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Glass Mall => Glass News => Topic started by: yelooc on January 10, 2009, 09:51:49 PM

Title: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 10, 2009, 09:51:49 PM
Dear All,

I am reliably informed that Broadfield House Glass Museum is to close in March 2010. I think that this is a tragedy. In my opinion Broadfield House is a national treasure.

I wonder; what can we do? Does anyone else have any information?

Graham


Moderator edit: Sign the petition here: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/broadfield-house-glass-museum.html
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 10, 2009, 10:41:28 PM
Terrible news. The first thing would be to establish who, or what body, has been responsible for making the decision and then to see what avenues exist for overturning it. Are there any proposals on the table for moving the collections?

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 10, 2009, 11:42:01 PM
Graham,

Thank you for alerting us all. I think I'm in shock, this is dreadful news :(

As for your sensible suggestion about helping, and to answer Adam's question, I presume it is the decision of Dudley Council and is a cost cutting exercise. The museum has never truly had their full support in my limited experience. They have never really understood the value of the collections that they hold - by that I mean, historic and archival rather than monetary - but that could be a risk >:(

However, if I am right it will probably be based on visitor numbers, which have long been in question.

Lord knows how we can change their mind, but whatever is decided upon will need to be large and conserted effort.

This museum is indeed a jewel in the crown of glass and we must do something.

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Cathy B on January 11, 2009, 04:30:33 AM
Awful news! Is anyone planning to contact the Council, and would a petition and/or letters of protest be of use?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 11, 2009, 07:46:50 AM
This is merely a reflection of a general malaise in the global cultural sector.

The UK has been treating museums and galleries badly for years. 

The Lottery boards have been prepared to fund capital projects, but not under-write revenue funding. Steering committees for projects were arguably, over-estimating visitor numbers, in order to secure funding for the building of new exhibition spaces. Architects were the main beneficiaries of this situation. Several projects never achieved the projected visitor numbers and have closed.

Add to this the Damoclean sword of funding related to greater accessibility. So institutions which, however hard they have worked, digitising collections, making them available on the web, have succeeded in making collections more open, but have seen physical visitor numbers fall.

Acquisition budgets have all but disappeared leaving even the major museums to become cultural mendicants, running round with begging bowls in order to try to save items which come up for sale, a near impossible fund-raising task, in a global recession. That recession, which has already seen the demise of some charities, also caught many councils with their trousers down, investing money in both banks and stock-markets, with abysmal financial over-sight and regulation, and councils have lost not only the interest on the capital sum, that they were using to shore-up  central government under-funded local services, but the capital sums of money also.

Getting rid of entrance fees was a temporary success, but the general perception that museum/gallery visiting is a pastime for snobs has not been successfully debunked.

In all of this, governments need to remember the 6P rule.......

Will petitions work? I hope so.

But I would not be holding my breath.

Regards,

Marcus



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 11, 2009, 11:51:00 AM
This is an example of the appalling situation some councils have been reduced to:

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART41764.html

and this is part of the knock-on effects....

http://www.museumsassociation.org/13285&search=1.2

Quote
15.12.2006 - MLA removes Bury Art Gallery and Museum from national accreditation scheme

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) Accreditation Panel has removed Bury Art Gallery and Museum's accredited status as of December 15.

This decision was taken as a result of the Bury Metropolitan Borough Council's decision to sell the painting A Riverbank by LS Lowry to plug a hole in the council's deficit. The painting was sold for £1.25m last month.

Chris Batt, Chief Executive, MLA, said: "The Accreditation Panel has made a unanimous decision to remove Bury Museum's registered status. The rules of the scheme are in place essentially to maintain and preserve our country's heritage, therefore breaking those rules not only affects future funding for the museum, but creates a cultural deficit for the people of Bury."
Source: www.24hourmuseum.org.uk


Quote
16.01.2007 - Bury Council loses Art Fund support after sale of Lowry

The UK art charity, The Art Fund, has announced that it will no longer consider funding applications from Bury Museum and Gallery in the wake of their controversial sale of a Lowry painting, A Riverbank.

It's the latest response to the sale, which went ahead in November 2006 despite vociferous opposition from The Art Fund and others, and follows expulsion from the Museums Association and withdrawal of official museum accreditation by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
Source: www.24hourmuseum.org.uk

The nett result is a further crippling of cultural provision. That would suggest that Dudley MBC has some serious thinking to do, particularly with regard to disposals.

I trust the Glass Association will be making its own arrangements to re-house its archive and library?

M
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 11, 2009, 12:07:13 PM
A major difference between the UK and the US is that in the UK there are no tax incentives to encourage collectors and enthusiasts to support museums. In the US museums are often supported by fund raising activities organised by collectors groups and donations to museums are, I believe, tax deductible.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: vidrioguapo on January 11, 2009, 01:14:49 PM
I notice that there is a Friends of Broadfield House" group...perhaps worth contacting them to see what they are doing.  This should be part of English Heritage, (if not already), but I expect in this day and age of financial stresses and strains, they may not be interested to take it on.  But again perhaps another port of call.?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 11, 2009, 05:33:55 PM
Tragic! What can we do to help? We can't just stand by and watch it go.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 11, 2009, 06:50:42 PM
One could try this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/7822912.stm

Whether it would make any difference? Who knows.

M
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 11, 2009, 07:39:13 PM
I think it would take more than all the GMB members marching through Dudley to change their mind somehow. :(
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 11, 2009, 11:31:09 PM
Hello,

Firstly, we are at the beginning of what we all probably know is likely to be an uphill struggle to rescue probably THE most important glass museum in the UK.

Because this is the case it is going to be very difficult and, although we may need the odd dose of reality, perhaps negative attitudes at this point in time are, frankly, unhelpful. Yes, I'm sorry, on this occasion I do mean you Marcus I'm afraid  :( , but only as a mild rebuke - so please don't take it badly  :) ;)

Secondly, since we are only in the very early stages of this, any conserted effort will begin to emerge over a short space of time. I know that already a number of interested parties are being alerted and ideas are being discussed.

Probably at this point in time the most important thing is to spread the word in order to get the 'troops' mobilised as it were. So, the best thing any of us can do is just that.

Don't rely on the board(s) doing the job - start emailing anyone you think could be interested, especially if they might be able to help in some meaningful way, but also if only they can act as another number on a petition.

Ideas on how to present a financial plan, create funds, raise funds in order that we go to the museum with a positive attitude and not a "please don't close the museum I hardly ever manage to get to" approach will be very,very welcome.

My thanks to you all for any help you might give, or email you send.

Kind wishes to all, Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Patrick on January 12, 2009, 02:33:12 AM
Hi,
 I would hope that ALL the glass is well cataloged and that NONE of it DISAPPEARS if the museum does close...................

Regards,
                Patrick.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 12, 2009, 04:45:53 AM
Quote
Celebrating our heritage and the diversity of local culture
Dudley MBC Council Plan 2010.

One note of caution: Graham was reliably informed..... but no official Dudley MBC announcement has been made. (Might such an announcement jeopardise their participation in the Black Country Urban Park Lottery bid??)

Nigel,

I do not consider it a rebuke, chastisement maybe... ;D.

As I am seeing this same type of goverment behaviour in Central and Eastern Europe and elsewhere, I am being realistic. If that smells of pessimism, or negativity, then a healthy distrust of the political classes and their ability to make adequate finances available for cultural provision is to blame.

I have perhaps already given, in my second posting, possibly the two most influential organisations, who might be able to bring pressure to bear. Both the Museums Association and the MLAC, do have the ear of political movers. However, as can be seen from the Bury case, a determined and intransigent council will ignore them.

The significant thing is, in the Bury case, that the council gained £1.25 million, but lost....
future financial donations, future acquisition funding (see the reaction of the Art Fund above), future sponsors, future visitors, future acquisitions (after all, no collector would be happy to make a philanthropic gesture, to a museum which might off-load their gift). Long-term, the gain was probably of little lasting value, and the loss of good-will probably will take years to recover from.

It is these issues that would need to be high-lighted in submissions to save Broadfield House from closure.

Regards,

Marcus

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 12, 2009, 09:18:26 AM
After querying Roger Dodsworth about this, I received confirmation that this is a proposal and not a definite conclusion.

The point is that I beleive Broadfield House (the building), nice though it is, is not pertinent to Stourbridge glass history. The museum could therefore be resited, which could be a far better knock-on effect.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: johnphilip on January 12, 2009, 10:34:00 AM
If all else fails it would be nice for the V&A to take it on but in the last ten years everything of any value has gone abroad  gas ~ electricity ~ water~ gold ~ banks ~ manufacturing and on and on ~ we are broke . :mus:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Pip on January 12, 2009, 12:13:45 PM
If this proposal to close Broadfield House comes to fruition I'd be more than happy to publicise any efforts to save it on my website (I've checked with my webmaster already).
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 12, 2009, 12:41:43 PM
The proposal is, I believe, to close the building, not necessarily the museum, which could be resited.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 12, 2009, 12:48:55 PM
Could this be related to the redevelopment of the Ruskin Glass Centre following the lottery grant?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 12, 2009, 12:49:51 PM
Well, that's a thought...
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 12, 2009, 02:03:25 PM
Apparently the councils plan was/is to close Broadfield House and move its contents to the Red House Cone (the former Stuart Crystal site); which would be a much smaller space. The problem is that the site is owned by Wedgwood Waterford, which is in administration.

The situation is therefore rather complex. The key thing is for everyone to show Dudley Council that they have an important National asset that we all care about.

Graham

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 12, 2009, 02:06:24 PM
Also worth emphasising that it is a NATIONAL Glass Museum, not just Stourbridge.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ivo on January 12, 2009, 02:13:05 PM
Time to think something positive. What would be the best solution to keep the collection open and accessible: Broadfield house, Sunderland, V&A, Pilkington or the National archives? 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 12, 2009, 04:55:31 PM
Hi Ivo,
If we are talking the NGC Sunderland, they have no collection.
V&A have a collection, but not enough of it is ever on display.
Pilkington's is a commercial outfit... If the World of Glass were to end up in the same situation as WW, the collection would surely be sold.
so looks like Broadfield House would be the most appropriate situation, unless there were to be a new glass museum being built in Dudley....
but I guess this current proposal is based on a lack of money, rather than DMBC having the funds to buy the Red House Cone and create a flagship new museum.
M
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Glen on January 12, 2009, 05:11:35 PM
I was also stunned to read this.

Does anyone know how Himley Hall fits into the big picture? Broadfield House holds the Notley Lerpiniere Carnival Glass collection (on loan); a collection of great importance. That glass is currently at Himley Hall. The Carnival Glass Society (UK) had a reception at Himley in September 2008, to view the Carnival collection.

Glen Thistlewood
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 12, 2009, 05:21:08 PM
Himley Hall is part of Dudley Metropolitan Council, so the building will be exempt from this as it is used as a conference centre, amongst other things. The fate of the archives and collections within it is another thing. However, would Dudley be permitted to sell off the collections? While some pieces were purchased, some collections were donated.

Having seen the Carnival glass collection on many occasions, I can confirm it is absolutely stunning, but surely any collections on loan would be safe from being dispersed and would have to be returned to the owner(s)?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 12, 2009, 05:28:03 PM
I'd guess that the National Archives would only be interested in the paperwork, Ivo. I can't see them wanting to take the exhibits which would probably be more relevant in the V&A but previous topics have referred to perceptions that glass is the poor relation in the V&A collection so it perhaps would not be an ideal venue. I do think the collection needs to be kept together if BH is to close, so paperwork and exhibits all should be retained as a research and display collection rather than divided between other venues.

I seem to recall reading that govt wants to spread collections around the country rather than have them all concentrated in London, so to that end I'd be looking at a dedicated Glass Museum elsewhere than the capital. I also think it should not be run by any local authority to avoid the sorts of problems being seen with Bury, or by a company in case of insolvency and subsequent liquidation of the collection.

A relocated and restructured glass museum would probably need independent (and charitable?) status and be run by trust which can access funding from charitable and private sectors, with trustees drawn from local councillors, business, academia and collectors to ensure a balance of viewpoints. A support/fundraising group of Friends would probably be required also.

Locating such a museum in the centre of the country near to good transport links and near traditional glassmaking areas makes sense. Sunderland is perceived to be so far north but in fact is not far from middle of the country if you look at Britain as opposed to just England, which would bring in the option to cover glass north of the border.  If, as Marcus says, the NGC has no collection, then maybe this could form the core of one to enhance the NGC experience, but their focus seems to be more on transient exhibitions than permanent displays.

Pilkington's at St Helen's is a commercial enterprise which has a massive collection, much of which is not on permanent display due to lack of space, according to emails I had from a member of their staff, so that would raise concerns about how accessible the collection from BH would be, as well as the previously mentioned corporate solvency issues.

If the intention is to be an English (rather than British) National Glass Museum, then a location in the Midlands makes more sense from an access point of view, and if the Red Cone was available and could be leased or bought by such a museum trust, it could prove an ideal venue. (I note there are four surviving glass cones in Britain, one in Lemington (http://www.nandnsociety.org.uk/City%20and%20County/nov08_lemington.htm) in use as a stove showroom, one in Rotherham (http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/graphics/Visiting/Family+Attractions/EDSCatcliffeGlassCone.htm) in a sheltered housing complex, and the last in Alloa in Scotland, so the Red Cone appears to be the only English cone option. Currently the Red Cone appears to be run (?leased?) by Dudley authority as well - is this correct?)

The other suggestion of incorporating the museum into the Ruskin Glass Centre also has merit and could, depending on the management and organisational structure intended, work extremely well.

I think the most important thing at the moment, for us as a group or as individuals, is to ensure (as Nigel said earlier in this topic) that the word is spread as widely as possible and to stay alert for any developments or official announcements made.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 13, 2009, 05:59:37 AM
Hi, Sadly there are very few non- local government funded public museums in the UK, most central government funded ones get their funding from DCMS.

Note that the list of DCMS sponsored institutions shows significant emphasis on London and the South, the exceptions being Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Tyne and Wear.The Midlands get nothing.

British Museum
Geffrye Museum
Horniman Museum
Imperial War Museum
Museum of London
Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester
National Gallery
National Maritime Museum
National Museums Liverpool
National Museum of Science & Industry
National Portrait Gallery
Natural History Museum
Royal Armouries
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Tate
Tyne & Wear Museums Service
V&A
Wallace Collection

The NGC has no desire to form a collection, preferring to rely on loan materials.

M




Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 13, 2009, 07:47:22 PM

As I understand it the collection that belongs to Dudley Council and held at Broadfield House is predominately based on glass produced in the Stourbridge/Midlands area - even though there is a great deal more there, including, as others have pointed out a number of loan collections.

Whilst we are all likely to have our own preferred option for the collection and its supporting archive I think that we must not lose sight of two things.

1) That it is the collection and archive that is important and not the building.

2) That should the council decide that the move to the Red Cone is its preferred option, then as the phrase goes, they will be pouring a quart into a pint pot. I daresay the argument will be that it will only be on a temporary basis, but experience suggests that is likely to become a permanant situation.

As I understand the situation, the Cone is leased on a peppercorn rent from Waterford Wedgwood; how this is affected by the current situation that they find themselves in I have no idea, but one thing I do know, any administrator worth their salt will try and make any asset available for liquidation in some way - so to my mind there in a potential problem regarding the whole of the Red Cone site. That said the agreement may well be sound and unbreakable.

There is a factory shop on the site which is still part of WW that may become available - BUT that will in no way make the difference to the amount of floorspace required.

Given this small amount of information, some of which is from memory some surmised, my concern is now that the museum and its contents will not be given the breathing space that it so desperately requires. The council will look, understandably for any costcutting that they can achieve, so the bottom line will have been achieved - but at long term cost to a collection (group of collections) that have national significance.

If we allow that to happen then it will take far more effort to get a new building or site for the collection in the future than to put pressure on to keep it at Broadfield House now. Remember, for many year the muesum has been lokking and hoping for larger premises, so reduction in its size would indeed be a retrograde step.

Lastly, contrary to any assumptions about visitor numbers, I understand that they went UP by over a third last year - now, there's some ammunition for the course.

Oh, as for the Ruskin Centre, whilst I am aware that they have secured some funding, my personal feelings are that the site is not best suited to incorporate the museum and its collections as well.

Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 13, 2009, 08:02:16 PM
Nigel,

that's a great summary of the situation and reflects my current understand perfectly. How do you suggest we help the council make the right decisions and understand our concerns?

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 13, 2009, 11:14:10 PM

I've spent the evening having a few very welcome glasses of red wine (so get ready for more spelling mistakes than normal by me) and chatting on the phone, whilst giving your 'challenge' a bit of thought Graham.

I think, on balance, we've drawn the problem to the attention of as many people as possible, which in itself is great. BUT, if we are not careful there will be as many plans as people viewing this thread (let alone those who have been kind enough to put their thoughts down for us to consider - for which I thank with deep sincerity).

If we are going to get anything done I have a suspicion that there has to be work done in the background, before reporting back to everyone with a plan (or plans) to be considered by all. After all we cannot all canvas the councillors or MP's involved at this stage, because, if nothing else, it may fall on deaf ears. Best to know and understand their various positions regarding Broadfield House and its collection(s) before approaching them en mass.

At that point it may well be that people here should be asked what their expertise is and what they might consider contributing to a concerted effort to, at worst, save the collection and its archive and, at best, create a situation where the museum is elevated into a better position than it is now (well a guy can dream). In other words take on board the constructive suggestions so far, whilst also being fully aware that a healthy dose of realism is necessary to keep us on the straight and narrow (thank you, Marcus  :)).

I also have a suspicion that we will be greeted and understood better if we understand the problems involved with the particular situation and come up with practical solution(s) - even if that involves creating a business plan - possibly even with the view to creating funds that had not even been thought of by the council.

Yes, I know this would be a tall order in normal circumstances, but now? Well, that is the challenge folks, however sobering.


Kind wishes to all, Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 14, 2009, 01:06:17 AM
Quote
whilst also being fully aware that a healthy dose of realism is necessary to keep us on the straight and narrow (thank you, Marcus  Smiley).
Never assume that the above attitude prevents one from realising one's dreams.
I am not a natural pessimist, in fact, quite the contrary.
M

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 14, 2009, 10:14:54 AM
Well said, Nigel.

While we see this as a global issue of great importance, the fact is that it is perceived by Dudley Council as a local issue. The fact remains that councillors are really only interested in votes. If I were to ring a Dudley councillor and protest, they wouldn't take much notice, because I live in London. However, our residents association of 22 members has two of our local councillors plus a head of department coming to meet with us shortly to discuss issues of importance to us locally. A little bit of lobbying goes a long way on the local level.

If anything is going to be achieved, we will need to channel our international energy through a local group. We need to find someone who lives and works within Dudley Metropolitan Borough who has the energy, tenacity and inclination to set up a campaigning organisation - perhaps "Save Broadfield House Museum" or "Save Broadfield House Collections" or similar. Does anyone who has posted here or reading this live in Dudley? I know Roger Dodsworth might be the ideal person, but there may be contractual and other reasons why he could not take on the role, and it may be better for the campaign to be run from outside the museum.

Graham would be the ideal person, but I don't think you live within the borough, do you?

As soon as that body exists, approaches to councillors can begin and they will start taking the issue seriously. Whatever they may say, they are not going to pay attention to letters from glass collectors all over the world.

The only way to succeed is to campaign locally.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 14, 2009, 10:35:23 AM
set up a campaigning organisation - perhaps "Save Broadfield House Museum" or "Save Broadfield House Collections"

Once the local organisation is set up, it will not be difficult to persuade other non-local organisations, such as CGS, Glass Association, GMB, and myriad collectors groups and other museums to become affiliate members, which will add wider support to the "local" campaign. This in turn will help to encourage local grass-roots support because Dudley residents will gain a different perspective on how their local issues are perceived internationally.

It is just a question of channelling the energy! >:D
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 14, 2009, 11:17:20 AM
Public Meeting Tonight

There is a public meeting of the select committee for regeneration at The Dudley Council House at 6pm in committee room 2 to discuss Broadfield House.

If you live in the area and you care about our heritage please go to the meeting and say what you feel.

I spoke to the local newspaper today. I impressed upon the reporter the local, national and international importance of the collection. I pointed out that if there is a move, a world class collection needs a new world class facility within which it can expand. I also expressed the concern of the whole glass collecting community that the council may not understand the importance of the collection and the decisions they are making.

To contact Dudley councillors see: http://councillors.dudley.gov.uk/

From Brian Clarke, Chairman of the Glass Association

Brian Clarke Chairman of the Glass Association has written to David Caunt, The Leader of Dudley Council, this is what he said:

Dear David

News has come out, that Dudley Council is considering the closure of Broadfield House, with an envisaged move of all the glass collections and facilities to the Red House Cone site, as from March 2010.

This is just an initial query, to ascertain the true intent of the council.

Along with The Glass Circle and The Friends of Broadfield House, we have an enormous interest in ensuring that if there is to be a move ( we are aware that Broadfield House, though having “a name” in the glass world, is not sacrosanct – a better facility could easily be envisaged ),the move should be a step up and not down. Our concerns are that as a world class facility, the collections should remain on view, those in store at Broadfield and Himley Hall should have room to be viewed and that the library and research facility should remain intact and accessible. It would also be desirable for a modern lecture facility to be established.

Thank you to Brian and the other Glass Association committee members.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 14, 2009, 01:55:46 PM
 
Sadly, I am unable to go to the meeting, and a seven hour round trip without the possibility of being able to make representation to the committee does not encourage me to take the time out. Indeed, Adam's points about outsiders not being given credence at such local meetings are well made. If it were possible, I most certainly would go.

Therefore, I have to content myself with adding a further point to the ones I have already made.

It occurs to me that, given the visitor numbers have increased so much over a one year period that the people who visit the museum spend money in the locality. Not all the visitors will be 'outsiders', however we do know from the media that currently people are not so disposed to go abroad for their holidays and many are considering holidaying within the UK.

Surely, if the visitor numbers are on an upward curve, now is not the time to downsize such an important museum. Instead, it seems to me, the council should be looking at this phenomena as a means of helping their electorate earn income. In other words bringing outsiders money into an area that would benefit as a whole through money spent at hotels, B&B's, eateries, etc. These in turn have to buy in supplies - and so on.

I have been visiting Broadfield House since 1987 to see the collections and to do research. When I stay, naturally I spend, but the thought of NOT being able to view the collections to the degree that is possible now would detract from the experience and certainly make me reconsider visiting so often.

Not only is this an important museum both nationally and locally, it is an important draw to help the locality cash in on the leisure industry.


Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on January 14, 2009, 09:03:40 PM
Both Scotland and Stourbridge celebrate 400 years of glass-making in 2010. Stourbridge thus has an additional incentive to ensure the collection is well marketed for the potential of such a significant anniversary.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on January 15, 2009, 11:31:17 AM
There is also the matter of the glass studio currently occupied by Allister Malcolm. If they do move the museum will they make sure that the glass making studio is not lost. Premises are hard to find and with the running costs being so high its a wonder there are any glass blowers at all. :ac1:

Ettiene
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 16, 2009, 09:46:03 PM
Dear All

Please see the attached press articles. The Stourbridge News articles include a poll so you can vote and add a comment (on both pages). To date the museum has had 100% support. I suggest we send these links to our friends to vote. If you have a dristribution list please send them out.

Treasured museum faces the axe
3:32pm Wednesday 14th January 2009
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4047034.Treasured_museum_faces_the_axe/

Councillor vows to save museum
12:52pm Thursday 15th January 2009
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/search/4049883.Councillor_vows_to_save_museum/

David Blood is clearly a good person to write to; contact details below.
http://councillors.dudley.gov.uk/home/conservative/david-blood

Shock at moves to shut glass museum
http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/01/14/shock-at-moves-to-shut-glass-museum/
Wednesday 14th January 2009

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 17, 2009, 01:27:33 AM
So they intend to close BH to save £120,000 a year. In terms of their overall budget that is small beer surely? And what about the income which the museum visitors bring into the local economy which would be lost when the museum closes. Such a short-sighted approach to budgetary control!

I have sent an email to David Blood supporting his campaign to retain BH, perhaps other board members should consider doing the same.  If support comes from a whole range of people then maybe it will help convince Dudley that this is not just a local issue but a national and international one.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Oxbridge Fairs on January 17, 2009, 01:28:34 AM
Here's another link to a page on the local BBC website: www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2009/01/15/broadfield_house_feature.shtml

We understand that Allister Malcolm is looking for new premises.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 17, 2009, 11:15:19 AM
Quote from: Anne
So they intend to close BH to save £120,000 a year.

I understand the figure is closer to £140k but, as Anne points out, this is still a miniscule amount compared to what the council probably spend on 'jollies' for 'fact-finding' ventures around the world...
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 17, 2009, 04:58:30 PM
I've had an acknowledgement from David Blood this morning, and he passed my email onto John Sanders of the Friends of Broadfield House who has also replied and sent me a copy of his letter to David Blood which states the current position from the Friends viewpoint. 

In his email to me, John Sanders says:
Quote
The proposed saving for the Council, if the Museum is closed with effect from 1 April 2010, is estimated at £120,000 annually. There has been no evidence to show how that figure is reached. The closure proposals do not originate from Councillors, they originate from Council officials who have offered no evidence of how much it would cost the Council to establish Museum facilities to accommodate the Broadfield House operation on the Red House Cone site.

The Council of the Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum meet on Monday evening, 19 January, when the situation and immediate plans will be formulated.

If you wish to add your voice further, may I invite you to take up membership of the Friends.

For as many glass enthusiasts to do this as quickly as possible would make sense as it will strengthen the Friends' voice when dealing with the council. Currently the Friends have around 300 members who are spread around the world. If we can boost that number I am sure it will help the Friends. Membership is not expensive (£6 per year) - see this page for more about the Friends and an application form at the bottom: PAGE LINK (http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum/information/friends)

I have asked John for his permission to share the contents of the letter with the board, and will update this when a reply is received from him.

John also said in his email:

Quote
If you wish to make further representations at Councillor level you may wish to lobby Cllr. Karen Shakespeare the cabinet member for environment and culture who was involved in the 7 January cabinet meeting which endorsed the budget proposals which would result in the closure of BHGM.    Her contact details are on the Dudley MBC web site.

I think such an approach may help as well.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 17, 2009, 11:41:45 PM
This is what I wrote to the BBC link, and a copy to David Blood, and the local paper.

"For many years the best glass museum in the country, Broadfield House Glass Museum, has needed a larger site in order to display its collections and those that are own loan to it. For various reasons Himley Hall was rejected as an idea by Dudley Council. Now, rather than keeping the status quo, the museum has been targeted as a means of cost cutting for the borough. NO cost benefit analysis has been done, NOR any feasibility study. Instead, it would appear that someone has had the idea that vacating the current premises in favour of moving to smaller premises, could save money. If this happens, not only will it be difficult to maintain current services, it is highly unlikely that the collections will have enough space to be stored in, let alone be displayed.

Last year, visitor numbers went up from 11,000 to 15,000, totally bucking the trend in museums across the country. It would seem that no account of this has been taken. Importantly, in the current economic climate, where it would seem that many more people are proposing to holiday in this country, no account or thought appears to have been given toward gaining important revenue to help the income of the counsellors’ own electors. Even the idea of selling the Broadfield House building seems ill thought out, since pretty well the whole country is aware of the downturn in property values.

As for the move itself you’re NOT talking normal move prices like when moving home – expensive though that can be. Moving the collections (particularly of a fragile nature), back-up office space, current storage, and display cases (those that can be moved) all requires specialist operatives. Old display cases may not fit, so new will be required; the same will be true of information boards.

All-in-all one wonders about why counsellors see this as a good move. Well, sacking some of the staff will of course be the soft option if comparing their situation with other council workers and will give an ongoing yearly saving. There may be a gain from the sale of the building, but will it only be marginal? Quite possibly.

Surely, now is NOT the time to move a successful national glass museum? Now should be the time to consolidate on the work of the museum and raise its profile helping to keep, and possibly create, work in the area. This museum is a highly important record to the industry that is indigenous to the area, as well as holding the most comprehensive and diverse collections of British glass in the country. The threat of its move may also threaten the collections that are on permanent loan – presumably loaned originally providing they were out on display. No other museum would seem a likely candidate to hold these collections, so it is likely that we will also be deprived of having access to a large number of exhibits that will no longer be available and are not held elsewhere.

Now should be the time of raising Broadfield House Glass Museum’s profile, not of sweeping it into a corner elsewhere. The council and/or its representatives should look into obtaining extra funding, perhaps by getting Designated Museum Standing which might allow access to national funding.

I have been visiting the museum for about 21 years and see this as a totally retrograde step by the council. Maybe I’m being cynical, but, it’s easier to go for downsizing than to work for extra funding – it’s certainly easier to plicate other council workers and the electorate by closing or downsizing what might be seen as a luxury by some local counsellors. Perhaps I’m also being cynical when I ask why, apparently, has nobody checked the floor space involved in each case, surely that is rudimentary to whether the move could be even be feasible?"


Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 19, 2009, 12:40:15 PM
Hello all just skimmed though the texts and what a shock I had this news last week but was waiting to hear what Alistair Maclombe said (artist at BH) Talk about cultural vandalism.
Just to let people also know, that the proposed development for the Ruskin Glass Centre has also been put on hold last week by the Learning Skills Council. They have put a hold on all
funding for three months for all projects. So they have halted all the match funding so nothing can go ahead.  We the businesses where supposed to moving off site in April/May time but we
have been told to stand down till  at least this time next year, because of all mess this will have caused. I believe a couple of heads had rolled before Christmas at Dudley council because of a 10 million
short fall. £120,000 that's probably one executive isn't it. I think the sword should be swung towards the bureaucrats and dead wood that seems to endemic within our councils and local government? 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 19, 2009, 04:07:44 PM
I have been informed that Waterford's are moving out of old 'Stuarts Red house cone' and the Broadfield collection will be moved there.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 21, 2009, 06:21:09 PM
Probably going for the record of one of the longest posts ever :-\ the following will nevertheless be of interest.

Further to my query on the proposed closure of Broadfield House, I have now received the following communication from Sandra Sakalas (PA to Assistant Director Culture and Leisure Services) on behalf of Duncan Lowndes, at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Firstly, my initial query was:

Quote from: David E
It has come to my attention that there is a proposal to close down Broadfield House. This is very disturbing news, although I am unaware to the fate of the Glass Museum.
 
Having spent time researching the archives at Himley Hall for my book, Chance Expressions, and knowing the excellent facilities at Broadfield House, the loss of this resource would be a tragedy.
 
However, is the Glass museum itself to close? I heard a rumour that it could be re-sited at the Red House Glass Cone, which raises more questions: "where" in the Cone would this be possible?! Also, the Cone is leased from the Waterford Wedgwood group, which itself is in difficulties.
 
Lastly, it is worth bearing in mind that Broadfield House Glass Museum is the NATIONAL Glass Museum, and is a resource to benefit the entire United Kingdom (and the international community), and not just limited to Stourbridge glass. As such I feel the proposal must be rejected.

After this was forwarded to Broadfield House, I followed this with:

Quote from: David E
Dear Sir/Madam,
 
The point of my comments was to raise awareness among those responsible for wishing to 'close' Broadfield House, and that such action could cause the loss of an extremely valuable resource!
 
There was little point, therefore, in passing my comments onto Broadfield House, when I have already communicated with Roger Dodsworth. What is disconcerting is the thought that this is being considered in the first place, and the lack of information regarding the inevitable problems that this closure raises - what is happening to the Glass Museum: the collections, the archives, etc? These highly pertinent questions need answering before a move is even considered.
 
If the Red House Glass Cone is being considered as a possible location, then this has serious flaws: lack of space, the land is leased from a company which is going into administration - in all likelihood the adminstrators will choose to sell this asset. So what exactly is the plan of action?
 
I would be grateful if my comments could be forwarded to whichever committee is responsible for even considering this dubious action in the first place.
 
With thanks.

Mr Lowndes reply, via his PA, is as follows:

Quote from: Duncan Lowndes
Mr D Encill

21 January 2009

Dear Mr Encill

Broadfield House Glass Museum

Further to your e-mail of 15 January 2009 to the Council regarding the above.

The background to the issue relates to both the Council’s aspiration to amalgamate its Glass Heritage facilities on one site (Red House Cone) and a challenging financial climate.

As the Assistant Director responsible for Culture and Leisure Services I am well aware of the place of glass in the heritage of the Borough and would not wish to do anything that was detrimental to that.

To this end I and my officers have been tasked to undertake feasibility work in terms of how we could bring the collections and services that are currently split over 2 sites, under the one roof.

I am well aware as to the size of this challenge, that it may cost initially to bring this about and that the time frame that has been set for achieving this may be difficult to meet but we have been tasked to report back in the near future to Elected Members and appropriate Committees.

The Council has a 99 year lease on its part of the Red House Cone site so we have security there and the possibility of acquiring additional land and buildings will be explored as part of this process.

I know from meetings with the Friends of Broadfield House that there is much concern over this issue and have assured them that they will be involved in and advised of developments in this process throughout.

Yours sincerely
 
Duncan Lowndes
Assistant Director Culture and Leisure

I have my membership form filled, and a £6 cheque (yup, that's all) made out to The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum at the address below. I strongly urge others to follow suit as this organisation is better placed than any other, to put pressure on those people who are involved with this proposal.

Hon. Membership Secretary
Friends of Broadfield House
c/o Broadfield House Glass Museum
Compton Drive
Kingswinford
West Midlands
DY6 9NS
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 22, 2009, 01:47:20 AM
David,

Thanks very much for that. I have always meant to join the friends and kept putting it to the back of my mind - I shall activate that in the morning :)

As for the placatory letter you received - were you?

Let's be vague, if the run around fails......... :( "In the near future", so, they have no sense of a time scale - really?

The more I hear the more frustrated I get. Such wonderful joined up thinking :o with implied promises....Urrgh :huh:

Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 22, 2009, 08:31:25 AM
I too sent off my cheque to the Friends on Monday, stimulated by this thread, so let's hope we can boost the friends membership exponentially. As David says, is only £6, seems very good value. :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 08:57:15 AM
Thanks very much for that. I have always meant to join the friends and kept putting it to the back of my mind - I shall activate that in the morning :)

As for the placatory letter you received - were you?

No, not really – I appreciate that it might not be the intention to close Broadfield down entirely, but the lack of detail and forethought is worrying. I followed this up last night with:

Quote from: David E
Dear Sandra,
 
Many thanks for the prompt response. I am slightly more assured by Mr Lowndes comments, although I also understand the saving per annum is a mere £120k (or £140k depending on who one listens to), which is small beer compared with other ways costs could be saved.
 
I did also hear that if such a proposal were implemented, Kari Moodie and John Smith would not be keeping their current posts: again, rather disturbing news if true.
 
Is it also true that the museum has realised an increase in visitor numbers for the last year, from 11,000 to 15,000?
 
Lastly, and not wishing to take up your valuable time, 2010 is the 400th anniversary of glassmaking in Stourbridge. Is it not rather poignant that such a move/closure is being proposed to coincide with the epic milestone?

I think 'poignant' was probably the wrong word, but it had been a rather busy day... For those not in the know, Kari and John are full-time employees at Broadfield doing sterling work, and losing their expertise is equally unpalatable.

Addendum to Adam's comment: The Friends also accept Family membership at just £9 per annum and Corporate at £25 pa.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 22, 2009, 10:01:26 AM
Good letter David. :)

Haven't a moment to write myself, though I will have to get around to it. From experience with many different types of campaign, one of the best things we could do is to get as many people writing as possible and to as many different people as possible, copying in as many others as possible. So for example, one person writes to the MP and copies the councillors and the Mayor. Another writes to the Mayor and copies in the councillors. Someone else writes to the head of the tourist board and copies in the councillors and the Mayor and the MP etc
Also worth writing to the Prime Minister. He won't do anything but the letter will have to be passed down to the correct department. Write to the Minister as well. Don't use the same text for each of them.

...just some rambling thoughts! :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 10:31:04 AM
If anyone wishes to contact Sandra Sakalas direct, I am more than willing to pass on her details (rather annoying I don't have Mr Lowndes' address though).

However, adopting Adam's proposal, then if everyone wrote to the people featured here:

 The Department of Culture, Media & Sport  (http://www.culture.gov.uk/about_us/our_ministers/default.aspx)

... this might bring some national exposure to the problem. Additionally, it might be worth starting an online petition:

 Government Petition  (http://petitions.number10.gov.uk)

HOWEVER, I strongly urge that this is very carefully thought through before anyone bangs in some ill-thought-out petition that could have little effect or impact (or look incredibly stupid). So, clear heads please, and not after a glass (or five) of wine...

I have also been speaking with Denis Hebden about setting up a protest web site, where facts and figures, contact names, et al, can be posted. It will provide a focal point for anyone interested in fighting and debating this in the open.

Lastly, we must also consider (as I have mentioned before) about the suitability* of Broadfield House (the building) as a National Glass Museum. If a new site can be found and secured in the locality, this might not just be a compromise, but something that will ultimately benefit all parties. In other words, please don't think about Broadfield House as being the crux of the problem.

*Disabled access to the upper floors is one such problem with the existing building!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 22, 2009, 12:58:58 PM
As part of the Glass Association's attempt to prevent the closure of Broadfield, I will be posting useful campaign material on their Website later today or tomorrow.

This will include a summary of the facts surrounding the crisis, as well as Links and contact information that can be used to bring further attention to the plight of the museum.

This will include contact details for:

Mr Duncan Lowndes, Assistant Director Culture & Leisure, Directorate of the Urban Environment
Culture & Community, Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands

Mr J Millar, Director of Urban Environment, Dudley MBC, 3 St James’s Road, DUDLEY
DY1 1HZ

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley MBC, The Council House, Priory Road,
DUDLEY DY1

I will post a Link to the web-page once it is online. If anyone thinks that any vital facts or contact details have been omitted, I suggest that you contact the Glass Association with your suggestions.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 02:44:10 PM
SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
Your input is now URGENTLY needed

This information should be read in conjunction with the announcement from the Glass Association. This list of contacts and email address may help you to get your message across.

A meeting is being held by the council in early February and a final decision regarding the future of Broadfield House will be announced on 2nd March. Please contact the following individuals to express your concerns:

John Millar, Director of Urban Environment
john.millar AT dudley.gov.uk

John Polychronakis, Interim CEO
john.polychronakis AT dudley.gov.uk

Duncan Lowndes, Assistant Director of Urban Environment
Duncan.lowndes AT dudley.gov.uk

Sally Orton, Head of Museums, Greenspaces & Bereavement Services
sally.orton AT dudley.gov.uk

David Tyler, Councillor
112 Victoria Street
Wall Heath
Kingswinford
West Midlands
DY6 0LX
Telephone:  01384 292340
cllr.dave.tyler AT dudley.gov.uk

David Blood, Councillor
8 Marlborough Gardens
Wordsley
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY8 5EE
Telephone: 01384 832166 (Home) 07801952201 (Mobile)
cllr.david.blood AT dudley.gov.uk
david AT dudleysouthconservatives.com

Karen Shakespeare
Councillor and Cabinet Member for Environment and Culture
34 Foley Road
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 0RT
Telephone:  01562 720499
cllr.karen.shakespeare AT dudley.gov.uk

Les Jones, Councillor
cllr.les.jones AT dudley.gov.uk

You can write or email or why not just pick up the phone!
Please help, please do it now, time is running out.


Best Regards

Graham Cooley


Moderator: Please change  AT  to @ and close up the spaces to use the email addresses.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 03:36:47 PM
I think publishing e-mail addresses on this board contravenes the rules?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 03:38:57 PM
All of the above contact details are freely available on the internet.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 03:45:02 PM
So is mine... I'll leave it for the moderators to decide.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 22, 2009, 03:48:19 PM
It's the way they are available Graham, and this board has a policy not to post email addresses in clear text which may be harvested by spambots.

(My Friends application form also posted off to them.)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 22, 2009, 04:20:42 PM
Banner notice supporting the Museum now added to the GMB front page with the support and approval of Board owner Angela Bowey.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 04:23:24 PM
Graham, could the addresses be changed to links where the e-mail addresses can be found?

Nice banner Anne! :thup:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 22, 2009, 05:41:10 PM
                   HELP SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                       YOUR voice counts


I understand your sensibilities regarding the email addresses, David, however that information is already in the public domain and this thread will be taken down in due course.

I notice that the live email links have been disabled, which will help, as Anne says, not to allow the spambots access to them.

We are now at a critical time as far as disseminating information is concerned. No dedicated appeal/protest website where people can access this information has been set up, and time is of the essence. Therefore, better here than nowhere.

You are quite correct in saying that ill thought out petitions could be effectively a waste of time, but time is the one thing we do not have on our side. The council needs to be aware of the strength of feeling in the glass world as well as understanding the importance of the collections that are being held at Broadfield House.

It would seem that the way it is likely to work is that the meeting in February will rubber stamp an idea that has had NO feasibility study into the impact on the museum, its visitor numbers, or local business, let alone whether the space constraints will allow such a move. NO cost benefit analysis has been done, so the end result may be that the area losses money in excess of the savings being made - with all that that might entail affecting council income (rates, council tax, etc.)

The decision is basically a knee-jerk reaction to the need for cost cutting WITHOUT any real thought going into the matter.

Whilst I have some sympathy for councillors making decisions it behoves them to make informed ones based on facts and figures - which in this case, it seems, are completely absent.

We need as many people to make representation to the powers that be in order that they can begin to understand what a poor idea this is - poor in the sense that it will reduce the cultural significance of the area, and poor in that local businesses could well be affected by the proposal.

It occurs to me that the centralising of the collections with the Red House Cone has, on the face of it, perfect synergy however, not only will there be an insufficiency of space, but by placing two attractions on one site one can get the hell out of Stourbridge as soon as you been around that particular attraction - instead of taking time to go around a number of attractions (Broadfield House Glass Museum, The Black Country Museum, The Ruskin Centre, The Red House, The Bilston Craft Gallery which has occasional glass exhibitions, and other local attractions). Wouldn't it be a better course of action to attract people to a large number of places by linking them in tourist information, promotional material, etc?

In other words a good glass museum, with enough space for displaying collections, acts as a big attraction to visit the area.

What about the links between museums and education? Has that been explored to best effect? School curriculems specify links and I wonder how far that has been explored.

Please, everybody out there, write, email, telephone the people who going to make this decision and make your point. It doesn't have to include everything, just things you feel strongly about. If you have any thoughts, or you wish the collections to stay at Broadfield House because of the space problems at The Red Cone, say something here, especially if you feel you can't elsewhere. Preferably do both (Oh! -and use your name).

We have very little time, and a lot to achieve.

Many, many thanks, Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: pamela on January 22, 2009, 06:30:10 PM
visited Broadfield House during my stay in November 2008 and made the acquaintance with all those lovely people there! I was received in a very friendly atmosphere and can only report all the best! Would have been prepared to pay for the entry -why not? JMHO - Red Cone is unprepared for such a great collection  :mus:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 07:03:24 PM
Battle begins to save Kingswinford museum
10:10am Thursday 22nd January 2009

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/search/4064014.Battle_begins_to_save_Kingswinford_museum/

" BATTLE lines are being drawn in the fight to save Kingswinford's world famous glass museum from council closure. Outrage about plan’s to shut the Broadfield House site has united campaigners across the political divide, who say the tourist attraction must remain open. Dudley South’s Labour MP, Ian Pearson, threw his support behind the campaign to stop closure of the centre and moving its collection to Wordsley's Red House Glass Cone.

Mr Pearson said: "Closing Broadfield House and moving its collection would do considerable damage to the borough's deserved reputation as an internationally important centre for the study and appreciation of glass. The Red House Cone is a fantastic site, but so is Broadfield House. I will be putting all the pressure I can on the council to reconsider this ill-conceived budget cut."

Kingswinford South Tory councillor David Blood also vowed to oppose the closure plan, which the council's cabinet has already approved as part of this year's budget proposals to save borough museums £120,000 a year.

Cllr Blood told Dudley Council's select committee on regeneration, culture and adult education "there would be uproar at even the thought of the closure" of the Compton Drive museum - which houses one of the finest glass archives in the country.

He added: "To move Broadfield House's collection to Stuart Crystal would be a major calamity. I don't think my residents would ever forgive me if I went along with it."

Dudley Council looks set to approve the closure on March 2, two days before the next select committee meeting to discuss the plan. The Friends of Broadfield House met with council officials on Tuesday January 20 to call for a delay in the closure, planned for March 2010, while a new centre to house the collection is built.

Barbara Beadman, chairman of the Friends group, said: “They seem to have lost the plot in terms of our glass heritage. I don’t think the decision should be made, It would be a travesty if it is. Councillors havn’t been informed, if they do go ahead they should immediately have a meeting to make amendments.”

A council spokesman said: "As outlined in the select committee agenda, it is proposed that feasibility work will be undertaken on the practicalities of transferring the services and collections provided at the Broadfield House Glass Museum to the Red House Glass Cone site.

"At its meeting on March 4 and future meetings, the select committee will receive progress updates and monitor the feasibility process."
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Glen on January 22, 2009, 07:04:39 PM
Just to note, for the record, I have written / protested, and the CGS (UK) are aware of the situation too.

