feel so welcome, and for telling us interesting stories about their lives and passions. We would also like thank Louise Tunnard for uploading our social media ideas to each platform, and the wonderful Bridget Telfer for organising and supervising us on such a fantastic week.
Thank you, Victoria and Sarah, for all your work, and your several contributions to this blog. The photo from the top of the Cathedral tower here is the best we have had in a long time.
11 Tuesday Jun 2019
Posted Special Events, Volunteers Week
inOn Monday 3 June I was one of fifteen volunteers who enjoyed a guided walk over the Stonehenge Landscape, led by Michael Robinson of the National Trust.
Starting at Tombs Road in Larkhill, the walk took in King Barrows Ridge and the King Barrows themselves, Stonehenge Avenue, the Cursus Barrows, and the Cursus. Despite having walked this landscape several times in the past, including the former WW1 airfields at Stonehenge and Larkhill – walks organised by ‘Wings Over Stonehenge’ – and taken the trouble to read the information boards en route, I still learned new things. Thus I learned that it was not until the Great Storm of 1990 felled some trees growing on the barrows did archaeologists discover that the mounds were made of turf and soil rather than the usual chalk. The importance of these monuments to the Bronze Age people can be appreciated when one realises that an area of 12 football pitches (valuable agricultural land!) would need to have been stripped of grass to create them. The King Barrows have never been excavated.
Leaving King Barrows we took the path that led us onto the Avenue where we could savour the effect, experienced by our forbears, of Stonehenge gradually coming into view as we ascended the final stretch. Two of our party walked the left hand bank whilst the main body walked the right hand bank so that we could visualise the width of the Avenue.
Leaving Stonehenge we walked across the site of the former Visitor Centre and carpark and took the path to the Cursus Barrows. From here we could look across in the direction of Normanton Barrows and Bush Barrow, the latter being the site of Britain’s richest Bronze Age burial, the artefacts of which can be seen at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.
Amongst these artefacts is a bronze dagger adorned with 140,000 minute gold rivets. This excavation was led by William Cunnington (1754-1810) whose colleague, John Parker, of Heytesbury, is credited as being the first person to use a trowel on an archaeological site. John Parker had scattered these “points of gold” before Cunnington had had an opportunity to examine them.
Coincidentally, a YouTube video describing this was uploaded only yesterday (3rd June). This can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhxcdGLzGbI
Whilst at the Cursus Barrows we were all enthralled by the sight of a small but spectacularly blue Adonis Blue butterfly, whose sole larval food source is horseshoe vetch. This beautiful butterfly is one of the most characteristic of unimproved southern chalk downland, but has undergone a major decline through its entire range (-19% since the 1970s). However, it has recently expanded in some regions, notably Dorset and Wiltshire.
At the end of the walk, many of us were extremely flattered when we were asked to sign a ‘permission to use our images’ form from the National Trust which referred to us as ‘models’.
My iphone ‘Health’ app informed me that we had covered about 7km during this walk.
This was a very enjoyable and worthwhile morning out.