BTW, excellent banner, Anne.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 07:24:52 PM
The Glass Association Part 1:

You’re probably aware of the proposal by Dudley Council to close Broadfield House and “move” to the Red House Cone site by March 2010. We’ve just been informed that a final decision is being taken on March 2nd !!! Hardly a reasonable time for consultation and the input of other ideas. Please read the attachment, act on the “How Can You Help” section. Many Thanks; Brian Clarke, Chairman


BROADFIELD HOUSE IN CRISIS

On the 5th. January, the staff of Broadfield House were told that Dudley Council is proposing to close the Broadfield House Museum and move the collections and research resource through to The Red House Cone site, as from March 2010.

Having consulted with staff, councilors and friends of Broadfield House it would appear that the move is probably designed as a cost cutting exercise. In this case, it would be unlikely that funding would be available from the council to expand the Red House Cone site. If this is true, then the move from Broadfield House would be to downgrade the museum facility.

At present, at the Red House Cone, there is neither enough exhibition space, nor adequate lecture space. The research material, library and collections would be hidden away. Because of this, the owners of the loan collections (which include the Friends of Broadfield House) may well want them returned. Furthermore, there is already a large amount of glass in store at Broadfield House and at Himley Hall which is not displayed!

It would be a major loss for glass researchers, makers, enthusiasts and collectors, for the important resources of Broadfield House to be lost to use. As one of the “major” glass attractions, bringing visitors to Stourbridge, it would also be a loss to Dudley Council. Its importance as the repository of major glass collections, especially of the 20th. century Stourbridge area, is international.

The Red House Cone site is owned by Waterford Wedgwood. Dudley Council has a lease on most of the area, but not the Stuart shop, the tea rooms and some of the buildings at the back of the site. It would seem that no decisions can reasonably be made until the intentions of the administrators / new owners of Waterford Wedgwood are known.

In view of the above, The Glass Association is campaigning to stop this move unless and until the Red House Cone site is fully prepared, in order to show as a minimum, the collections that are at the moment displayed and that adequate facilities are created to house the research material. They both need to be readily accessible. Ideally, new lecture facilities would also be created.

The Friends of Broadfield House have just met with Museum Staff and some of the Dudley Councillors, their succinct conclusions were:

-      There had been no prior consultation

-      There had been no detailed financial evaluation

-      There had been no detailed practical evaluation

-      External funding should be considered

-      The time scale was very short to consider the above issues

The Friends, The Glass Association and The Glass Circle would fully support from the move if it were to improve and enhance the Broadfield Museum experience. However, it has been said that the only way Dudley Council can save money is to close Broadfield House down completely and either box up the collection for posterity, or sell it!  The Council would be guilty of losing an entire glass heritage.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The BBC still has a web page in operation, which will allow you to put your objections to this hastily conceived and ill thought out proposal:  TIME IS SHORT.

Add to the comments already on this blog.
www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2009/01/15/broadfield_house_feature.shtml

Please also write your comments to:
 
Mr J Millar, Director of Urban Environment, Dudley MBC, 3 St James’s Road, DUDLEY DY1 1HZ

Mr Duncan Lowndes, Assistant Director Culture & Leisure, Directorate of the Urban Environment Culture & Community, Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley MBC, The Council House, Priory Road, DUDLEY DY1

 

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 07:28:47 PM
The Glass Association Part 2

The Glass Association wrote to Councillor David Caunt, leader of Dudley Council on the 13th January, expressing the above concerns. Following a council meeting on the evening of the 14th January, we received the following reply:

“Further to your e mail to Councillor David Caunt, Leader of Dudley Council, he has asked me to respond on his behalf.

I fully appreciate the concerns that you have expressed in your e-mail and as the Assistant Director responsible for the Council’s Culture and Leisure Services I too would wish to see that any change in the way that the Glass Heritage and Collections of the Borough are exhibited and made available to the public as an improvement  on current arrangements.

That said I am also aware of the Council’s difficult budget position which is unlikely to improve in the current economic climate and the fact that the task that we face in delivering an amalgamation of the two glass heritage facilities will be challenging.

To this end we are establishing a project group to take the matter forward and the Select Committee for Regeneration and Culture has included the project within its work programme for the 2009/10 municipal years with reports being presented in order that the Committee is apprised of developments on a regular basis.

I trust that for present purposes this answer is sufficient for your purposes given that there is a considerable amount of work to be done and debate to be had.

Yours sincerely

Duncan Lowndes

Assistant Director Culture and Leisure”

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 22, 2009, 08:30:44 PM
To this end we are establishing a project group to take the matter forward

This sounds like a standard diversionary tactic, but it may be the result of their having misjudged the potential opposition. We need to know who is going to be in the project group, so that everybody can write to those individuals.

Project group is very vague. Does it mean, as I suspect, council officials, or are they planning to invite, say, Brian Clarke and Graham Cooley to be members of the group?

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 09:08:02 PM
Quote from: nigel benson
You are quite correct in saying that ill thought out petitions could be effectively a waste of time, but time is the one thing we do not have on our side. The council needs to be aware of the strength of feeling in the glass world as well as understanding the importance of the collections that are being held at Broadfield House.

If we can all agree on a wording for the petition, then the sooner it is posted the better - it certainly won't hurt to raise this as a matter of national concern. So I'll start the ball rolling (or perhaps this can be moved to a new topic, Mods?)

We, the undersigned, wish to register our protest at the imminent closure of Broadfield House Glass Museum, based in Kingswinford, Staffordshire, the centre of the country's glass industry. The museum is highly regarded as a National centre, with International renown, and the loss, or the reduction of the facilities, as proposed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council would be a national disgrace.

Too wordy? Have I missed something? Anyone care to edit this?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 09:20:44 PM
I sent this today on the distribution list posted earlier:

" Dear All,

There is much concern around the world regarding Dudley Council’s proposals to close Broadfield House Glass Museum.

BH is the greatest glass asset in the UK and it would be a disaster if the collections ended up in boxes and the museum consigned to a corner of the Red House Cone.

An expanded Red House Cone with improved facilities would be great but seems unlikely if the proposals are centred on cost cutting. A properly costed plan and a consultation process is needed.

You may be interested to follow the comments on the attached two websites (follow the links below). The glass message board “Broadfield House to Close” discussion has had over 1000 hits in the two weeks it has been live.

Please do this properly; we used to have a glass industry, now all we’ve got left is Broadfield House.

Dr Graham Cooley
CEO, USL Ltd.

http://www.glassmessages.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2009/01/15/broadfield_house_feature.shtml

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 09:45:04 PM
David, Nigel

I suggest that a petition led by the Glass Association, Glass Circle and the Friends of BH jointly would be the best strategy and have the highest impact. This could be launched at the Cambridge Glass Fair on Feb 22nd.

The campaign page on the GA's website mentioned by David Hier earlier would be a good place to organise an online petition; however, we should note that the council will pay more attention to actual signatures on real pages.

I will email Brian Clarke, John Smith and Barbara Beadman to make this suggestion.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 22, 2009, 10:01:41 PM
Graham,
I agree that mobilising all the available organisations will add more weight to the argument. But I feel launching something this late could be detrimental - is there no way that something can be instigated online now? I doubt I will have the time to travel to Cambridge.

Can I also suggest that links to where these petitions can be found are placed on other member's web sites (e.g. I can place something on glassyeye.com, which gets several international hits, particularly the US), as this will spread the word even faster. We need to be very pro-active.

Individual action, such as the online government petition, will also reach a far wider audience, in particular those people who might not even be aware of BH. The decision by the Dudley MBC is extremely premature, but acting now will give the petition at least a month to gain support.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 10:23:28 PM
David,

Thanks for that suggestion; I have just spoken to David Hier who is constructing the GA campaign page and is exploring the possibility of linking to a free online petition.

We can then all point our websites at the GA page.

Regards
Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 22, 2009, 10:26:55 PM
http://councillors.dudley.gov.uk/home

On this excellent site you can access the email addresses of every single Dudley councillor.....  :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 10:31:27 PM
Hi Adam,

That's great; you could put a distribution list together and have it downloadable from your website.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 22, 2009, 10:48:10 PM
Hi Adam,
That's great; you could put a distribution list together and have it downloadable from your website.
Graham

On my list for the weekend! I'll do my best.  :) I'm planning to write to one or two MP's whom I happen to know have a piece of my work  (somewhere hidden in a cupboard at Broadfield House is a tiny and early piece of my work, so I have a vested interest  ;) ; also in another life back in the eighties sold a number of pieces of Orrefors to BHGM)  as well as however many members of the House of Lords that I can think of who collect glass. Brain cells working very slowly at present, so may take a while to get into gear.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 22, 2009, 11:03:28 PM
http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum/reference/glass-collections

Here is another interesting link. I found it because I was doing some research on other glass museums. In my planned letters (weekend) I aim to draw attention to the importance of BH and put in context that it is the only glass museum in the country and one of the few in the world. However, this link shows us what the councillors will see if they do some research on their own website - that "There are many museums and galleries with wonderful glass objects in their collections". It is very important to ensure that they don't think that BH is just one of many and therefore not critical.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 22, 2009, 11:25:21 PM
That's great Adam, a busy weekend for you; and the rest of us, I hope.  :)

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 23, 2009, 12:10:12 AM
Graham,
I agree that mobilising all the available organisations will add more weight to the argument. But I feel launching something this late could be detrimental - is there no way that something can be instigated online now? I doubt I will have the time to travel to Cambridge.

Can I also suggest that links to where these petitions can be found are placed on other member's web sites (e.g. I can place something on glassyeye.com, which gets several international hits, particularly the US), as this will spread the word even faster. We need to be very pro-active.

Individual action, such as the online government petition, will also reach a far wider audience, in particular those people who might not even be aware of BH. The decision by the Dudley MBC is extremely premature, but acting now will give the petition at least a month to gain support.

I agree with David that Feb 22 is too late to start. It needs to be now. Feb 22 is a month away!  And like David, I won't be at Cambridge - the same as many overseas members of the board. Yet they too might want to support the campaign.

I have oodles of websites (many are glass-related) which get loads of visits so will add a link to an online petition to them all if I can!

Having taken on a large bank (and won! much to the amazement of both the bank's staff and a retired bank manager in the village) which threatened to close our local branch I can say that speed is vital, but also is spreading the word as wide as possible. Lobby every councillor, lobby MPs, lobby anyone you know who is influential, and even those who are influential whom you don't know personally! Oh, and get the media in there too big time. Petitions are good but letters are better. 100 letters has more clout than a petition with 100 names on it but do both for sure.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 23, 2009, 09:44:21 AM
Anne

Thanks very much for that; excellent advise. I am pushing for the on-line petition on the GA site to go up today.

I couldn't agree more about the letters; to anyone reading this: write to, email or call one/all of the councillors in Dudley. All the contact details you need are in this thread.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 23, 2009, 12:52:21 PM
The Glass Association campaign page is now online:

www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html (http://www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html)

Within the next 24 hours I will promote the campaign (along with Links) on a number of sites that I maintain. If you run a Website or have any influence on the content of a Website, I would urge you to do the same.

As mentioned by Graham, I am also looking at setting up an online petition. Once the Glass Association has given approval I will create an online petition and provide Links to it.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 23, 2009, 12:56:17 PM
                         HELP SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                                        YOUR voice counts



I understand that letters to people have most effect.

I believe that a letter with the various points that could be made is also being worked on, in order to be accessed online. Please be aware that if all the letters are the same they will be counted as one letter.

Therefore, please use any information to structure your letter(s) so that they are all different.

If you can't wait, loads of things can be pulled out of this thread to help make your point.

Perhaps, try to emphasis what Adam has drawn attention to, the collections and archives at Broadfield form a major glass museum that it not only unsurpassed in this country, it is head and shoulders above the others in the breadthe and amount of its holdings in British glass - and as such is world class.

This morning has seen a lot of work in the background and things seem to be centring on the Glass Association site, which is giving both a sense of co-ordination and more clout.

As for a terrestial petition; it seems to me that, once the wording has been agreed there could be petitions placed strategically around the country - perhaps even one at Broadfield House itself?

If not possible at Broadfield, for I imagine obvious reasons, I'm sure somewhere accessible could be found locally. The online petition should ideally be co-ordinated by the Glass Association as has been said earlier. This would get to people earlier and hopefully give them easier access than at the Cambridge Glass Fair, although the petition should also be placed there for people to sign as so many attend that venue and they're all glass oriented :) :)

Again, I urge those of you who are watching this thread to take part. This is everyones site so don't feel intimidated by all these long postings - do your own bit, please. If you don't want to add to this thread the most valuable thing you could do is compose and send a letter to the most important people on Dudley council (see above). It will count for something  :) ;) :).

Joining the Friends will also help, since they are based locally.

Thank you all for taking the time to read all these postings and thank you in advance for anything that you do to help.

Kind wishes to all, Nigel

PS. Your post came just as I was about to post this David - well done, and thanks for your hard work. N.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 23, 2009, 06:27:40 PM
                         HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                                     YOUR voice counts



Today has been a bit hectic :o But I believe to good effect :) ;)

The strength of feeling about this ill conceived move and willingness of people to help is amazing - thank you everyone.

Certainly one by product of this whole thing is that many, many more people are aware of the museum :hiclp: :hiclp:

The general concensus is that there should be two petitions, an online one, planned to be centred on the Glass Association site with links from wherever possible, and a physical one. It is also thought in both cases the sooner the better.

The online one is being dealt with, but it is necessary to have a number of places dotted around the country where people who wish to sign an actual document can access it. Once the format has been agreed then a copy will be made available to download by people who have agreed to take the petition. It will then be collected where possible, or sent to a central collecting place to be collated before handing in. Post will have to be registered/recorded, and ideally copies should be made prior to sending in case of accidents.

So far the following have very kindly agreed to take the petition:

Jeanette Hayhurst (West London)
Peter Layton (SE London)
Basil Loveridge (Brackley)
Al Baynham, mid20c (Reading)

I have contacted Cowdy Glass (Newent, Glos), and am awaiting a reply.

If you can have a petition at your shop or premises then please contact me, nigel at 20thcentury-glass dot com and let me know - and title it "BH Petition". We are looking to spread them across the country, so that as many people who wish to to, can sign. Thanks.

Details of where you can sign will be published once we have the petition agreed and whether signing both the online and the terrestial one could negate their worth.

Finally, I have been told twice today by different sources that letters are very important, they really do count, so please, if you have some spare time over the weekend send seperate letters to the councellors: Mr J Millar, Director of Urban Environment, Mr Duncan Lowndes, Assistant Director Culture & Leisure, Directorate of the Urban Environment Culture & Community, Councillor Karen Shakespeare - details in Graham Cooley's post above. Also the two MP's involved. Your own letter can be the same to each counsellor/MP - just as long as its not the same as someone else's.

Again, thank you all out there, Nigel


Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 23, 2009, 07:55:46 PM
Yesterday (22 Jan 2009) in the House of Lords there was a debate on Tourism. The Hansard transcript is here - 11 Lords took part: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=2009-01-22a.1805.1&s=museums#g1829.0 - all will be worth contacting for support for the campaign. Contacts are via their linked names in the transcript.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 24, 2009, 10:00:17 AM
A very succinct letter is featured in Letters to the Editor, The Times, Saturday Jan 24th, by Jeanette Rasmussen Tranter. It summarises the problem very well and highlights the case, which can only be a good thing :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Patrick on January 24, 2009, 10:39:07 AM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article5575800.ece
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 24, 2009, 02:54:47 PM
Express and Star have coverage too, including concern expressed by Charles Hajdamach (http://www.hajdamach.com/), a glass writer and a former curator of BHGM :

http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/01/14/shock-at-moves-to-shut-glass-museum/
http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/01/24/council-is-accused-in-closure-row-on-museum/

But what is more interesting even is the story from last September which announced entirely different plans for the museums in Dudley - can we pick up on this and encourage Dudley they were right then and wrong now?
http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/09/14/museum-of-glass-past/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 24, 2009, 03:04:37 PM
I suspect the figures for the "feasibility study" did not add up ::)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: jsmeasell on January 24, 2009, 03:11:15 PM
To all those who love glass and enjoy the pursuit of glass history:

Continue to fight the good fight for Broadfield House! Your reasoning is sound and your plans are well laid.

I will add my voice from "over the water" by writing to Council members, etc.



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 24, 2009, 06:35:41 PM
I popped in to Broadfield on Friday when I asked if there was any petition I could sign, I was informed that Dudley council will not allow one on the premises, and the staff could not discuss the closure in a negative manner. Well done Dudley council, cultural vandalism.   >:(

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Sklounion on January 24, 2009, 06:49:47 PM
Oh well, there are obviously two sides to culture.....

Industrial heritage..... (or how the working classes struggled...)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7848798.stm

and....
posh stuff for snobs, obviously.

http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/01/14/shock-at-moves-to-shut-glass-museum/
http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/01/24/council-is-accused-in-closure-row-on-museum/

Marcus
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 24, 2009, 07:30:39 PM
The “feasibility study” has never been conducted.

Dudley council has identified a saving of £120k p.a. to be realised by the closure of Broadfield House. This figure does not account for the running cost of the new site.

The figures do not include the huge one off cost of moving and storage; there has been no study to determine the cost of refitting the new site and certainly no costed plan for an expanded facility.

There has been no feasibility study, there is no future plan and implementing the closure now of a going concern will probably cost money. Dudley Council needs to see an accountant and a business planner.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 24, 2009, 10:09:06 PM
Hi Adam,
That's great; you could put a distribution list together and have it downloadable from your website.
Graham

I have now prepared an excel file with the 69 email addresses of all the Dudley councillors. I can email it to anyone who would like a copy, either in excel or as text.  Email me for this here http://www.adamaaronson.com/display.php?navID=35

as I haven't yet worked out how to upload it to my website  ;D

I have managed to add a page http://www.adamaaronson.com/adam.php?showExhibition=240&navID=17&subID= and you mind find the last paragraph illuminating....

Nigel, as you can see from the link, we'd be more than happy to have a copy of the paper petition for people to sign. As I think we have about 40 people coming to the private view on Wednesday http://www.zestgallery.com/exhibitions.php?showExhibition=29  it would be good to have this in time for that.

After clicking on the above links you may find you need to scroll down a bit, depending on your browser. Apologies.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 24, 2009, 10:34:24 PM
Please can anyone let me have an image of Broadfield House Glass Museum that I can use on my website here http://www.adamaaronson.com/adam.php?navID=17 Obviously needs to come with permission from the copyright holder and I can list a photo credit.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 25, 2009, 09:10:56 AM
I've asked Roger for photos, and he will be sending them to me. I will forward them to whoever wants them. However, at some stage I will visit Broadfield House and take a few interior shots, so that people will fully grasp exactly what they are missing – to anyone who has never been there before, it really is an awe-inspiring place!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 25, 2009, 09:21:12 AM
Thanks, David  :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 25, 2009, 02:17:25 PM
The Glass Association's online petition is now up and running:

www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html (http://www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Glen on January 25, 2009, 03:35:56 PM
Thank you for the information. I have signed!

GT (who is busy writing letters of protest)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Oxbridge Fairs on January 25, 2009, 05:19:25 PM
Could all those with websites please consider including links to the Glass Association site at www.glassassociation.org.uk and also to the online petition page at www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html

We have done this at www.cambridgeglassfair.com and at Circaglass.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 25, 2009, 06:18:34 PM
I've added the link and signed. Now we need to encourage everyone we all know to sign.  :)

http://www.adamaaronson.com/adam.php?showExhibition=240&navID=17&subID=
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 25, 2009, 06:22:42 PM
I have just done the same thing on the National Glass Collectors Fair site:

www.glassfairs.co.uk/news.htm#crisis (http://www.glassfairs.co.uk/news.htm#crisis)

I will also send a Link to everyone on my mailing list.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 25, 2009, 06:24:23 PM
Adam,

If you do manage to get hold of any Broadfield House images, I would really appreciate it if you could forward them to me.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: pamela on January 25, 2009, 06:35:01 PM
David, just having tried to upload my BHM pics of last November - obviously too large - shall try again
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 25, 2009, 06:38:46 PM
Adam,

If you do manage to get hold of any Broadfield House images, I would really appreciate it if you could forward them to me.

OK. David is expecting some, as detailed above. Rather hoping Simon will have something up his sleeve....I suspect he has some super images.... ;)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Glen on January 25, 2009, 06:45:07 PM
Now we need to encourage everyone we all know to sign.  :)

I am spreading the word as far and as wide as I possibly can.

GT
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: pamela on January 25, 2009, 07:51:57 PM
tried to sign at least six or seven times - was not accepted  >:D
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 25, 2009, 08:42:29 PM
Hmmm wonder why not Pamela? It's worth noting here that the image verification letters are case sensitive - perhaps that's why it's failing for you?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 25, 2009, 09:19:35 PM
Having emailed a number of councillors this afternoon, I am hoping that those who were unaware of the proposed closure will be visiting this thread to inform themselves what has been going on, and possibly even to comment. I am sure that everyone will agree that they should be made very welcome here and that their presence can only enhance the debate and take us forward to a resolution. I have already heard back from one opposition councillor who had been completely unaware of the proposals and expressed concern.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Patrick on January 25, 2009, 09:42:04 PM
I have already heard back from one opposition councillor who had been completely unaware of the proposals and expressed concern.

Hi Adam,

I wonder how many of them have heard of the 10 Million they have just spent as highlighted by Marcus in an earlier post..............

quote;-
"Oh well, there are obviously two sides to culture.....

Industrial heritage..... (or how the working classes struggled...)"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7848798.stm

Regards , Patrick.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 25, 2009, 10:01:32 PM
David, just having tried to upload my BHM pics of last November - obviously too large - shall try again

Thanks Pamela - if you are trying to send them direct to me, my mailbox has a limit of 10MB, so 4 images at a time should be fine.

Worth noting that Broadfield House normally have no objections to photos being published, inside or outside, but they do ask for a courtesy note. e.g:

Photographs courtesy of Broadfield House Glass Museum
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Carolyn Preston on January 25, 2009, 11:07:35 PM
I signed the petition, had no problems accepting signatures from Canada. Not sure that they will listen to Canadians though. It may be that given the decision is being made by a local government they will not care (which does not seem to be high on their skill sets) if the foreign people want a glass museum or not.

It occurred to me that given the possible cost of moving/refurbishing compared to running it, maybe the powers that be want that building for something else.

Carolyn
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 25, 2009, 11:10:09 PM
It's more than likely they simply want to sell Broadfield House - naturally, this is great timing given the property market slump...
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 26, 2009, 12:18:20 AM
Not sure that they will listen to Canadians though. It may be that given the decision is being made by a local government they will not care (which does not seem to be high on their skill sets) if the foreign people want a glass museum or not.
Carolyn

Please sign, whatever country you live in. Stourbridge needs tourism. Dudley council needs to know that people come to Broadfield House from abroad, stay in local hotels and B & B's, use local restaurants, taxis, amenities and patronise local businesses. If Broadfield House were to close, Dudley will lose that substantial and vital income for local businesses. Tourism income will most likely drop by much more than the £120,000 they are trying to save.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 26, 2009, 02:24:04 AM
............this is great timing given the property market slump...

Not really. The construction sector has been hit badly by the current economic situation and property developers aren't buying land.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 26, 2009, 02:38:00 AM
tried to sign at least six or seven times - was not accepted  >:D

Presuming that you weren't trying to create multiple signatures, I would suggest that you try again with cookies enabled.

Moderator: Edited after an objection
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 26, 2009, 03:02:43 AM
............this is great timing given the property market slump...

Not really. The construction sector has been hit badly by the current economic situation and property developers aren't buying land.

David, I think I noted more than a hint of cynicism/sarcasm/etc in David E's comment!  ;D
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 26, 2009, 08:49:55 AM
... with an extra dollop of irony... ;)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 26, 2009, 09:27:04 AM
I spoke to a Dudley councillor last night who told me that they are receiving emails from all over the world. He said "if you all keep this going the council will have to listen".

So .. let's show them what we're made of!

We need everyone you know to hear about this disgraceful proposal. Please send out a link to the petition on your email distribution lists and encourage your friends to read this board, and to send emails and letters to the contacts provided earlier.

A big push could turn this crazy decision around.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: tropdevin on January 26, 2009, 09:31:59 AM
Much as I would hate to see Broadfield House close, do we know how many people attend over the course of a year, and how many of these are not local - ie how much does BH really bring to the local economy? Whenever I have dropped in when passing it has been deserted - the only numbers have been for special events.

Having dealt with local government finance as my last job, I doubt that somewhere such as BH is going to be seen as high priority for expenditure compared to schools, education, social services and child protection......etc.  Councils and councillors can get some quite bad press when children are beaten to death because the LA decided to spend money on other services - they may have that at the back of their minds when making decisions on the future of BH.

What we need is a philanthropist who likes glass with at least £5 million going free to buy the place and keep it running - if that is the best solution. Maybe developing the Red Cone site would be better?

Alan
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 26, 2009, 09:35:00 AM
I think Nigel posted earlier that visitors had risen from 11,000 per annum to 15,000. Given that it is open six days a week, this represents about 48 people through the doors a day, on average. Naturally some days are quieter, but I always find a few people buzzing about.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 26, 2009, 10:16:05 AM
As the campaign is gaining momentum it would be a great help if everyone could copy emails to Barbara Beadman, the Chairman of the Friends of Broadfield House, as she is talking to councillors and press regularly.

The email address she has asked us to use is

sales at sign  plowden-thompson.com

Don't forget to change the red portion to @  ;)

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: KevinH on January 26, 2009, 10:32:46 AM
Notice now added to my Kevh Glass web page
Glass Association now signed
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 26, 2009, 10:44:53 AM
Some Numbers:

Broadfield House hoasted one third of the events at the hugely successful 'International Festival of Glass' in August; 10,000 visitors attended the festival and the council have reported that the event brought in an estimated £500k to the local economy. Broadfield House had 4,800 attendees in August!

Broadfield House visitor numbers are going up every year; the festival is hugely successful.

http://www.ifg.org.uk/home.html

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 26, 2009, 10:49:33 AM
Clearly, Broadfield House is one of the jewels in Dudley's crown!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 26, 2009, 03:48:23 PM
I received this today, as did many others:


Directorate of the Urban Environment
Culture & Leisure
Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands
Tel: (01384) 818181  Fax: (01384) 815599  Minicom: (01384) 814686
www.dudley.gov.uk

Our Ref:  KS/DWL/SAN               Please ask for:  D W Lowndes         Direct Line:  01384 815501      
   


26 January 2009   


Dear Sir/Madam

Broadfield House

Thank you for your letter, which I have read with great interest.

I fully appreciate the concerns that you and others have raised regarding the future of the Borough’s Internationally renowned Glass Collections and how they can be preserved and enhanced for future generations.

I would like to firstly explain that we are not shutting the glass museum and attempting to either put the collections in the existing space at Redhouse Cone or into storage, which appears to be a major worry for many people who have contacted me.

The location of Broadfield House is not ideal from the point of view of a visitor attraction. It is not easily accessible to many people who visit the Red House Cone, which is shown, by the number of visitors to each Museum. There are in excess of 20,000 more visitors to the Cone each year, which is one of the reasons why I would like to look at the option of relocating the entire collection to a single site. Clearly, this would have to entail an expansion of the existing Red House site. 
 
I have called for a study on the feasibility of moving the collections and housing them in the Glass Quarter at The Red House Cone.

I appreciate that this will not be a process that can happen overnight and there will be a great deal of work that needs to be completed to ensure that we have covered all bases and understand fully the complexity and cost of what we would like to achieve. 

I see this very much as an opportunity to enhance and improve the services provided to visitors and glass enthusiasts, set in the context of how the traditional glass was produced and I want to be certain that this can be achieved before any decisions are taken.
 
Sadly, armed with only a small amount of information, the press don’t always reflect the full picture of what is trying to be achieved and therefore I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to explain more fully.

It is heartening to know that there are so many people who care passionately about glass and its place in the boroughs heritage and I will do everything possible to ensure that its place is preserved, protected and enhanced.

I will make sure that we retain your contact details and keep you updated of any progress which will also give you the opportunity to be included in the consultation on any fully worked proposals that may come from our study.

Yours faithfully

Cllr Karen Shakespeare
Halesowen North Ward Councillor
Cabinet Member for the Environment & Culture



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 26, 2009, 04:00:35 PM
I too received this and will shortly be replying. My preliminary thoughts are that I am not over impressed. I think we need to keep up the momentum of the campaign. This seems to be standard bureaucrat-speak designed to fob us off and it is certainly not a pledge to keep the museum open.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 26, 2009, 04:10:04 PM
Adam,

I totally agree; in fact a councillor told me today that the staff at Broadfield House have been asked to conduct the feasibility study! This and the letter from cll Karen Shakespeare confirms that a study has not been undertaken; so how has a saving of £120k been identified?

In short this letter confirms that, to date, this has been done without a study, budget or plan.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 26, 2009, 05:08:36 PM
My take is that if a move must be made,

 (and one needs to be realistic in these challenging economic times), a move to the old Webb Corbett offices instead

 of the Glass Cone would be much better, for the following reasons

 

 1.The Ruskin Centre is the new dynamic heart of glass making in the area- there is no Museum there.

2. Students will visit the Museum and be inspired by what was done before. They could sell their ware in the Museum shop.

3. The building is decaying and needs a purpose, and to be restored with Council help.

4. It is a listed Historic building where glass was made and designed.

5. There is more car parking that at Broadfield House.

6. It is about the size of the Broadfield House, and while perhaps not quite so elegant, already has glass making along side it!

7. Nowadays we have to be constructive and not just say “do not close it!” Councillors can show how much it is costing and how few visitors

    it attracts pro rata, to save £120,000 or about 4/5 council staff jobs a year!

 

Anyway that is my take.

Kind regards,

Stephen.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 26, 2009, 05:13:08 PM
May I post the official version to stop any untrue rumours going round. I have received this in the last hour thanks to Alan Poole of Dan Klein Assocs.


Directorate of the Urban Environment
Culture & Leisure
Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands
Tel: (01384) 818181  Fax: (01384) 815599  Minicom: (01384) 814686
www.dudley.gov.uk

Your Ref:                  Our Ref:  KS/DWL/SAN               Please ask for:  D W Lowndes         Direct Line:  01384 815501   


26 January 2009   


Dear Sir/Madam

Broadfield House

Thank you for your letter, which I have read with great interest.

I fully appreciate the concerns that you and others have raised regarding the future of the Borough’s Internationally renowned Glass Collections and how they can be preserved and enhanced for future generations.

I would like to firstly explain that we are not shutting the glass museum and attempting to either put the collections in the existing space at Redhouse Cone or into storage, which appears to be a major worry for many people who have contacted me.

The location of Broadfield House is not ideal from the point of view of a visitor attraction. It is not easily accessible to many people who visit the Red House Cone, which is shown, by the number of visitors to each Museum. There are in excess of 20,000 more visitors to the Cone each year, which is one of the reasons why I would like to look at the option of relocating the entire collection to a single site. Clearly, this would have to entail an expansion of the existing Red House site. 
 
I have called for a study on the feasibility of moving the collections and housing them in the Glass Quarter at The Red House Cone.

I appreciate that this will not be a process that can happen overnight and there will be a great deal of work that needs to be completed to ensure that we have covered all bases and understand fully the complexity and cost of what we would like to achieve. 

I see this very much as an opportunity to enhance and improve the services provided to visitors and glass enthusiasts, set in the context of how the traditional glass was produced and I want to be certain that this can be achieved before any decisions are taken.
 
Sadly, armed with only a small amount of information, the press don’t always reflect the full picture of what is trying to be achieved and therefore I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to explain more fully.

It is heartening to know that there are so many people who care passionately about glass and its place in the boroughs heritage and I will do everything possible to ensure that its place is preserved, protected and enhanced.

I will make sure that we retain your contact details and keep you updated of any progress which will also give you the opportunity to be included in the consultation on any fully worked proposals that may come from our study.

Yours faithfully

 

Cllr Karen Shakespeare
Halesowen North Ward Councillor
Cabinet Member for the Environment & Culture
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 26, 2009, 05:52:20 PM
Thanks for this Stephen.

Quote from: Cllr Karen Shakespeare
I see this very much as an opportunity to enhance and improve the services provided to visitors and glass enthusiasts, set in the context of how the traditional glass was produced and I want to be certain that this can be achieved before any decisions are taken.

Enhance and improve? How can she possibly come to this conclusion? Shoe-horning the existing museum into [perhaps] a quarter of the space is hardly what I would call an improvement... this is a denegration of the service, pure and simple.

I will be writing to Cllr. Shakespeare about this.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 26, 2009, 06:16:50 PM
OOOps sorry Graham to repeat the letter, you beat me to the keyboard and I did not scroll right through all seven pages!
Regards, Stephen.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on January 26, 2009, 06:48:02 PM
The location of Broadfield House is not ideal from the point of view of a visitor attraction. It is not easily accessible to many people who visit the Red House Cone, which is shown, by the number of visitors to each Museum. There are in excess of 20,000 more visitors to the Cone each year, which is one of the reasons why I would like to look at the option of relocating the entire collection to a single site. Clearly, this would have to entail an expansion of the existing Red House site. 
 
I have called for a study on the feasibility of moving the collections and housing them in the Glass Quarter at The Red House Cone.

I appreciate that this will not be a process that can happen overnight and there will be a great deal of work that needs to be completed to ensure that we have covered all bases and understand fully the complexity and cost of what we would like to achieve. 

This somewhat contradicts the intention of saving 120,000 per annum! One a feasibility study... cost at least 30,000.

Admitting the space is insufficient at the Red Cone can only mean constructing a facility of similar size to Broadfield house... cost several millions, cost of financing would thus be tens of thousands of extra costs to the council. Relocation of the collection securely could also figure around 500,000. Selling Broadfield house would be difficult in this climate and have a relatively low input to financing the move.

Where is the saving? There is no possible way to achieve a saving by relocating such a Museum unless someone else is providing a grant to do so and if that was the case surely it would have been mentioned from the start as an enhancement program.

I guess the reality is that it never occurred to them that anyone would care and are now struggling to find a face saving way out.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 26, 2009, 09:20:19 PM
272 signatures in 24 hours is a good start but nowhere near enough to make the council give an irrevocable commitment to ensure the survival of Broadfield House.

One way everyone can help is to send an email to all your friends, families and contacts - indeed everyone in your address book - asking them to sign the online petition and including the link  http://www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html so that they they can click through to the petition.

You can also ask them to forward it to all their address book contacts, and so on.

 :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 27, 2009, 01:08:19 AM
                        HELP SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                             YOUR VOICE counts

Hello All,

I too received the rather underwhelming email from cll Karen Shakespeare. Rereading it in a number of other places has not improved my opinion of it. As has been said it seems to be very much a letter that had to be sent out.

There had heard a rumour, now confirmed by a counsellor, that it was indeed the staff at Broadfield House who had been 'commissioned' to undertake the feasibility study. In my opinion, this is just a ruse to say that the thing was ongoing, after all those same staff also have to continue with all their other duties whilst undertaking the study - so how long would it end up taking..........?

It still doesn't explain the logic of making the decision BEFORE the result of the feasibility study was known. What sort of 'joined-up thinking' is that?

How do they expect people who do not have the experience of doing such a study to produce something that is adequate for the task? Leave alone the question of asking/instructing demoralised staff to actively participate in their own job loss? That is, of course, providing that the outcome were to prove that there was indeed a saving! On the other hand, if there were no saving there is a possibility that the staff could be accused of bias. All in all, not a satisfactory way of going about such an important analysis.

Concerning rumour, there has been very little allowed to creep into our observations on the board, since it would not benefit the argument against the decision to downsize the museum (however none of us are perfect, since this is such a contentious subject :huh:). Wherever possible things have been checked out to try to eliminate this occurrence.

As for thoughts about the current economic climate, and possible replacement building(s) of similar size to Broadfield House.

Firstly, I think we are all aware of that climate, either directly or through the media.

Secondly, the purpose of the exercise is to stop this ridiculous decision being made. Then, and only then, can we become constructive. The campaign must surely have demonstrated the strength of feeling about this, the ONLY, dedicated public glass museum in this country, which is recognised worldwide, by other museums, as well as collectors, researchers, writers, and, dare I mention, dealers.

The aim for the future of the museum has long been to increase its size to house all the facilities it has, so that the archive and store(s) are all under one roof along with the displays of glass - however, to that end the much favoured Himley Hall solution sadly never came about.

If the council wants everthing centred in one area it has long been my contention that part of the old Stuart's White House site would be the logical place as there are two buildings and space for car parking there that would quite probably fit the bill. I have found, through this campaign, that I am not the only person to consider this a possible solution (and yes, that would involve major capital outlay).

Had the council any nouce about them, they would see that there is a great deal of goodwill, not to mention knowledge and experience, out here that could be harnessed to good effect, but not until they see the light and understand the value and quality of what they hold in trust for generations to come -  whether local, national or international. This is the history of the area, that is of interest to a large audience.

While I'm about it I really don't think the huge experience and ability of the staff that have so ably kept Broadfield House running is as highly valued as it should be. It may be their job, but they're darn good at it.

As a final thought, planning to move any museum is a long term consideration involving a number of logistical factors that takes time. To try and cram this process into a small time frame is only likely to lead to distaster - just as in the same way if you don't prepare when you move house!!

Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 27, 2009, 04:52:09 AM
A friend of mine who is a county councillor in Cumbria tells me that over 60% of capital funding such as would be required for developing a new all-in-one museum/archive/library/visitor centre site can come from government or external sources (i.e. non-council) especially if job creation is involved, so the local council would not have to find all the funding from its own budget.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 27, 2009, 10:12:55 AM
I sent links to the Times letter to all Dudley councillors.

Cllr. Malcolm Davis replied thus:

"In response to your article in the Times, can I also say that we pay more than this to remove graffiti"

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 27, 2009, 10:26:53 AM
To anyone who is selling glass on eBay:

Please add to your eBay listings the following statement to promote the petition:

" Broadfield House Glass Museum is threatened with closure. Please sign the online petition to help save this National Treasure. For details of the closure and the petition please follow the link. http://www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html . Thank you in advance for your help"

Thanks
Graham
 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: tropdevin on January 27, 2009, 10:44:36 AM
Hi Graham

Good idea to use eBay as a platform, but has anyone tried adding the direct link? eBay morons staff normally (if anything eBay does is normal...) cancell adverts with live links if these are not for more information about the object on sale.

Alan
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on January 27, 2009, 12:02:28 PM
This morning the latest edition of The Glass Association's The Glass Cone arrived on my doormat, complete with the comprehensive information sheet Broadfield House in Crisis, explaining this situation and urging members to object.

I thank Brian Clarke, Chairman of The Glass Association, together with his committee and other officials, for their speedy action, much appreciated.

Bernard C.  :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on January 27, 2009, 12:19:26 PM
I sent links to the Times letter to all Dudley councillors.

Cllr. Malcolm Davis replied thus:

"In response to your article in the Times, can I also say that we pay more than this to remove graffiti"



So they can keep Broadfield House AND save more than 120,000 by embracing the cultural value of Graffiti - with the appropriate encouragement this can be a great way of reflecting contemporary culture, an approach used effectively elsewhere. It just needs imagination  :-\
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 27, 2009, 12:46:57 PM
With regard to BHM moving to The Ruskin Glass Centre, I am based here,it would never happen as far as I could see it. For the last seven years this site which is owned by The Ruskin Mill Educational Trust has been
applying for funding to develop this site based into its educational/business working model. The college work with students with special needs, but the businesses give time and work with the students as part of their learning process, The Ruskin Glass centre was funded by several bodies (mainly Advantage West Midlands) to develop that part of site into working units local businesses
with a glass basis. The Glass House College who in fact owns the site, would be developed by mainly Learning Council Skills Money (there are other bodies, lotto,English Heritage etc involved)  . The plans have been drawn up for year's and there no extra space on the site. In fact the car park is a bit of a problem already(before development). The site is for education and businesses, but as I mentioned  in an earlier email the learning skills council have just put a hold on the money they had, and I like the term 'ring fenced' for three months (there must have been a hole in the fence) which has in real terms, put the site close down for development and move out for at least a year.  We where supposed to be back here in 2010. But, again because it's all match funding nothing can happen until we have a full pack of cards to play with.

To be true full if a great bails of cash did fall from the sky and Dudley council did do it's study properly and they did buy the rest of the Stuarts site across the road from the cone (which in fact does have a tunnel)and loads of parking it would be quite a good proposition if done properly. It would in fact let the museum open up it collection which is in storage to be seen. Some people are saying that the site opposite has been sold, some say not and its still owned by Waterfords I'm not sure. My farther in law was in negotiation to buy the site some time ago with some other guy's for development, but they pulled out after they discovered some form of ransom strip that the waterways wanted or owed, so the pen never reached the paper but it was close. So in the present climate and with Waterfords situation, Dudley council could be in a good position to purchase the site, again if done properly.

One thing I am certain, is there are a couple of people at Dudley Council who wished they had never opened there mouth's without quite thinking  what they where going to let themselves into. Well done to all
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 27, 2009, 03:13:16 PM
I spoke Dudley Council about the old Stuart site and they confirmed nione of it belongs to Waterford, it is all owned by a developer hoping to getting planning permission for housing.
possibly Complex Development Projects who specialise in developments alongside canals.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 27, 2009, 04:26:52 PM
Below is a letter from Jeanette Hayhurst to Cll Karen Shakespear
in response to Karen's letter posted earlier.

Dear Councillor Shakespeare
 
I would like of inform you of my disgust at the proposal to close Broadfield House Glass Museum. This is a very important collection, not just of glass but also the most important glass research facility in the UK, which I have used on many occasions over the last 25 years.
 
I am led to believe that this is a cost cutting measure, I fail to see how you can expect to cut costs by proposing to move the museum to the Red House Cone site. It is obvious that no one who supports this idea has a clue about the feasibility of cataloguing each item as it is packed, how it is going to be packed (glass to be stored cannot just be bubble wrapped & boxed), how it is going to be stored prior to display at the new venue (glass can be damaged if it is not stored in the right atmospheric conditions) and how it is going to be displayed (new cases will have to be built, who is going to pay for them ? ). No one has any idea as to the time scale these measures will take, I therefore suggest one of your advisers contacts The Victoria & Albert Museum to get some idea how long it took and how much it cost to open the new glass gallery, a number of years ago.
 
I understand that another excuse for moving the museum is because you believe that as there are over (In your words) in excess of 20,000 visitors to the Cone each year, they might befit from the collection being moved there. I would be grateful if you could substantiate this figure and let me know the breakdown between visitors going there for the glass heritage aspect and those just visiting the shop, because as a frequent visitor it appears to me that most of the visitors come in coach parties and they just visit the shop. You also mention that BH is not accessible to many of the visitors to RHC but most visitors interested in the historic glass do not come in coaches or by public transport and now there is also a lack of parking at RHC.
 
You suggest that you would like to relocate the entire collection to one site, well this cannot be achieved with your proposal. It would be much more sense if the council returned to its previous intentions (for which a study and costings have already be undertaken) to move everything to Himley Hall, which already stores archived glass and documents. This would then mean that the glass display could be increased, rather than a large amount being in store and the glass records at the Colsey archive division could be encompassed into the site and you would have a truly magnificent facility with plenty of parking. The whole project could then be funded by the sale of Broadfield House and you could then publicise worldwide a truly wonderful academic and tourist attraction.
 
Finally, as the exercise was to save money, why don't you leave everything as it is, so that we can continue to enjoy Broadfield House Glass Museum and it's helpful staff .
 
Jeanette Hayhurst
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 27, 2009, 04:31:53 PM
Well there you go, the land will be at its lowest value for years and there's no sign of improvement in the home building world at the moment, so Dudley council cease the moment!!! One thing I do find odd with that in mind, I have just heard a nasty little rumour(from an good little bird) that a developer is lined up to purchase the Broadfield building already. Please Dudley Council, tell me this not true ( I suppose they would anyway)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 27, 2009, 10:18:47 PM
A couple of extracts from the many interesting comments that can be found on the online petition, which has now passed the 400 mark:



My Great-grandfather and Grandfather ( John Northwood 1 and John Northwood 2) were pioneers in the local glass industry. Unique valuable glass objects were donated to the museum by my Grandfather. These were given on the understanding that they would be on display to the public in an academic museum environment. The Wordsley Cone site cannot provide this type of facility. I feel that despite my my Grandfather's generosity, his wishes for the donated objects are being ignored.

Richard Roberts



The Broadfield House Glass Museum is a centre of excellence of National importance. It has also a key function in keeping the rich regional heritage of Stourbridge alive.

Reino Liefkes
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 28, 2009, 08:21:51 AM
A couple of extracts from the many interesting comments that can be found on the online petition, which has now passed the 400 mark:



My Great-grandfather and Grandfather ( John Northwood 1 and John Northwood 2) were pioneers in the local glass industry. Unique valuable glass objects were donated to the museum by my Grandfather. These were given on the understanding that they would be on display to the public in an academic museum environment. The Wordsley Cone site cannot provide this type of facility. I feel that despite my my Grandfather's generosity, his wishes for the donated objects are being ignored.

Richard Roberts



The Broadfield House Glass Museum is a centre of excellence of National importance. It has also a key function in keeping the rich regional heritage of Stourbridge alive.

Reino Liefkes


Adam,

Many thanks for these two quotes; both very important; Reino Liefkes; in case any of you didn't know is Glass Curator at the V&A.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 28, 2009, 12:19:30 PM
A new thought. Surely it is possible to get the accounts for the last three years on the running costs of the Broadfield House Museum using the Public Information Act?
Councils have to be more and more accountable and open!

Is n't the MP for Dudley Ian person, a Junior Minister? He spoke in the House last night on behalf of Lord Mandelson, about "being proud , coming from Dudley, of our tremendous engineering background in the West Midlands, and protecting jobs in the car industry!" in reply to Ken Clarke. Has he spoken out yet about the proposed closure?

Shouldn't we quote back to the Council what they say about the Museum on their own website or do they not read it !

"In the twenty years since it opened, Broadfield House Glass Museum has established a reputation as one of the major glass museums in the world. It has encouraged and supported contemporary makers. Its geographical position within the Stourbridge district has allowed it to record the glass history of the area in great detail, with the help of glasshouse directors and workers. .....Broadfield House Glass Museum will continue to promote the study and enjoyment of glass."

Stephen.



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 28, 2009, 02:11:11 PM
Is n't the MP for Dudley Ian person, a Junior Minister? He spoke in the House last night on behalf of Lord Mandelson, about "being proud , coming from Dudley, of our tremendous engineering background in the West Midlands, and protecting jobs in the car industry!" in reply to Ken Clarke. Has he spoken out yet about the proposed closure?

Hi Stephen,

This was posted on page 4 of this thread:

Battle begins to save Kingswinford museum
10:10am Thursday 22nd January 2009
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/search/4064014.Battle_begins_to_save_Kingswinford_museum/

I have a call booked with Ian Pearson later today. As you can see he is very supportive.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 28, 2009, 02:13:10 PM
Stephen, it is Ian Pearson. I got the following contacts from http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alms.cfm

Waltho, Lynda (Lab)   Stourbridge   http://www.lyndawaltho.org.uk/
Austin, Mr Ian (Lab)   Dudley North   http://www.ianaustin.co.uk/
Pearson, Ian (Lab)   Dudley South   http://www.ianpearson.org.uk/

Apologies if someone has already posted these details, but it won't do any harm to repeat them every now and then! Worth remembering that Broadfield House is based in Stourbridge, so I'm not sure if Dudley-based MPs and councillors can help.

EDIT: post crossed with Graham's
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 28, 2009, 02:21:13 PM
A worrying consequence of all this is now people are starting to want their glass back. People loaning glass have been going into Broadfield and asking for their glass back. Its starting to
happen across the broad the executives of the Michael Parkington collection (worth around 2 million) have shown concern with regard to having it back. What of Lord Parmer's (recently deceased) 'Walter' collection again
worth around 2 million that is on loan? This will only make Dudley councils job easier when there's nothing to show. One thing that we need to do is, convince people to leave glass where it is, the museum is obliged to look after it.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 28, 2009, 02:46:24 PM

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum/stourbridgeglass/walter

Does anyone know of a more important collection of Pate de Verre by Amalric Walter and if so where it is on public view.

Lord Parmoor - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2621101/Lord-Parmoor.html

David Queensbury introduced me to him in the eighties, but I'm afraid we lost touch. He was a delightful man.

In the circumstances, I am greatly relieved to learn that it was only his glass collection that is on loan to Dudley and not  his book collection as well!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 28, 2009, 03:30:53 PM
Sorry for getting the name wrong Parmoor not Parmer. I thought that's what was said when I was introduced to him, in fact everyone just called him Milo if I remember rightly. I think the collection is in storage at Dudley at the moment. But when it was given over to Dudley it was with the expressed wish, that it came out on display, at regular times. If I remember rightly we had about 140 pieces in my studio altogether. The catalogue, really could not show the whole body of the collection. Keith Cummings had worked tirelessly on his research of Walter. I look back and think what a lucky person I must be, to be able handle the glass and have an expert in Keith next to me answering any question I threw at him regarding the it. I suppose not many people get that chance. I have no real knowledge of glass, but one thing I have come to appreciate, I know when I photograph good glass, and this collection is beyond good.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 28, 2009, 04:42:51 PM
Further to my earlier ,essage about the Stuart Crystal factory site ( not Red House Cone) , it appears a demolition contract for £190k has been place with a 19 week timescale by the developer see http://www.lawsongroupltd.co.uk/demolition_projects_stuart.html.
Perhaps a local member can advise if this has started.......
Stephen. :mus:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on January 28, 2009, 05:27:27 PM
The Glass Association has made a hard-copy version of their petition available:

www.glassassociation.org.uk/Broadfield-Petition.pdf (http://www.glassassociation.org.uk/Broadfield-Petition.pdf)

Please feel free to download the form and collect signatures on behalf of the Glass Association.

I have been asked to stress that people should only sign one of the two Glass Association petitions. In other words, you should sign either the online petition or the hard-copy version, but not both.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 28, 2009, 05:39:30 PM
Quote from: Lawson Group (the demolishers)
The site is located next to a working canal and adjoins a listed building.


I was a little shocked to begin with - but see that the listed building is remaining. I believe this site would have been large enough to house a museum like Broadfield House, but I imagine the prospects are quite remote if a developer has already taken possession. Somewhat short-sighted by Dudley Council?

I also question the speed in which this proposal is being moved forward. From the first announcement on 5th Jan. to the final decision on 22nd Feb. is indecent haste for such an important decision, affecting a museum of international renown. Why has there been no consultation - and if there has, why were certain people [seemingly] kept out of the loop?

It seems the plans have been kept covered up - if so, what reason? As Simon states, if a purchaser/developer has already been lined up, then questions should be asked why this whole operation has been handled in such an underhand way.

Dates in purple to be checked!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 28, 2009, 06:36:50 PM
NEW WEBSITE

A new website has been launched for the Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum. It will also serve to provide everyone with a focus concerning the closure/removal of Broadfield House. Very much work in progress, but the basics are there.

http://www.FriendsofBroadfieldHouse.co.uk

Please feel free to direct any news or announcements here so that the information can be posted.

This message will also be posted in the  Museum Café  (http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,24754.0.html) if anyone wishes to comment, or offer suggestions on the site, rather than in this thread.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 28, 2009, 09:36:05 PM
Further to my earlier ,essage about the Stuart Crystal factory site ( not Red House Cone) , it appears a demolition contract for £190k has been place with a 19 week timescale by the developer see http://www.lawsongroupltd.co.uk/demolition_projects_stuart.html.
Perhaps a local member can advise if this has started.......
Stephen. :mus:
Its all boarded up with a gate some of the buildings have been burnt down, alot has gone. It looks the same as on google earth view as far as I can see. I went to Broadfield and did some shots outside with Allister Malcombe looking p*%ed off for the local paper so if anybody wants some let me know. I will swing by the old stuart site tomorrow at some point (if I can see my hand in front of my face..FOG!! here today.) and do the James Bond bit. 8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 28, 2009, 10:52:23 PM
Extract from the petition:

Signatory no 472   David Whitehouse   USA   Jan 28, 2009

http://www.cmog.org/dynamic.aspx?id=2164

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 29, 2009, 09:09:29 AM
Extract from the petition:

"As an inhabitant of London. but with roots in the Midlands, am aware of how the Regions so often complain about the lack of attention they perceive they receive in arts and culture in comparison with the capital: Bad decisions like the one proposed above only go to reinforce the impression that Regions aren't always very serious about their cultural heritage in any case..."

James Malpas
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on January 29, 2009, 12:05:02 PM
Hi everyone,

in order to make the Friends of Broadfield House web site as complete as possible could I ask that not only is the text of letters from Councillors forwarded but your original letter as well. Assuming you are prepared to make either public.

At the moment it is a bit like hearing one end of a telephone call. Also it will help others with their own letter writing.


All the best


Ettiene

Info should be sent to campaign [the at sign] friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on January 29, 2009, 12:33:22 PM
Another spanner in the Works?
One fact I have not seen referred to in all these "plans" of Dudley Council, who were planning to move the Museum contents to "The Red House Cone Site" is that Waterford Glass, I believe, still owns or controls part of the site. The factory shop, namely.
At 12noon today, bids closed for the assets and brands of Waterford, including Stuart Crystal and Edinburgh Crystal.
So it looks as if Dudley Council had not factored this in, (unless they have bid for the complete ownership of the site themselves!). More uncertainty.

How on earth can they take a proper informed decision at the Council meeting in March? It will take at least 3 months for Deloitte the Administrators to sort out the sale of the Waterford assets.
The only sensible thing for Dudley Council to do, is to announce a six month moratorium and consultation process, which should have been done at the outset!
Stephen.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 29, 2009, 01:10:40 PM
Dudley Council said they have a 90 year lease on the cone, but who ever buys Stuart will end up with it. I would not be surprised if the Far East move in on this (the glass designs etc that is). And the building is listed and Dudley would control any planing application's. But another sad comment I did pick up that the staff at BHM where told that they would be redeployed (one would be layed off)and not into museum services, that was 'set in stone' was the words used. The General view around here is that Dudley are going to weather the storm on this, as people are finding with the round robin letters, and try just, to ignore people . But as I said before I don't think they expected a load of glass lovers to cause such a stink. I really think stink is going to have to get bigger, there's been nothing on the local tv except the £60 million pound shoe box gallery in West Bromwich. 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 29, 2009, 10:57:32 PM
Latest Article From Express and Star:

This article seriously mis-quotes visitor numbers and running costs; BH has had 12,000 visitors in the first three quarters of this financial year i.e 15,000 pa. However, the council keep missing the point; they are counting bus loads of school kids; who will be happy with mannequin dolls dressed as glass blowers.

The Oxford Circus McDonalds has a larger footfull then the V&A museum. What they haven't realised is that they have a real piece of culture.

Plan to plough sale cash into expansion
This article posted on January 29, 2009 at 11:27 am.
http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/01/29/plan-to-plough-sale-cash-into-expansion/

"Hundreds of thousands of pounds generated from the sale of an internationally-renowned glass museum in the Black Country would be ploughed into funding an expansion of another historic site, it emerged today.

Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford could close under Dudley Council cost-cutting plans. But councillors say if the sale of the building in Compton Drive goes ahead the plan is to pump some of the proceeds into the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley.

However they are also keen to stress the proposals for the sale are not set in stone.

Council chiefs revealed last week they are considering closing Broadfield House as part of plans to shave £120,000 off next year’s museums bill. But they have moved to allay the fears of collectors and visitors collections will be placed in storage or squeezed into existing rooms at the cone in High Street.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “We are not shutting the glass museum and attempting to either put the collections in the existing space at Red House Cone or into storage, which appears to be a major worry for many people who have contacted me.

“The location of Broadfield House is not ideal from the point of view of a visitor attraction. It is not easily accessible to many people who visit the Red House Cone, which is shown by the number of visitors to each museum. There are in excess of 20,000 more visitors to the Cone each year, which is one of the reasons why I would like to look at the option of relocating the entire collection to a single site. Clearly, this would have to entail an expansion of the existing Red House site.”

If the Broadfield House sale goes ahead, the council hopes to release cash to create an improved visitor attraction with all the borough’s collections centred around the Stourbridge Glass Quarter.

Broadfield House costs £250,000 a year to run, attracting around 8,500 visitors. More than 27,000 people flock to the cone each year."
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on January 29, 2009, 11:24:23 PM
 
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “We are not shutting the glass museum and attempting to either put the collections in the existing space at Red House Cone or into storage, which appears to be a major worry for many people who have contacted me

I have permission from Councillor Dave Tyler to post the email below, please note the final paragraph that I have highlighted in red. I will leave it to readers to make their own judgment, in respect of the quote above

Councillor Tyler, in a separate email explained:

Perhaps my family history makes me more in tune with the glass industry. I have a long line of ancestors in the industry including my great grandfather William Breese who was apprenticed to Henry Gething Richardson in 1885.
I have even transcribed his apprentice papers for inclusion in the Broadfield archive.
His father Thomas Breese also worked for Richardsons. And it goes on and on and on !!

From:   cllr.dave.tyler@dudley.gov.uk
Subject: Broadfield House closure
Date: 25 January 2009 22:01:54 GMT
To:   adam@aaronsonnoon.com
Hello Adam,
I am the leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Dudley Council and you may already know that I am totally opposed to the closure of Broadfield House.

If it is to close at some stage in the future it should only be AFTER all interested parties have had a chance to explore ALL alternatives and funding with a view to creating a far better facility. Such a building should include Museum space, training, research, storage and lecture theatre facilities.

If we are to retain and improve our glass heritage them we must all get around a table first before any action is taken.

There is no point in announcing a closure first then expecting everything to fall into place.
If this decision had been made by a business it would fail dramatically and shareholders would call the executives to account.

To announce the closure as part of next years Budget proposals with a possibility of a feisibility study thrown in after the decision has, I am convinced, been made just to placate people.

I understand your feelings about siting a petition at Broadfield House and I would personally have no objection but I don't run the Council.

If you need an example of petitions against closure being completed within closure threatened buildings look no further than the recent closure of primary schools throughoput Dudley and a local swimming baths at Brierley Hill.

As far as I understand there were petition forms in all those Council owned premises ready for parents, friends, family and users to sign and I see no reason why Broadfield House could not do the same.

As far as employees are concerned there may well be some possible threat of discipliniary action which hangs over any officer openly criticising a Council policy as their employer.

One further point and this is purely political.
Whatever any Conservative Councillor says between now and 2nd March when the final Budget setting meeting takes place at Dudley Council House all Conservative Councillors will vote "In Favour" of their own Budget and therefore "In Favour" of the closure of Broadfield House from 1st April 2010. Their Cabinet of 9 Councillors have already agreed this course and their Lead Member for Finance will present the report on 2nd March for ratification.

Hope this helps
Regards
Dave 

 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 29, 2009, 11:52:32 PM
A new thought. Surely it is possible to get the accounts for the last three years on the running costs of the Broadfield House Museum using the Public Information Act?
Councils have to be more and more accountable and open!

Seeing as no-one else has picked up on this, I thought I'd add a reply. The relevant legislation is the Freedom of Information Act 2000, under which anyone may request access many public records, but it should be noted that many  documents are already available without having to request them formally under the FOIA.

The Council's accounts are freely viewable in the Archives - see LINK (http://www.dudley.gov.uk/sys_upl/templates/PT_Directory/PT_Directory_details.asp?esLtr=A&ItemId=143231&action=Display&pgid=4389&tid=150&DirectoryKeywords=&CategoryID=&OrderDir=ASC&OrderFld=)

Quote
Access to council minutes, accounts and non-current electoral rolls which are held, is provided free of charge in the searchroom, whether listed or not, in accordance with the Local Government Act (1972).

If an item isn't in the Archives or available under the council's Publication Scheme (http://www.dudley.gov.uk/sys_upl/templates/PT_Directory/PT_Directory_Summary.asp?ltr=ALL&pgid=4389&tid=150), then an FOIA request may be made, but there is normally a fee payable for this. Freedom of information requests must be in writing, give the name and a return email or postal address of the person requesting the information, and describe the information that is being requested.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on January 30, 2009, 12:36:30 AM
Quote
The permanent and temporary exhibitions at Broadfield House attract visitors from all over the country, while the majority of people visiting the web site are from the USA. The glass collection contains approximately 15,000 individual pieces (including long term loans) ranging from 17th century glass to present day work, with the main focus on glass produced in the local Stourbridge area. The collection of Stourbridge glass is the finest and most comprehensive in the world. The museum is supported by an outstanding glass library and archive collection, and is a major centre for research into 19th and 20th century glass. Enquiries are received from all round the world.

The Red House Glass Cone was restored and opened as a visitor attraction in 2000. It is one of only four remaining glass cones in the country and is the most complete, retaining its associated workshop buildings and canal side location. The Red House Glass Works, of which the Cone forms part, was the home of Stuart Crystal from 1881 and the Council today operates the site in partnership with its current owners Waterford Wedgwood.

Source: ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ A Cultural Strategy For Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council 2006/07 to 2008/09, published by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, 1 Nov 2006.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on January 30, 2009, 01:14:18 AM
It might be an idea to edit the first post with a summary of main links as it has got rather too long to keep up with and some visitors might miss the major links.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 30, 2009, 10:43:12 AM
Dear All,

Please see my attached email of 27th January and the response from Cllr. Les Jones, who has given me his permission to share his response with you; thank you Les.

-----Original Message-----
From: Graham Cooley
Sent: 27 January 2009 19:29
To: John Polychronakis; John Millar (DUE); Duncan Lowndes; Sally Orton;
Cllr. Dave Tyler; Cllr. David Blood; david@dudleysouthconservatives.com;
Cllr. Karen Shakespeare; Cllr. Les Jones
Cc: Adam Aaronson; nigelbenson@20thcentury-glass.com; Brian Clarke
Subject: RE: Broadfield House Glass Museum

Dear All,

A resident of Dudley who's family have been involved in property
development in Dudley has just stated on 'glass messages' that "a
developer is lined up to purchase the Broadfield building already."

This is in the public domain and I therefore draw your attention to it.
I would be grateful if you could confirm that this is not the case.

Graham



Dear Mr Cooley,

Although I don't have the authority to speak on behalf of the Council, I
would like to say in the clearest terms what I believe to be the case
today, and what I will strive for as an elected member supported by many
colleagues. I offer my views without prejudice but in good faith.

I can say with reasonable certainty that there is no buyer "lined up"
for Broadfield House. It may well be that since this issue has entered
the public domain some developers have started to take an interest in
the building, but I can assure you that it is not the motivation behind
the feasibility study and will not be a factor in terms of timescale or
outcome. There is, and will continue to be, much speculation about what
is going on and this is unavoidable in the circumstances. It doesn't
mean there is any truth in the speculation and I am determined that the
public should be kept fully appraised of the ongoing feasibility study
to keep misunderstanding to a minimum. I can further assure you that
from discussions with colleagues, there is no political will to do
anything but the right thing with regard to this most important glass
collection.

Since I am married to the Cabinet Member responsible for this issue, I
will be working closely with her and the Council officers tasked with
undertaking the study. Neither she nor I will be a party to any decision
which would lead to the loss or even the downgrading of the glass
exhibition currently housed at Broadfield House. In fact, as outlined in
Karen's letter, it is hoped that even more of our stored collections can
be put on display.

The worst case scenario, after all that has gone on over the last couple
of weeks, is that the study will lead to the conclusion that there is no
viable alternative and Broadfield House will remain as a museum. If that
is the worst that can happen, then I don't think we have much to fear.

I hope this provides some reassurance with regard to your concerns and I
hope we can work closely together to ensure that the next steps are the
right ones.

Best wishes,

Les

Cllr. Les Jones
Pedmore & Stourbridge East
01562 720499 Mobile 07973 504376

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 30, 2009, 01:19:39 PM
Let us not be too comforted by this response.

Firstly, why the sudden action to close Broadfield House.

Cllr. Jones states,
Quote
The worst case scenario, after all that has gone on over the last couple
of weeks, is that the study will lead to the conclusion that there is no
viable alternative and Broadfield House will remain as a museum. If that
is the worst that can happen, then I don't think we have much to fear.

Really? So what is the best case scenario???

Think about it - if the council's "best case" is to shuffle the collections to the Red House Glass Cone (as has already been implied), then an "interim measure" could be to house a portion of the collection in a smaller gallery, with the intention to expand this "at a later date."

So, when we are all twiddling our thumbs in a year or so, wondering when this is ever going to happen, perhaps we then get contradicatory messages like: "we haven't got the staff; we haven't got the budget; this is earmarked for 2012; etc. etc."

I urge everyone to be very careful about responses from our democratically elected officials, who are looking at this "problem" from a totally different angle, namely to save money (as stated). Also, with it being a Conservative-led council, and with the current weak state of the nation, is such an issue like Broadfield likely to get them re-elected in the future, or not? A rhetorical question, of course.

Until we got firm commitments and promises for a PURPOSE-BUILT site to house the museum, with adequate floor spacing that matches, or exceeds that of Broadfield House (the building), then I will not be comforted by ANY such political rhetoric. Either the glass collections stay at Broadfield House, or it is rehoused PROPERLY.

Keep the pressure up, guys and gals, we are starting to make a difference :)

www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 30, 2009, 01:49:19 PM
I spoke to Central TV and left some details they called me today and I put them onto Charles Hajdamach and the friends of Broadfield they are following it up. The reporter seem very interested.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 30, 2009, 03:18:11 PM
                       HELP SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                          YOUR VOICE COUNTS


It seems that we are witnessing some rather obvious manipulation of the truth by council sources. To date, the visitor figures quoted have been 15,000 for Broadfield House for the last year with Karen Shakespeare saying that there were 20,000 to the Red House Cone.

Interestingly, the numbers quoted to the local paper, The Express and Star, are:

Quote
Broadfield House costs £250,000 a year to run, attracting around 8,500 visitors. More than 27,000 people flock to the cone each year."

These are also figures from Karen Shakespeare, who gave the quote.


At a meeting last night it was announced that visitor figures to BOTH sites average at:

                         10 people per hour.


This might be a more accurate figure to use since each site has a different number of opening hours:

Red House Cone:  7 days per week, totalling 42 hours

                         NOTE:
                         ANY visitor is included, meaning that RHC gets an average
                         of 10k more per yer than BH (see below for detail)

Broadfield House:  6 days per week, totalling 24 hours
                         

Visitor figures at the Red House Cone site include:

                       
                         Any conference that is held at Red House Cone - whatever
                         the subject matter

                         All the people who visit the site to go to Connexions - a
                         goverment job agency

                         The people who work in studios and offices

                         People who only visit the tea rooms
 
                         Anyone who visits the Stuarts Crystal shop


A fair comparison - I think NOT


This financial year visitors to Broadfield House have been 12k in first three quarters of the year -  IMPORTANTLY, EACH VISITOR IS COUNTED



Do I detect politian spin????? :o


Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 30, 2009, 04:00:58 PM
Nigel,

Thanks for a very illuminating post - more of this ammunition please!

Just one point: can you explain what you mean by the following, please:

Quote
All the people who visit the site to go to Connexions - a goverment job agency

I visited there yesterday, but felt no compunction to visit the Job Centre  ;D

http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on January 30, 2009, 05:05:39 PM

                      HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                                 YOUR VOICE COUNTS


Connexions use about a third of the office space at the Red House Cone.


Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 30, 2009, 05:06:58 PM
Thanks, I wasn't aware of this - it does explain a few things about the visitor numbers.

PHOTOGRAPHS

I have now posted about 16MBs worth of photographs on GlassyEye.com (http://www.glassyeye.com/), which may be used for any purpose related to this protest. There are three blocks of photos.

Please ensure that if you post any photograph, then this is made clear (there's no need to credit me as copyright holder). Also, any photographs posted of Broadfield House must be credited as follows:

Photos courtesy Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum

None of the photos are posted for their artistic excellence. They serve a function.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 30, 2009, 06:00:50 PM

I am reliably informed that the turnover from the 2008 Biennial was £750,000.

If the intention is to save £240,000 (which has mysteriously doubled from the £120K originally quoted), then as the Biennial is every two years, the argument for the yearly saving of closing Broadfield is probably completely negated. Also: if you take away the museum, then the Biennial is deprecated, meaning less visitors, resulting in a lower turnover.

The implication is that the Biennial creates more than enough profit to cover the cost of running the museum and still saves enough for the councillors to fly around the world on jollies.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on January 30, 2009, 10:38:50 PM
Shameful loss to both area and our heritage
Stourbridge News
11:00am Thursday 29th January 2009


I READ with disgust the news to close Broadfield House Glass Museum. This museum is central to Stourbridge’s identity as a significant centre of glass and without it we will cease to attract numerous visitors to the area. Whilst the council could argue that the Cone provides a suitable alternative location, anyone that has visited both sites would agree that this is rubbish. Broadfield House is a beautiful, tranquil location and I know many thousands of pounds have been spent in the past making it a secure location. This money would now need to be spent at the Cone. I would guess that the decision to close the museum is centred on the development potential of the land which would generate a sizeable lump sum for the council should the land be sold!

As a descendant of George Woodall, one of the notable cameo glass makers in Stourbridge, and owner of a piece of George Woodall Cameo glass, for many years our family piece has been displayed in the museum. My brother, Christopher Perry wrote a book on George Woodall and was instrumental in launching a unique exhibition of Woodall cameo glass at the museum several years ago. This history cannot be lost to cost cutting bureaucrats and with this in mind I feel certain that should Dudley Met close Broadfield House I would have no hesitation, out of protest, offering the piece to one of the national museums rather than to support this disgraceful move. What a shame and a loss to the area.

V Perry Wollaston

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/yourletters/4082683.Shameful_loss_to_both_area_and_our_heritage___/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on January 30, 2009, 10:43:11 PM
And on the heels of this announcement, I also meant to relay this mildly worrying news: while at Broadfield House on Thursday, I heard that two people had already called in personally to ask for their loan pieces back.

Hopefully this will not escalate into a full-scale withdrawal of any important collections!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on January 31, 2009, 10:50:53 AM
Yes David, as I posted earlier  executives of two major collections, have shown concerns. About 4.5 milloins pounds worth of glass
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on January 31, 2009, 10:19:48 PM
Hi Graham,

I noticed you had posted the text and link to a news item that was put on http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/ (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/) yesterday.

It would be very helpful to Barbara Beadman if you could post a link to the site so that people are directed towards it as well as fowarding any information to her.

The site now contains a great deal of information on Councillors and MPs that can be written to and a few hints and tips on letter writing for those who haven't had to do a formal letter for a while.

Barabara's email address is campaignatfriendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk



Thanks




Ettiene
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on February 01, 2009, 02:50:22 PM
I have just sent the following e-mail to The Society of Glass Technology (http://www.sgt.org). Although not involving collectors as such, its members support would be welcome. I have queried the society before on a couple of matters and the people there have always been most helpful.

Quote
Proposed closure of Broadfield House
 
Dear Sir/Madam,
 
Following the announcement by Dudley Council to close Broadfield House and shoe-horn the collection into an inferior site at the Red House Glass Cone, I feel it is necessary to notify as many people as possible to this alarming fact.
 
Could I trouble you to alert your members to this troubling news?
 
There are three sites worth visiting, all inter-linked:
 
www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk
www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html
www.glassassociation.org.uk
 
The support of members from The Society of Glass Technology would be most welcome, particularly in signing the petition!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 01, 2009, 09:27:26 PM
Following on from David's posting of his photos as to what will be lost if BHGM goes, here is a page about the BH paperweights collection:  http://www.justglass.co.uk/Gallery/BDH/index.htm
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 01, 2009, 09:45:30 PM
Petition now has over 750 signatures. Which is great, but if you look at this page and the most popular, we are a long way off!

I know that many of the signatories are there because someone has forwarded on an email from someone else - and that's great, but we really need to get everyone we can doing it because only then will it become "viral" and really surge in numbers.
 ;)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 02, 2009, 01:03:29 AM
Just a heads up to prevent anyone being confused by the similarity of names...

This is a different Broadfield House in Crawley in Sussex which has been in the press re proposed redevelopment - this is not the threatened museum - the museum is in Dudley West Midlands.  I read the story with a jolt earlier tonight until I realised it's not the same building. Quite a co-incidence there being two Broadfield Houses and both being Grade 2 listed buildings.  ;D
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 02, 2009, 07:26:02 AM
Extract from the petition:

Neil Hynd no 756

"Scotland has now lost its historic glass display in its National
Museum, the Edinburgh city museum has closed its display. Broadfield
is the last remaining major centre outside London and should not be
lost! I have a small collection of glass I was planning to leave to
Broadfield and will now have to be satisfied that anything you now do
is of sufficiently high and wide ranging standards to merit such
patronage!"
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 02, 2009, 03:05:35 PM
Dear All,

Please find attached photo's of the Broadfield House main entrance showing Dudley Councils latest PR campaign. This is not a joke! It would be interesting to find out how much this PR campaign cost.

Graham

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on February 02, 2009, 03:07:59 PM
Well done Graham - it just goes to demonstrate the hypocrisy that's being shown.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 02, 2009, 04:43:28 PM
Extract from the petition:

No 829, Shane Fero:

What a shame! I do not believe that the Red Cone can adequately exhibit the collection.
Shane Fero, President of the Board of Directors of the Glass Art Society

http://www.glassart.org/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 02, 2009, 06:51:14 PM
Hello All,
Heres the report from ITV News Local That Recorded their broadcast today at the museum.

Heres the link,

http://www.itvlocal.com/central/news/?player=CEN_News_15&void=282182

Cheers Nathan
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Glen on February 02, 2009, 07:23:50 PM
Thanks for the link - much appreciated (and it reminds me of why this cause is so important!)

Glen
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 02, 2009, 09:16:12 PM
Last week I sent the following email to Councillor Karen Shakespeare:

Dear Karen,

Thank you for your letter of 26th January, copied below.

I note that you state:

"I have called for a study on the feasibility of moving the collections and housing them in the Glass Quarter at The Red House Cone"

Would you be kind enough to indicate who will be responsible for preparing this study?

Can you confirm whether this will be an external study by an independent consultant and that the public will have access to the report well in time before any decision is taken by the Council?

I should very much appreciate it if you could forward a copy of the briefing document that sets out the scope and terms of reference of this study as well as the time-scale for its completion and publication.

Thank you very much.

Regards

Adam Aaronson FRSA

This evening I received the following reply:


Dear Mr Aaronson

Thank you for your further e-mail. I am sure you will appreciate that this issue has led to a significant amount of mail and since I don’t have direct access to secretarial services I will have to keep my reply brief.

 In response to your specific questions:

 The Directorate of the Urban Environment will be responsible for commissioning the study.

 The first stage will be a scoping exercise to determine the range of options available. This will, I hope, set upper and lower limits for the aspiration to relocate the Glass Museum within the Glass Quarter. The fall back position has already been determined in that if an improved display facility with better public access (including disabled access) cannot be created, then the Museum will remain at Broadfield House.

There will then be a need to set out the terms of reference for the feasibility study. It is likely that this will be undertaken by a professional in the field but who this will be has not yet been determined.

It is envisaged that the study itself will engage all of the organisations and groups who have shown their interest in the future of the Museum and I expect there to be a substantial amount of public consultation throughout the process.

From what I have already said, you will appreciate I am not in a position to forward a copy of the briefing document you refer to, since we are only in the early stages of developing it. The study’s completion and publication dates will also be identified as part of this process.

One thing I can assure you of, is that the details of whatever comes from this feasibility study will be in the public domain long before a final decision is made. I also expect that the Select Committee on Regeneration, Culture and Adult Education will be receiving regular reports throughout the process.

I would hope that we will be able to develop a plan and receive ‘buy in’ from all interested parties. Of course it will not be possible to please everyone, but I see this as very much a joint venture between the Council, the residents of the Borough and those who have a special interest in our Glass Heritage.

On this basis, I look forward to working with you and others to bring the passion, knowledge and genuine concern that has been shown, together to create a Glass Museum which is truly deserving of its international reputation.

I hope this helps,

Yours sincerely,

Karen Shakespeare
 
Cllr Karen Shakespeare
Halesowen North Ward Councillor
Cabinet Member for the Environment & Culture

I certainly think that this is a very constructive reply but as with all these things I shall be reading it carefully a few times before responding.  :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 02, 2009, 09:28:18 PM
I also got a response this evening from Karen Shakespeare to various emails I have written:

Dear Mr Cooley,

Please accept my apologies for not replying personally earlier. I did see the response you received from Cllr. Jones and felt that he had more than adequately addressed your concerns and I fully endorsed his statements. I hope you will appreciate that as Councillors we are not well equipped to deal with large volumes of correspondence and this issue has generated an enormous amount which I am trying my best to deal with.

With reference to your other e-mail regarding the promotion of the Museums service. Yes, I can see it looks a little ironic. However, the sentiment behind it is genuine, we are proud of our Museums and we have increased investment in them in recent years and we do want to encourage more people to visit them.

With regard to your most recent e-mail concerning the supplementary planning document, it is an important process in itself, regardless of the outcome of the Broadfield House study. Planning guidance underlies the decision making process for all planning applications and by clearly identifying the area of the Glass Quarter will allow the Council to exercise greater control over inappropriate development. I am sure you can see the benefit of this in terms of making the most of the heritage we have in this area.

Yours Sincerely

Karen Shakespeare

Cllr Karen Shakespeare
Halesowen North Ward Councillor
Cabinet Member for the Environment & Culture


I answered this email with the following email:

Dear Karen,
 
Thank you for your email, which is very helpful. I did ask you some other question in my email on 28th Jan which was in response to your letter stating:
 
"I see this very much as an opportunity to enhance and improve the services provided to visitors and glass enthusiasts, set in the context of how the traditional glass was produced and I want to be certain that this can be achieved before any decisions are taken."

Does this mean that the budgetary decision regarding Broadfield house has not been made already?
When your committee discusses the funding of Broadfield House is it a seperate item on the agenda?
Are all the councillors fully aware of the implications of their decision?

The key here is that:

The date for the closure of Broadfield house is removed from the documents
The budget supports the museum (or an improved museum) on an ongoing basis

Please could you confirm that this is the case.
 
Best Regards
 
Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on February 02, 2009, 10:15:38 PM
Re the ITN News clip above, for those like me without sound, I think the two interviewees are:-


Bernard C.  8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 02, 2009, 10:40:24 PM
Thanks Bernard, it would have been helpful if ITV had put their names onto the clip so we know. I hadn't a clue who either of them were but agree with what they said.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 02, 2009, 10:55:32 PM
Hello All,
In response to the petition, Even though the numbers are great. We really need to get these numbers doubled atleast!!!
We need to bombard the higher hierarchy with more letters. Do not start to relax, Its important that we keep up the campaign because the minute we relax they will attack, They are just waiting for us to ease off. Trust Me!
By the way the hard copy petition is going well locally!

P.S We are limited on this Forum, We need to broaden our area of impact.
Has anyone sent this information and links to EVERY Museum in the world? This is important!
Even small sites that dont have much impact In the glass world like personal facebook sites and I cause that has been set up to help the petition and the publicity of the closure of the museum.
I have left a link below if anyone is intrested and is on facebook to spread the word further, As facebook is the largest online website at the moment!
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/205853
Cheers!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on February 03, 2009, 12:25:26 AM
                         HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                                      YOUR VOICE COUNTS



Quote
With regard to your most recent e-mail concerning the supplementary planning document, it is an important process in itself, regardless of the outcome of the Broadfield House study. Planning guidance underlies the decision making process for all planning applications and by clearly identifying the area of the Glass Quarter will allow the Council to exercise greater control over inappropriate development. I am sure you can see the benefit of this in terms of making the most of the heritage we have in this area.

So, let me see, what is being said here is that the SPD (Supplementary Planning Document) can be done seperately to making the decision regarding Broadfield House - depite the fact the the SPD will dictate the plan for the Glass Quarter, and therefore the placing of either Broadfield House within that plan, or else its replacement home.

Haven't we been here before?

Is it the policy of Dudley MBC to make decisions and then do the planning?

How is it possible to make an informed decision about the proposed move to Red House Cone, let alone the future of Broadfield House, given the lack of an SPD?


Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on February 03, 2009, 12:20:05 PM
Re the ITN News clip above, for those like me without sound, I think the two interviewees are:-

  • John Sanders, Former Chairman of The Friends.   Many will remember him running the Glass Association stand at glass fairs before Maurice and Pauline Wimpory took on the role.
  • Diana Dias-Leaõ, designer and creator of the glass dresses.

The Woman is Barbara Beadman she owns Ploughden and Thompson the glass works. And is the head of www.thefriendsofbroadfield.co.uk

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on February 03, 2009, 02:46:22 PM
Simon — Thanks, and apologies to Diana and Barbara.

I should have said:-

Bernard C.  8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on February 03, 2009, 03:32:21 PM
That's fine Bernard. One day I will learn to get my spellings right too. :cry:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 03, 2009, 04:32:05 PM
Supplementary Planning Documents AND RESPONSE FORMS are now online!

This is for Stage 1 of the SPD (Evidence Gathering)  it says, which is to identify the are covered by the Glass Quarter. (It will be seen from the map that the existing BHGM at Kingswinford is outside the are of the proposed Glass Quarter boundary.)

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/environment--planning/planning/local-development-framework/glass-quarter-spd 
(scroll down to the bottom of the page)

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED BY DUDLEY MBC BY 5PM ON MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY!!!

NOTE: according to Dudley MBC's Local Development Scheme (published March 2008, also downloadable from their website) the Glass Quarter SPD timetable should be as follows:

Timetable
Evidence Gathering  November 2008
Public Participation  July 2009
Representation  September 2009
Finalise Adoption December 2009

Curiously, the SPD documents now available on Dudley MBC website were only created on 22 Jan 2009! - that is 12 days after the origination of this topic.  :-\



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on February 03, 2009, 09:07:06 PM
Hi Y'all,

just a quick update on the http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/ (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/) web site.

Nearly all the letters from this posting are now transfered but still have quite a few to do that have been copied to me. Letter index re-vamped and easier to use see http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/indexofletters.html (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/indexofletters.html).

Bit of colour added in the header

Article  entitled "Who’s banning the petition?" posted on front page.

Articles on museum visitor numbers and a few other subjects will be posted once info from here and other sources is collated.

New page on the Glass Quarter proposal added see http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/newsinfo/newsviewsindex/nvsiitem0802031.html (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/newsinfo/newsviewsindex/nvsiitem0802031.html) but as of this posting Dudley web site down. Will check in the morning in case they have moved the pages once its up again.

Thanks to David Encill for Hints & Tips on letter writing see http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/letterspetitions/letterwriting.html (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/letterspetitions/letterwriting.html). If there are any more that should added let me know. If anyone has some word templates to give people a start on layout please send them.

Send stuff to webatfriendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk


All the best


Ettiene
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on February 03, 2009, 09:31:21 PM
Minor aside...

Extract from the petition:
Neil Hynd no 756
"Scotland has now lost its historic glass display in its National
Museum, the Edinburgh city museum has closed its display. Broadfield
is the last remaining major centre outside London and should not be
lost! I have a small collection of glass I was planning to leave to
Broadfield and will now have to be satisfied that anything you now do
is of sufficiently high and wide ranging standards to merit such
patronage!"
Inaccurate, the NMS is undergoing major 3 year refurbishment so closure is temporary. The main Glass Collection at Huntly House is still in situ - however, rarely opened due to staff a.k.a. funding shortages.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on February 04, 2009, 12:37:16 AM

  • Barbara Beadman of Plowden & Thompson, current Chairman  :huh: of The Friends.

:-[
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 04, 2009, 03:14:31 AM
Frank, the name depends on what is specified in the constitution of the group, not the gender of the person holding the office.  :P
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 04, 2009, 09:53:29 AM
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4096868.Council_s_museum_PR_is__laughable_/

' Council's museum PR is "laughable" '   -click on the link to read the article!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on February 04, 2009, 12:40:08 PM
The Stourbridge News also has a poll running, readers can vote there too to help the local press gauge interest! Link at end of article that Adam has just posted above.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 04, 2009, 03:16:55 PM
"Meanwhile, Never Flinch, Never Weary, Never Despair."
Winston Churchill, Hansard, 1 March 1955

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on February 04, 2009, 10:41:23 PM
The Stourbridge News also has a poll running, readers can vote there too to help the local press gauge interest! Link at end of article that Adam has just posted above.

When I voted yesterday, it stood at Yes 4% No 96% seems that the yes's have grown a bit  :-\ Today:

Quote
Do you think the council should close Broadfield House?

Yes : 5%

No: 95%
Title: Broadfield House Museum: Petition to No. 10 for support against closure
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 05, 2009, 10:23:06 AM
I see in the comments from the supporters/signatories that a second petition to Downing Street asking for intervention has been created. :hiclp:

The link to sign up is here.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/savebroadfield/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 05, 2009, 11:26:15 AM
Letter From Ian Pearson MP to Cllr David Caunt
04 February 2009

Dear David

BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM

I am writing formally to express my concerns over reports in the press that the Council is proposing to close Broadfield House Glass Museum and move the collections and research resource to the Red House Cone site.

As chair of the Red House Cone Trust I helped to raise £1.7million for its refurbishment and it is a superb facility.  I totally fail to see however that it could possibly house the internationally renowned glass collections that are currently at Broadfield House in its current buildings.

I have been approached by a number of Friends of Broadfield House who say they have not been consulted on this, nor has any detailed financial or practical evaluation been undertaken.  They are I believe taking a very constructive approach nonetheless, and tell me that they would support a move if it were to be an enhancement and improvement on what is currently on offer at Broadfield House. I fully support this view.  We have a proud glass heritage and currently curate some of the finest pieces to be found anywhere in the world.  We should be looking to do more to show it off, not cram it away somewhere mostly out of sight.

I think as an immediate first step the Council should assure the current staff at Broadfield House that their jobs are secure.  Following that they should, in examining the feasibility of options to enhance and improve the current offer, work closely with the Friends, The Glass Association and the Glass Circle.  I would, of course, be happy to lend my support in this matter as I did previously with the Red House Cone.

Yours sincerely
 
IAN PEARSON
cc Cllr David Sparks
cc Cllr Dave Tyler
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 05, 2009, 12:18:01 PM
Online petition now stands at 981 and we have 20 signatures on the paper version here, so we are now into four figures.
1001 total.

How soon can we get to 10001?

 :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 05, 2009, 02:04:48 PM
Hello Adam,
You are quite right, The petition is good but we really need more numbers.
How can we go about this? Apart from word of mouth.
I know spamming isnt the best option but If everyone sends the link to 50 people on email, Letter or any other methods, Just 1 reply from all those is better than none!

Cheers, Nathan Smith
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 05, 2009, 03:24:13 PM
The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum
5th February 2008, 1.50p.m.

Dear Friends of our museum and glass collection.

I have just spoken to the Deputy Director of the Urban Environment (Dudley MBC) who has had a meeting with the Staff at Broadfield. The outcome is positive and in line with the letters and emails Cllr. Shakespeare has sent out.

A feasibility study will be commencing which will be thorough, robust, and involve external museum consultants. Dudley Council is trying to plan for the long term. They will be developing a long term plan for the Red House site.

Long term decisions will be based upon the findings of the feasibility study and unless another site can duplicate and enhance the offering of Broadfield no long term decision to close Broadfield will be taken.

Thank you to everyone who has pursued this cause.  Everyone is a winner.

Yours sincerely

Barbara P. Beadman
Chairman of The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 05, 2009, 04:15:45 PM
This is a good step forward Graham, and thanks to Barbara for the update.

I do think we need to be aware that until the feasibility study is done and the whole decision making process is complete and the collection safe either in BH or in a new location with enhanced facilities, that we aren't actually winners.

Dudley's Supplementary Planning Documents for the Glass Quarter are now online, the process takes time to resolve, but input into that planning process is essential if the outcome we all want to see is to be achieved. If no-one responds to the SPD or subsequent consultations then Dudley MBC will do as they please and we'll not be winners, so please do take the time to respond to any planning or other consultation documents issued by the council.

Dudley MBC now has the opportunity to use some imagination, be innovative, and, with the support of the glass community and politicians at UK and EU level, create a world-class museum and archive facility for the collection currently located at Broadfield House. Let's make sure that Dudley MBC know they have our support for such a facility. Onwards and upwards as the saying goes!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 05, 2009, 04:46:43 PM
Hello Adam,
You are quite right, The petition is good but we really need more numbers.
How can we go about this? Apart from word of mouth.
I know spamming isnt the best option but If everyone sends the link to 50 people on email, Letter or any other methods, Just 1 reply from all those is better than none!

Cheers, Nathan Smith

I agree, Nathan.

Even though the council seems to be reacting favourably, anything can happen. Until we have an irrevocable guarantee in writing from the Council that the museum will remain open with the existing staff levels maintained, I think the campaign should continue and we should maintain the momentum.
 :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on February 05, 2009, 04:53:52 PM
Graham et al — I notice that your yellow campaign banner is privately hosted.   Please would you make available on the Glass Association website or elsewhere a similar banner to which we can all link from our websites, emails, and discussions on other forums.

I've several communications on the subject of Broadfield House going out later today, so I would appreciate a fairly speedy response.

Thanks in advance,

Bernard C.  8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 05, 2009, 05:17:48 PM


Has everybody seen that there is another petition to Downing Street being organised? (I saw you have Anne!).

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/savebroadfield/

I also went to a link somewhere in connection (I think it was aa put the link to Dudley council) with this to look at some pate-de-verre, and I was invited to comment on their website after viewing the pieces.

I did, politely, but in no uncertain terms, ask for Broadfield House Glass Museum to be saved.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 05, 2009, 05:32:35 PM
Sue, I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, as I know you have been campaigning very hard on this, but I would very much advise against having two petitions.

The main petition is doing very well and I think a second petition will confuse the issue. Also if you look on the main petition, you will see that there are international signatories from around 30 different countries, whereas the other one only accepts UK signatures.

Particularly now that the campaign is starting to reach people who may be interested in preserving our cultural heritage but may not be completely nuts about glass, to ask them to sign more than one petition may deter them from signing either. We need to avoid the yawn factor.

So I would suggest that we don't dilute the support and focus it on maintaining the excellent momentum on the main petition.
 :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on February 05, 2009, 05:33:52 PM
Yes Sue,

I saw your previous post as well.

How is that petition being promoted? If it doesn't get a good response then it may well be detrimental to the cause.

I, (and a number of other campaigners), am concerned that the effort to save Broadfield House and its collections and archive is being dissapated - however well meaning the intention behind it  :).

(Note: Adam posted whilst I was writing this).

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 05, 2009, 05:44:23 PM
 :spls:
Fine.
I merely saw that the person who started it had put it in their "comments" on the main petition - I have been reading and following the main one, as well as spreading it as far as I can amongst friends and other forums I'm on. I didn't think it was a bad idea, so passed it on here.

Please, don't shoot the messenger! :-[
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 05, 2009, 05:46:19 PM
How could anyone shoot such a delightful messenger!  ;)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 05, 2009, 06:25:47 PM
The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum
5th February 2008, 1.50p.m.

Dear Friends of our museum and glass collection.

I have just spoken to the Deputy Director of the Urban Environment (Dudley MBC) who has had a meeting with the Staff at Broadfield. The outcome is positive and in line with the letters and emails Cllr. Shakespeare has sent out.

A feasibility study will be commencing which will be thorough, robust, and involve external museum consultants. Dudley Council is trying to plan for the long term. They will be developing a long term plan for the Red House site.

Long term decisions will be based upon the findings of the feasibility study and unless another site can duplicate and enhance the offering of Broadfield no long term decision to close Broadfield will be taken.

Thank you to everyone who has pursued this cause.  Everyone is a winner.

Yours sincerely

Barbara P. Beadman
Chairman of The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum



Hello Graham and the other Members of the forum,
I have read the statement made by Barbara, I think its to wooly and too loose. A feasibility study will be commencing, but when will it commence?
If they are planning a long term plan for redhouse cone, Is this seperate from the feasibility study or are they just planning ahead? I dont think this battle is over at all!!! We should continue to campaign untill It is set in stone, and in full view of the public eye! Thats the very least we can do! I feel that the last paragraph is indicating that the friends have won the battle and they can stand down. But this is deffinatley not the case!

Cheers Nathan!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 05, 2009, 06:31:04 PM
Isn't that what I said above Nathan?!   :kissy:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on February 05, 2009, 07:32:18 PM
Hi Y'all,

Barbara Beadman has asked me to post a quick note to say that her letter was written as at 1:50pm today, which is why she dated and time-stamped it. It was based on a conversation with Duncan Lowndes and since then further information has come to light. It was not her intention to give the impression that everything was fine but to let everyone know that progress had been made and that based on the information she received prior to 1:50pm things were looking positive.

Indications are that requests confirming in writing what was discussed may not been forthcoming and so a second letter will be issued tomorrow to clarify issues that inexplicably remain outstanding.

It is disappointing but it was thought genuine progress had been made.


Will post information on the Friends web site tomorrow.



All the best



Ettiene






Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 05, 2009, 09:04:06 PM
I've also had a chat with Barbara this evening and it certainly does sound as if there is a breakdown of communication between the various Council members and executives, which is not surprising in the circumstances. I've formed the impression that the right hand is not talking to the left hand and there certainly seems to be more than one agenda. It appears that whatever Duncan Lowndes may have said earlier today, and this may well have been in good faith, the budget cuts remain and the Cabinet are going to vote the budget in, and presumably BHGM out, unless we press on with the campaign.

As stated above in Ian Pearson's letter:

"I think as an immediate first step the Council should assure the current staff at Broadfield House that their jobs are secure.  Following that they should, in examining the feasibility of options to enhance and improve the current offer, work closely with the Friends, The Glass Association and the Glass Circle."

The silence is deafening.


Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 05, 2009, 09:31:23 PM
Hi,

Adam's post seems to be correct; the council are in a complete mess; there's no leadership; no formal statement and a pending budgetary decision without any high level strategic thinking.

It's time they were asked some direct questions about who the decision makers are. We should re-double our efforts to get to the bottom of this. I suggest polite emails asking what's going on.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 05, 2009, 10:32:04 PM
Last week I sent an email to Councillor Karen Shakespeare:
see post 188 above for the text which refers to the complex feasibility study proposed.

I certainly think that this is a very constructive reply but as with all these things I shall be reading it carefully a few times before responding.  :)

I have now replied as follows:

"Dear Karen,

Thank you for your letter of 2nd February.

Your proposed feasibility study seems very thorough and well planned and I note that you will be commissioning a professional in the field.  I shall be interested in learning who you plan to appoint, in due course.

From the enquiries that I have made, I am given to understand that a feasibility study of this nature is likely to cost the Council somewhere in the region of £25,000.

I am slightly confused as to how you will be sourcing this funding. I had been under the impression that the proposed closure of Broadfield House Glass Museum was related to the need to reduce expenditure not increase it.

Perhaps you would be kind enough to elucidate.

Thank  you,

Kind regards

Adam Aaronson FRSA"

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 06, 2009, 02:00:36 PM
Sent today:

Dear David Caunt

Karen Shakespeare has kindly pointed out that you, as leader of the council, are probably the most appropriate recipient of our communications. She has also pointed out that she does not have the time and resources to deal with the large number of enquiries related to Broadfield House and that you (with greater resources at your disposal) will be able to respond in a shorter timescale.

My apologies, we meant not personal/professional offence. I will communicate to my colleagues this mistake on our part.

There are many letters directed to yourself, Karen, John Millar and Duncan Lowndes that have not been responded to and I would be grateful if you could clear the backlog.

I did not receive a response to my last communication to Karen and therefore attach it here for your earliest consideration.

Best Regards

Graham Cooley

“ Dear Karen

Thank you for your email, which is very helpful. I did ask you some other question in my email on 28th Jan which was in response to your letter stating:
 
"I see this very much as an opportunity to enhance and improve the services provided to visitors and glass enthusiasts, set in the context of how the traditional glass was produced and I want to be certain that this can be achieved before any decisions are taken."

•   Does this mean that the budgetary decision regarding Broadfield house has not been made already?
•   When your committee discusses the funding of Broadfield House is it a seperate item on the agenda?
•   Are all the councillors fully aware of the implications of their decision?

The key here is that:
•   The date for the closure of Broadfield house is removed from the documents
•   The budget supports the museum (or an improved museum) on an ongoing basis

Please could you confirm that this is the case.
 
Best Regards
 
Graham
 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 06, 2009, 03:12:24 PM
As Graham points out, the only person with the authority to over-ride the decision to close Broadfield House is Councillor David Caunt, the Leader of the Council. From the enquiries I have made, I understand he is a highly cultured and most reasonable individual who is particularly interested in preserving Stourbridge's long and rich glass heritage of who is taking a personal interest in the future of Broadfield House Glass Museum.

Therefore it is recommended that anybody who has written any letters to other councillors, MP's etc should forward a copy to

cllr.david.cauntat signdudley.gov.uk

and all future letters should be addressed to and/or copied to him.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on February 06, 2009, 05:59:00 PM
Sent today to Cllr Caunt:

Quote
Dear David,
 
As a researcher, writer and publisher, I think you can appreciate my concern over the proposed closure of Broadfield House! I have attached a letter that I wrote this week to three MPs:
 
Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham, MP
Secretary of State to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport
Barbara Follett, MP
Minister for Culture, Creative Industries & Tourism
Lynda Waltho, MP
Stourbridge
 
Here I explain the situation and the impact this will have on Stourbridge - not just the immediate future, but the long-lasting effect to the International Festival of Glass Biennale, which will inevitably be deprecated, and the long-lasting future to the area.
 
I have, for some time, used the facilities available to the public, namely the archives at Himley Hall, the various glass stored at Himley and Broadfield House, and the expertise of the thoroughly welcoming staff - what a delight to meet such people, who prove so helpful and informed!
 
I have also assisted with the archiving work and was glad that my input proved useful. I will be happy to offer my services again in the future, if they are required.
 
While my feelings may be at odds with some people, I know that as a museum Broadfield House can always be improved upon. For example, disabled access is hardly welcoming to the majority of the collection.
 
However, just because the Red House Glass Cone may appear to have "adequate space" (as claimed by a member of staff at Red House), the actual floor area truly required is far in excess to what is available (assuming it is the rooms in the upper floor?) - after all, what is displayed at Broadfield House is just part of that which is actually in storage.
 
I therefore suggest that it might be worth considering the old Stuart Glass site opposite the Red House - I understand the developers have halted work and the area required is quite small in relation to the rest of the site. In fact, buildings already exist that could possibly be deployed, thereby reducing the expenditure further.
 
Think how this could plan out over the years - two totally independent sites, just yards apart, offering a totally diverse and educational look at how the glass was made, and the spectacular end-results!
 
I agree that this land either needs purchasing, or securing on a long lease, at a time when the council is trying to save money. But I also believe strongly in looking ahead to the future and not simply looking at "available solutions", which will simply prove inadequate over time, and threaten the international status that Broadfield has built up over the 30 years of its existence.
 
In any event, the immediate need is to secure the future of the Broadfield House glass collections and I therefore totally oppose the move. Stourbridge's main asset is its glass heritage. I urge the council not to take hasty action which jeopardises this.
 
I look forward to any comments you may have.

My letter to the MPs, will feature on The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/) web site
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 06, 2009, 06:35:28 PM
The BBC seem to have caught up with the campaign (at last!) with an updated story and loads and loads of comments from people about the closure plans:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2009/01/15/broadfield_house_feature.shtml
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 06, 2009, 07:37:01 PM
Hi Anne,

Thank you for pointing out the updates on the BBC site, some excellent comments including this one from the former Glass & Ceramics Curator of the V&A, Jennifer Opie.

Jennifer Opie

I am extremely sorry to hear of the proposed closure of Broadfield House and the very serious uncertainty of its collections receving anything like adequate, let alone improved display facilities at the Red House Cone. Broadfield House is the only UK museum specialising in glass and sited as it is in the centre of the historic glass making area, it makes a unique and vital point about Britain's heritage as well as offering visitors the opportunity to see British glass in context with production from factories and makers internationally. The collections have been assembled using public money and the public have a continuing right to access them. In addition, the staff there are the first point of contact for scholars worldwide studying British glassmaking history. Proper and full consultation is not only wise in such circumstances but is morally essential.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on February 07, 2009, 09:16:36 AM
Dear Y'all,

Nigel made it into the printed Stourbridge News as well as on to their web site. Has been added to press cutting page.

http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/newsinfo/newsviewsindex/presscuttings.html#l05feb091 (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/newsinfo/newsviewsindex/presscuttings.html#l05feb091)



Ettiene





Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on February 08, 2009, 09:26:31 AM
The more exposure we get, the better. Is there any way we can propogate the message further?

I also note the petition has risen to nearly 1,100, including people from Japan, Cayman Islands and Indonesia. Many more to come, I'm sure.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on February 08, 2009, 09:31:42 AM
I've improved a little on Paul and Graham's original GMB signature block, making the GA banner clickable, and minimising the vertical space used, making it more discussion board friendly.

If you wish to use it, you will find the code at the following link.   Note that you don't need to understand it (although it's not very difficult), just copy and paste it into the signature block box in your profile set-up.

See http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,25013.0.html

Bernard C.  8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on February 08, 2009, 10:25:53 AM
Friends of Broadfield House Site Update

Lots of updates on the site and minor layout tweaks.

Campaign update from Barbara Beadman on home pagehttp://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/index.html (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/index.html)

David Encill's letter to Andy Burnham http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/letterspetitions/supportersletters/encilldavid.html (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/letterspetitions/supportersletters/encilldavid.html)

Sections now added for letters from supporters rather than just single page. (was getting too long) Page detailing individuals with links http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/letterspetitions/supportersinfo.html (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/protest/letterspetitions/supportersinfo.html) or to see pages use menu protest>protest to>letters & Petitions> Supporters letters.

Letter tracking set up at the end of letters that have lots of replies to make it easier to follow.

Anything I've missed let me know


Thanks


Ettiene
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 09, 2009, 11:14:15 AM
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4111631.Row_over_Broadfield_House_continues/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on February 09, 2009, 05:24:20 PM
Thanks. Aren't some of those quotes misattributed though? Seems as though they've just been lifted from the Friends of Broadfield House (http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk) site's homepage...
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 09, 2009, 06:39:00 PM
Hello All!
There is a very good article in today’s Express and Star February 9th.
I think the comments from the council were a bit strange but my main point to say here is....On day 1 we managed to get a piece on the front of Express and Star! The next piece was on page 12. And today.... Were down to page 25. At this rate we will be in the small ads, a week Monday.

As we all know our campaign is getting stronger but there are some comments in the article today that may indicate we are losing the battle!
This is definitely not the case!

Let’s keep it up!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 10, 2009, 10:24:59 AM
Ian Jones FRSA has given me permission to post the following email to Councillor Karen Shakespeare:

From: Ian Jones
To: cllr.karen.shakespeare atsign dudley.gov.uk
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 4:37 PM
Subject: Broadfield House Glass Museum

 
Dear Councillor Shakespeare
 
You will, I know, have had a pile of emails about Broadfield House Glass Museum.  I can only apologise for adding to the pile, but here goes.
 

I have carried out a number of feasibility studies on museums and I am currently the secretary of an international museums’ committee, part of the International Council of Museums.  A week ago a glassmaker phoned me as a fellow member of the Royal Society of Arts.  He had noted my involvement in museums and wanted to know if I would care to sign a petition to save Broadfield House Glass Museum.   I had never been to the museum, in spite of its great reputation.  However, I did my homework and read the background information he sent me.  Last Saturday I drove up to Stourbridge from London and had a look for myself.  I was simply interested and I have no axe to grind and I am not being paid.

I think that to move the museum to the Red Cone site would be mistaken for a number of reasons:

The site

1.             The Red Cone site is in an unfortunate position on the edge of a very busy road.  It is not a good site for a large and important museum and a glass making complex.  Not only is acces difficult, but the site is limited and I cannot for the life of me see where the museum collection could fit in.   It is not just the objects on display in the museum which have to be housed, but those in storage and all the related research material which museums of this importance hold.  As matters stand there simply is not the space available.   If the commercial Stuart Crystal Gift Centre and the tea rooms were to become available then conceivably most of the artefacts currently on display could be squeezed in – at a pinch.  However, this would involve a substantial amount of capital investment, not least because you will have a major building project on your hands – and the site would still have very serious limitations.

Broadfield House

1.             The Museum has an international reputation - by any standard.

2.             The building is first rate and the grounds outside are attractive.  The location is not perfect and car parking is limited.  However, the same can be said for the Red Cone site – more so in fact.

3.             Broadfield House has had a great deal of public money invested in it.  All this will be wasted if the proposed move goes ahead.

4.             The collection has taken many years of time and effort to build up and present to the public.  The museum will have to start all over again.  The objects may be there, but their presentation will have to be rethought from the ground up.

General comments   

Seemingly the Council objective is to save money.  Any money saved however will have to go towards  the redevelopment of the Red Cone site – and that will be substantial.

Almost 1,000 people have signed a petition against the move.  If the move goes ahead the Council will attract a great deal of adverse criticism, and not just local.  There are certainly no votes to be gained by a move, and the local press is hostile.  It’s even made it to the BBC.

The museum belongs not only to Dudley - it is a national and international institution.   As an attraction the Red Cone is limited.  I found the whole place unimaginative – a fine building unexploited.  Some of the video displays were out of action and others were of poor quality.  In short, one learns little about glass. It would make better sense for the Council to upgrade the Red Cone rather than contemplate the move of a good museum to a restricted site and  join it to a poor partner.

It would be a far better use of resources if the Council were to keep the Broadfield Glass Museum collection where it is, and improve the visitor experience at the Red Cone.  It would be an attractive proposition to learn about the fundamentals of glass at the Red Cone and then move on to Broadfield House to see what people can do with it.

Finally, a feasibility study is not necessary.  I know, I have done them.  Feasibility studies can be one of the quickest ways of parting needlessly with public money.   There is sufficient information already available for the Council to make an informed decision.  My proposal is simple: stick to the sites you have and make them better.


Ian Jones
Secretary CAMOCmuseums of cities
2 Kelvedon Road
London SW6 5BW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7731 6012
Secretary atsign  camoc.icom.museum
www.camoc.icom.museum

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 10, 2009, 06:05:09 PM
Hello All,
Tonights Express and Star has a report by Mark Andrews on page 16, HEADLINE - TRADE CHIEF SAYS MUSEUM CLOSURE WOULD BE A LOSS!
This report has been sent to Mark Andrews by the craft councils excutive director Rosy Greenless.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 11, 2009, 11:26:24 AM
 :)
I take it, Adam, that it was you who contacted Ian Jones? :thup:
What a lovely thing for him to do, actually taking the time to visit, and send such a strong and authoritative report - absolutely brilliant, both of you. :ghug:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 11, 2009, 11:50:11 AM
Press Release From Dudley Council, Received Today

"Given the level of public interest regarding the future of the Glass Museum at Broadfield House it is important to clearly state the Council’s current position on this issue. Particularly in view of recent discussions at the Council’s Select Committee on Regeneration and Culture and the subsequent press coverage.

The current position is, that the Council is exploring the feasibility of amalgamating its two glass heritage facilities, thereby creating a single prestige site with enhanced facilities.  Clearly the practicalities of doing this, the costs involved and timescales needed to bring such a transformation in service provision have yet to be fully assessed. These issues will be the subjects of a comprehensive feasibility study.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Culture has publicly stated that no decision on the future of the Glass Museum at Broadfield House will be taken until the results of the feasibility study are known and has further stated that she would not be party to any decision that would lead to the loss or downgrading of the collections/exhibitions currently housed at Broadfield House.

I sincerely hope that the above clarification is sufficient to ease concerns that have been aired as regards the Council’s intentions and aspirations for its glass heritage."
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 11, 2009, 10:57:40 PM
Extract from the petition:

No 1200 Lee Benson:

"I support the petition, it would be a disgrace to ruin our history of the glass world by closing down Broadfield House.
The Red Cone should be treated as a separate entity, the moral question of the house and its contents has to be kept.
Why not put an external glass lift, that way disabled access will be achieved,,
now that didn't cost too much money of feasability studies, did it?"
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 12, 2009, 01:42:53 PM
Extract from the petition no 1215
Anne Lutyens-Humfrey:

"Broadfield House has world-class collections that should be promoted vigorously; the staff are helpful, the studio kiln is fascinating and the Festival of Glass a great event. Don't close this unless to move to a larger site with better & bigger displays, storage, library, archive, public transport: that will cost millions. Do please invest in the great asset you already have: that will bring me back."

(Anne Lutyens-Humfrey is the Keeper of Art at Chelmsford Museums)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 12, 2009, 05:33:56 PM
It's interesting to see the very positive feedback from other museum professionals who clearly appreciate and value the existing museum at Broadfield House. Surely, as they know what they are talking about, such appreciation by their peers should be taken on board by Dudley MBC!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 12, 2009, 07:25:48 PM
:)
I take it, Adam, that it was you who contacted Ian Jones? :thup:
What a lovely thing for him to do, actually taking the time to visit, and send such a strong and authoritative report - absolutely brilliant, both of you. :ghug:

All Ian's work - I'm just the messenger , but many thanks for your kind words, Sue, which I will pass on to Ian :)

Ian Jones has also written to Councillor Caunt, and given me permission to reproduce his letter below:

From: Ian Jones
To: cllr.david.cauntatsigndudley.gov.uk
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:12 AM
Subject: Broadfield House

 
Dear Councillor Caunt
 
I am e mailing you about what is now a pretty well-worn topic - the possible move of Broadfield House Glass Museum to the Red Cone site.   I sent a long e mail to Councillor Shakespeare and it would not be fair to subject you to another long one.  All I will say is that, in my view, the Museum should stay where it is rather then move to an inferior site.    The Red Cone site is too small to accommodate both a world class museum and what is already there now.   Apart from other deficiencies, the site is difficult to access physically - certainly from the main road.  I have tried.
 
I  appreciate I am not a Dudley Councillor who has difficult financial decisions to make and I am sure that the Councillors who have been discussing the possible move have the best of intentions.  However, could I just make two comments?  Firstly, the Museum has an international reputation and the move to a poor site, to the detriment of the collection would provoke an international reaction and unwelcome publicity for the Council.  Secondly, feasibility studies are a quick, but not painless, way of relieving Councils of their money, to no worthwhile end.  I know, I have, to my shame, done them.
 
I could also add that as a visitor attraction the Red Cone is a very limited one - when I was there a couple of weeks ago videos were not working or were poor and one learned little about glass.  The Cone itself is marvellous, but it is a wasted asset.  It would be better to spend a few pounds on improving the Red Cone rather than throwing it away on a feasibility study.
 
My only qualification for writing to you is that I am the secretary of an international museums committee, part of the UNESCO set up, and people who are concerned about the future of the Museum have been in touch with me.   I went to have a look myself, and I share their concerns.
 
To be honest, the proposal is not worth the candle. 
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
Ian Jones

2 Kelvedon Road
London SW6 5BW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7731 6012
Ian.Jones67atsignvirgin.net
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 12, 2009, 08:45:56 PM

Hello Members!
There have been 2 more articles in the Stourbridge Newspaper today February 12th 2009

I have tried to attach them to this post but the files are too big. They have not been posted on the Stourbridge News website just yet, But Im sure they will be later tonight or tomorrow!

After you read these you will see that the Stourbridge News yet again is giving us 100% support where as the Express and Star and The Stourbridge Chronicle with the bigger circulation, unfortunately seems to have been gagged!

The Stourbridge News has given contact details for the editor who has stated "What’s your view on this saga?" asking you to email him at paul.walkerATmidlands.newsquest.co.uk Lets give this Newspaper as much information as we have ourselves so that they can really give us a good spread!

Moderator: email changed to prevent spambot harvesting. Please change AT to @ to make it work.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 12, 2009, 10:29:36 PM
Hello All Again!
Consider this......
I have been reading all the views that people have left along side their signatures on the main Glass Association petition on the go petition website.

All these viewpoints should be brought to attention to the council, councillors and officers involved in the closure of the Museum!

I know these can be printed off, to allow us to have hard copies of them all!
How about we print them all off and send them to the above people, and get them to read the views of thousands of signatures!

Cheers!

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on February 13, 2009, 12:07:20 AM
Hello Flyboy,

As far as I am aware, the plan is for terrestial petition and the online petition to be collected, collated and handed to the council - probably in time for the council meeting on 2 March 2009. However, that date has to be agreed with concerned parties  ;) :)

Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on February 13, 2009, 12:53:37 PM
I know these can be printed off, to allow us to have hard copies of them all!
How about we print them all off and send them to the above people, and get them to read the views of thousands of signatures!

As Nigel has pointed out, the Glass Association will present a hard copy of the online petition to Dudley Council (along with the accompanying comments).
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 13, 2009, 03:54:18 PM
Just in case people haven't noticed it, alongside the petition (on the right hand side) there is a small button which says SHARE. If you mouseover that a small dropdown menu appears which lets you share the petition on social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, or via sites such as Stumbleupon and Digg.It, or add a link to blogs and emails. All these options can be used to raise the profile of the campaign to spread the news and elicit support for the retention of the Museum.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 15, 2009, 07:38:45 PM
Will the Express And Star get its act together?
The article printed in the Chronicle 12/02/2009 (Same group as Express and Star) is a mishmash of all the errors printed by them in the previous edition of the Express and Star!

Has the Express and Star been shamed into printing somthing because of the 100% support for the campaign from the Stourbridge News? If so they should not bother printing this rubbish!

See page 20 of the Chronicle, I am not able to upload this becaue of the file size and the forum restrictions on file size to attachements. Sorry!

Try looking online! or emailing them with your own story!
dudleychronsATexpressandstar.co.uk

Mod: change AT to @ to make the email address work.

Cheers! Keep it up everyone!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on February 17, 2009, 11:55:35 AM
Hello all, I driving to Manchester last Wednesday night about 5:00pm to be called by AA who asked me If I could go to the meeting at Dudley Councils offices regarding BHM for 7:30pm has no one was going. So is it true not one person turned up??
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 17, 2009, 01:27:50 PM
Hello all, I driving to Manchester last Wednesday night about 5:00pm to be called by AA who asked me If I could go to the meeting at Dudley Councils offices regarding BHM for 7:30pm has no one was going. So is it true not one person turned up??

Actually I think it was probably Nigel  who called you but could equally have been me. :)

I'd be interested to learn what happened if anybody was able to attend.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on February 17, 2009, 02:03:16 PM
Not a person I was informed. I bet Dudley council thought their  boat had come in, I imagined the angry villagers would have been beating the castle doors with fire torches.  To be truthful
there no one really talking about it around here on ground level. The general public are more concerned about jobs and pensions etc. And the amount of people I mention it to and they reply
'Broadfield what museum' is quite shocking. Well lets put into contexts a little this is a true story; Local Stourbridge person is having look around the Red House cone. A member of staff is walking around
and is stopped by the local person " I saw something about a big glass museum moving here then, on the telly" "Yes" replied the member of staff "Well I suppose you are going to have to knock this all down then, to get it all in" looking at the cone.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 17, 2009, 03:25:38 PM
I'd have expected someone from the Friends to have attended.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on February 17, 2009, 04:15:55 PM
So would I Anne. Lets hope I am proved wrong and we have a better show come March.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on February 20, 2009, 09:44:23 AM
Hi Y'all,

just a quick note to say that the Council meeting didn't have Broadfield House on the agenda and it wasn't mentioned at all. There is a Friends meeting on Wednesday next week and if there is any news from the council, or replies to the outstanding letters/questions they will let us know.


Ettiene
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 24, 2009, 07:08:08 PM
This letter and a downloadable FAQ document appeared on the Dudley website today:

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum/broadfield-house-feasibility-study

Broadfield House feasibility study
 
Dear reader
 
Thank you for taking the time to visit this site about plans for the future development of our museums’ service and most specifically Broadfield House Glass Museum.
 
There has been a lot of confusion about the future of the glass museum and I hope that I can now give some clarity to the situation.
 
The council fully recognises the importance of the collection housed at Broadfield and it is not our intention to either downgrade or move the collection out of the borough.  Rather our aspiration is to develop an enhanced museum service by creating an improved visitor attraction based in the heart of the historic glass quarter.
 
The feasibility study will commence in the coming weeks and we have set up a dedicated section here on this website to enable you to keep up to date with the progress of the feasibility study. We will update the questions and answers’ section (below) in line with work being undertaken and there is also an email facility (e-mail Broadfield House) should you require any additional information which you cannot find on the site.
 
Attached below is a set of frequently asked questions for your information and I look forward to sharing the findings of the study with you shortly.
 
Yours sincerely
 
John Millar
Director of the urban environment
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: KevinH on February 24, 2009, 07:55:43 PM
Quote
The council fully recognises the importance of the collection housed at Broadfield and it is not our intention to either downgrade or move the collection out of the borough.
But that does not mean that they won't sell parts of the collection - after all, the council could claim that "trimming" the collection would result in an "upgrade" in an overall "improved museums experience"

And as for FAQs, there are so often used as a means to make things sound good but to conveniently hide important questions that people really have asked - such as, "why were some staff at Broadfield House Glass Museum told they would be losing thier jobs?"
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 24, 2009, 09:18:10 PM
Is there anybody who can provide me with a word or text version of the obfuscatory FAQ pdf?  I would prefer not to have to type the whole thing out..... >:(
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: RoynMargaret on February 24, 2009, 09:34:41 PM
POsitive action may be having some effect

http://www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/7050.aspx
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on February 24, 2009, 09:37:44 PM
Broadfield House
Frequently asked questions

1. Is Broadfield House closing?
No decision has been taken to close Broadfield House and there will be no decision before the outcomes and recommendations of a robust feasibility study has been completed. This study will include consideration of security issues, display facilities, accessibility to the public and professionals, other on site facilities and overall cost effectiveness. The study will also involve consultation with the glass industry and local people with the intention of reporting findings and recommendations to the council’s cabinet in October 2009.

2. What is the council’s vision for displaying its glass collection and heritage in the future?
The council’s aspiration is to enhance our museums’ service, to create an excellent visitor experience that is appropriate to our renowned glass collections. A robust and professional study will seek to test the feasibility of relocating glass collections from Broadfield House and elsewhere to the Red House Glass Works Museum, known locally as the Red House Glass Cone. Currently Red House attracts in the region of 22,000 more visitors a year than visit Broadfield House therefore our aspiration is to capitalise on these visitor numbers to increase access to these wonderful collections to as many visitors as possible. The historic cone at Red House combined with on site glass blowing demonstrations linking through to the superb collections of finished glass should bring to life the art of glass making for visitors of all ages and in turn increase awareness of a significant part of the areas heritage.

3. What will happen at full council on March 2 2009?
At its meeting on March 2 full council will be asked to approve the budget. This includes projected spending over the next three years as part of the medium term financial strategy. This strategy does include an estimated saving of £120,000 in the museum’s service. Full council’s decisions on the budget and the medium term financial strategy will not supersede or influence the decision on Broadfield House as no decision has been taken to close Broadfield House nor will there be a decision before the outcomes and recommendations of a robust feasibility study has been completed. If the feasibility study concluded that it will not be possible to deliver the council’s aspiration one for an enhanced facility at the Red House Glass Works Museum site and that Broadfield should not close the council would then need to decide, as part of the medium term financial planning process, whether to seek that level of estimated saving from elsewhere within the total council revenue budget.

4. What are the timescales for the feasibility study?
Identification and appointment of museum accredited consultants through to undertaking and completion of the study leading to final reporting is estimated to run from mid February 2009 to October 2009. The study’s recommendations will not be limited to the relocation of the collections and will be used to inform the future development of the Red House Glass Works Museum in years to come and the council’s management and display of the collections more generally. The study outcomes will also provide validated feasibility data essential for any future lottery or other external bids. If the feasibility study met the key criteria for the relocation of the glass collections there would also be a sizeable capital receipt from the reuse or sale of Broadfield House that could be partly earmarked to reinvest in Red House or used towards match funding for external grants.

5. What are the visitor figures for Broadfield?
In 2007/08 total visitor figures were 12,000.

6. What are the visitor figures for Red House Glass Works Museum?
In 2007/08 the total visitor figures were approximately 34,000.

7. What will happen to staff at Broadfield House if glass collections are relocated?
If the feasibility study criteria is met and a formal council decision made staff would be redeployed either at Red House Glass Works Museum or other locations within the council as part of the council’s redeployment policy. If criteria are not met staff would stay at Broadfield House or at other locations within the terms of their respective current terms of employment contract.

8. Will there be any public consultation?
Public consultation will be an integral part of the feasibility study and a consultation programme will be published by the consultants.

9. Have consultants been appointed to carry out the feasibility study?
The intention is to appoint accredited consultants by early April 2009 with the aim of final reports and recommendations being made to the council (cabinet) in October 2009.

10. Where would money come from to improve facilities at the Red House Glass Works Museum?
Any capital investment that may be required as a result of the feasibility study would be sought from external funding or from part of any capital receipt that may accrue from the potential sale of Broadfield House.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 24, 2009, 09:49:56 PM
Come back Guy Fawkes your country needs you.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Ettiene on February 25, 2009, 09:05:49 AM
Adam,

emailed you a word document of the FAQs. Noticed that Cone visitor figures have gone up to 34,000.



Ettiene
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 25, 2009, 01:47:39 PM
Extract from the Online petition:

No 1736

"I am Education Programs Mgr. at Corning Museum of Glass. I learned a great deal by studying the collections at Broadfield House over the course of several years. The local council doesn't recognize the unique position the museum holds as a resource & destination for glass scholars from around the world. By eliminating/moving the collection, council would be denying the significance of generations who created & preserved the greatest local assets. Even the building is an architectural landmark."

Mary Mills
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 25, 2009, 09:38:03 PM
I am indebted to a friend who is a political analyst, well used to interpreting bureaucratic doublespeak, for providing the succinct translation of Dudley's FAQs that is posted below. His interpretation is shown in red and in brackets.


1. Is Broadfield House closing?
No decision has been taken to close Broadfield House and there will be no decision before the outcomes and recommendations of a robust feasibility study has been completed. This study will include consideration of security issues, display facilities, accessibility to the public and professionals, other on site facilities and overall cost effectiveness. The study will also involve consultation with the glass industry and local people with the intention of reporting findings and recommendations to the council’s cabinet in October 2009.  (Because of all the flak we have upped the budget for this feasibility study to ensure our closure case becomes “bullet proof”.)

2. What is the council’s vision for displaying its glass collection and heritage in the future?
The council’s aspiration is to enhance our museums’ service, to create an excellent visitor experience that is appropriate to our renowned glass collections. A robust and professional study will seek to test the feasibility of relocating glass collections from Broadfield House and elsewhere to the Red House Glass Works Museum, known locally as the Red House Glass Cone. Currently Red House attracts in the region of 22,000 more visitors a year than visit Broadfield House therefore our aspiration is to capitalise on these visitor numbers to increase access to these wonderful collections to as many visitors as possible. The historic cone at Red House combined with on site glass blowing demonstrations linking through to the superb collections of finished glass should bring to life the art of glass making for visitors of all ages and in turn increase awareness of a significant part of the areas heritage.  (Broadfield House  = History.  Red House = The Future)

3. What will happen at full council on March 2 2009?
At its meeting on March 2 full council will be asked to approve the budget. This includes projected spending over the next three years as part of the medium term financial strategy. This strategy does include an estimated saving of £120,000 in the museum’s service. Full council’s decisions on the budget and the medium term financial strategy will not supersede or influence the decision on Broadfield House as no decision has been taken to close Broadfield House nor will there be a decision before the outcomes and recommendations of a robust feasibility study has been completed. If the feasibility study concluded that it will not be possible to deliver the council’s aspiration one for an enhanced facility at the Red House Glass Works Museum site and that Broadfield should not close the council would then need to decide, as part of the medium term financial planning process, whether to seek that level of estimated saving from elsewhere within the total council revenue budget.  (Have you got any bright ideas about how else we could save £120,000?)

4. What are the timescales for the feasibility study?
Identification and appointment of museum accredited consultants through to undertaking and completion of the study leading to final reporting is estimated to run from mid February 2009 to October 2009. The study’s recommendations will not be limited to the relocation of the collections and will be used to inform the future development of the Red House Glass Works Museum in years to come and the council’s management and display of the collections more generally. The study outcomes will also provide validated feasibility data essential for any future lottery or other external bids. If the feasibility study met the key criteria for the relocation of the glass collections there would also be a sizeable capital receipt from the reuse or sale of Broadfield House that could be partly earmarked to reinvest in Red House or used towards match funding for external grants. (We are already in talks with developers!)

5. What are the visitor figures for Broadfield?
In 2007/08 total visitor figures were 12,000.  (Hardly any one ever comes to Broadfield and we are already starting to play down its connection with glass!)

6. What are the visitor figures for Red House Glass Works Museum?
In 2007/08 the total visitor figures were approximately 34,000. (The Red House is already the pre-ordained glass centre for the area and people love it.)

7. What will happen to staff at Broadfield House if glass collections are relocated?
If the feasibility study criteria is met and a formal council decision made staff would be redeployed either at Red House Glass Works Museum or other locations within the council as part of the council’s redeployment policy. If criteria are not met staff would stay at Broadfield House or at other locations within the terms of their respective current terms of employment contract. (We have already made plans to redeploy all the Broadfield House staff or else make them redundant)

8. Will there be any public consultation?
Public consultation will be an integral part of the feasibility study and a consultation programme will be published by the consultants.  (We will let locals walk round an expensive arrangement of display boards.  Questionnaires will be distributed before we work out the final details of our implementation plan)

9. Have consultants been appointed to carry out the feasibility study?
The intention is to appoint accredited consultants by early April 2009 with the aim of final reports and recommendations being made to the council (cabinet) in October 2009 (Yes).

10. Where would money come from to improve facilities at the Red House Glass Works Museum?
Any capital investment that may be required as a result of the feasibility study would be sought from external funding or from part of any capital receipt that may accrue from the potential sale of Broadfield House.  (We have already worked how to spend the proceeds from the sale of Broadfield House)

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on February 25, 2009, 11:16:28 PM

Dudley’s FAQ’s state:

"5. What are the visitor figures for Broadfield?
In 2007/08 total visitor figures were 12,000." Actual usage figures were 27,659

"6. What are the visitor figures for Red House Glass Works Museum?
In 2007/08 the total visitor figures were approximately 34,000." Actual usage figures were 34,111

NB Red House Glass Cone, now referred to by Dudley as Red House Glass Works Museum, is open for 42 hrs per week whereas Broadfield House is open for 24 hrs per week. The Cone receives 10.3 visitors per hour while Broadfield House achieves 9.8 visitors per hour.

Either someone at Dudley is being very economical with the truth or they just can't count!






Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on February 26, 2009, 08:32:25 PM
Quis  custodiet ipsos custodes.
Title: Midlands Today............... Broadfield House.
Post by: Patrick on February 27, 2009, 07:36:42 PM
Hi,
Short piece about half way through today's show...........  http://www.bbc.co.uk/midlandstoday/latest_stories/

Regards, Patrick.
Title: Re: Midlands Today............... Broadfield House.
Post by: aa on February 27, 2009, 09:26:24 PM
The superb Eva Englund Graal bowl featured in the BBC clip came from the exhibition at Coleridge of Highgate in 1980. I've always thought that it was one of her best ever pieces - another is in the V&A and a third was acquired by Kelvingrove.

My sister and I, together with our late mother, put on that exhibition and we were thrilled that Charles Hajdamach was able to acquire this piece for the museum, because had he not done so it could easily have been purchased by a private collector, as were most of the pieces in the show. Instead it has given joy and pleasure to thousands of people over the past 29 years.

It takes years for an arboretum to mature and only minutes to chop it down.

If you haven't yet signed the petition, please do so here http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/broadfield-house-glass-museum.html
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on February 28, 2009, 01:04:41 PM
I received a letter today from Ian Pearson, M.P., advising that on Friday 13 February he had a "positive meeting" with David Caunt, the Leader of Dudley Council, at which they discussed the BH glass collection. Ian says that David informed him that "he [David] wants to look at opportunities to enhance the museum service in the Borough and that there may be opportunities to develop the Red House Cone site, so that more of the collection could be shown there than is currently at BH."

Ian attached a copy of a letter from David Caunt to Ian Pearson, which Ian says, "helpfully indicates that the proposed feasibility study will involve those who have contacted the Council on this matter."  Ian further states, "I will want to be sure that the current staff and facilities at Broadfield House are retained as they are at present, but am prepared to have an open mind on whether in the future something even better could be developed at the Cone which would strengthen the international reputation we have for glass."

The letter from David Caunt states,

Quote
"It has been well known for a number of years that Broadfield House is far too small and we are only able to display about 20% of the glass collection. You may remember the project to convert Himley Hall into a national glass museum that only failed as it did not stack up financially.  The Council attempted to purchase the site of Stuart Crystal, opposite the Red House Cone, but for reasons that I explained to you, we failed.

"The current suggestion is that we use the present opportunity to enhance the facilities at the Cone so that a greater percentage of the collection is on view alongside the historic cone and develop an enhanced museum service based in the heart of the historic glass quarter. I have been assured that the forthcoming feasibility study will involve all those who contacted the Council recently."

Nowhere in either letter does it indicate why the attempt to purchase the old Stuart site failed, or when this was (recently? years ago?)

Interesting that the figure quoted by David Caunt is that BH can only display 20% of the collection... yet the RHC site is smaller, so surely that means that even less than 20% can be displayed there... or am I missing something....?!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: KevinH on February 28, 2009, 01:32:02 PM
Ah! That wonderful word, "enhancement".

To achieve an 'enhancement' of displaying more than 20% of the [current] BH collection:

1. Remove from the collection, by sale or return of loans, all items that are greater than, say, 10 inch (25 cm) size. That will get rid of much of the superb 19th century cameo carved stuff and a good number of the really interesting Stourbridge decorative pieces.

2. Use the space freed up to display smaller items from the collection. That could probably allow display of two to three times the present number of items, particularly if they are displayed "shoulder-to-shoulder".
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on February 28, 2009, 10:01:20 PM
particularly if they are displayed "shoulder-to-shoulder".

Or in V&A style... "packed to the gills"
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sueglass on March 01, 2009, 11:19:18 PM
Call me cynical but to me the council see this as a nice wedge from a developer for 7 luxury apartments. Or have I got it totally wrong?? probably not. I have signed the petition, I have never been there but too many things in this country are disappearing. Sue
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on March 03, 2009, 06:10:11 PM
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4169670.Councillor_labels_renowned_museum_a__pet_project_/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 03, 2009, 07:31:54 PM
Dear John Polychronakis,

Pet Project, Definition: "a project, activity or goal pursued as a personal favorite, rather than because it is generally accepted as necessary or important."

Councillor Anne Millward's comment that objections to the Closure of Broadfield House are a "Pet Project", i.e. personal rather then necessary or important, is astonishing. I'm not sure if you fully understand the anger that this has caused. This attitude from such an important member of your council demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the passion felt worldwide about this issue.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4169670.Councillor_labels_renowned_museum_a__pet_project_/

I suggest that a complete retraction of the statement and a public apology from Cll Millward are in order.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on March 03, 2009, 08:17:44 PM
From the Stourbridge News  link above:

'Dudley Council still maintains no decision has been taken to close the Compton Drive museum and that a feasibility study will determine whether or not its collection is to be moved to Wordsley’s Red House Glass Cone.

However the issue was listed in last night’s full council agenda, which was given the nod in a 40-1 vote, with a brief report which talks about the council’s intention to “dispose of Broadfield House and realise a capital receipt in due course - in time for the start of 2010-11 financial year when it has been assumed savings of £120,000 per annum will be achieved.” '
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 05, 2009, 08:41:44 AM
Quote from the Petition:

Broadfield House Glass Museum celebrates the Stourbridge glass industry. The very thought of dismantling this internationally renowned museum is a monstrous crime against the generations of glassmakers, every man woman and child both past and present, who have made this area a world leader in glass making and glass decorating. If this action goes ahead it will be further proof that the cultural heritage of this country should not be left in the hands of short-sighted and parochial politicians.

Charles Hajdamach
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 05, 2009, 10:48:27 AM
Message from Cllr Dave Tyler:

From: Cllr. Dave Tyler [mailto:cllr.dave.tyler@dudley.gov.uk]
Sent: 05 March 2009 08:37
To: Barbara Beadman (E-mail); Adam Aaaronson (E-mail); Charles Hajdamach (E-mail); Brian Clarke (E-mail); Graham Cooley
Subject: Broadfield House

Good Morning everyone,

Good to see that you are all as appalled as I was about Councillor Anne Millward's disgraceful and patronising comments at the Budget Setting meeting of Dudley Council on 2nd March.

When she said that Broadfield House was a "Pet Project" and that most of the letters and complaints she had received had come from people "Who don't even live in Dudley" it confirmed to me that this Council will do all it can to reduce our Glass Heritage into part of a walk-in one hour visitor attraction, rather than a World Famous Centre of Excellence.

I know people have asked for a retraction or apology of her comments but my experience shows that will never happen and is more likely to bring about a further garbled or derisory comment dismissing complainants as people who "Do not understand the situation Council's are in".

I had an early opportunity to respond to Cllr Millward as Leader of the Liberal Democrats at the meeting and derided her for such disgraceful comments. Other Councillors also joined in my condemnation and at her summing up and responses she had the audacity, when reaching the subject of Broadfield House actually turned to me and addressed the issue and forcefully told the assembly that she stood by every word she had said. I was an incredible and patronising outburst and as far s I was concerned dismissed the whole Glass Community and our Glass heritage. This really was a low moment in the history of our Council when a leading Member launched such an attack on the very people who keep our heritage alive.

As far as your campaign is concerned you will now have the opportunity to have your say during the Feisibility Study. I am presuming there will be facilities available for the public to have their say and that is precisely what you must encourage people to do. The more responses made the more difficult it will be for their Members to dismiss the views of the public.

Looking at the Stourbridge Area Committee Minutes of 19th January 2009 I see on Page 7 that "Councillor Kettle requested that glass displays currently exhibited in the Broadfield House Glass Museum be relocated to a venue within Stourbridge, should that property be closed. Councillor Mrs Walker agreed with the suggestion made."

(Cllr Walker is a Member of the Cabinet who made the decision to save £120,000 from the Museums Budget hence the Broadfield Saga)

You should be in no doubt that certain people and parts of the community in Stourbridge have never really taken to being within Dudley Borough and would love the chance for the clocks to be turned back to allow Stourbridge to have its own Council again. This mindset is evident in the comments made about the glass collection at the Stourbridge Area Committee.

Once again can I please tell you that you have my full support following the Budget Setting Meeting where all Conservative Councillors voted in favour of saving £120,000 from the Museums Service and all that means for Broadfield House. I look forward to presenting your online and paper petitions to the next Brierley Hill Area Committee on 2nd April and will see Barbara before that date.

Good luck and keep up the fight.
Best wishes
Dave 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on March 05, 2009, 05:25:09 PM
The Stourbridge  News has given it front page news again,great report by Bev Holder.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 06, 2009, 01:11:10 AM
Posted on behalf of Nigel Benson who is unable to access this site at present:
Letter sent to Cllr David Caunt today.

Councillor Caunt,

Like Dr Cooley I am amazed at the totally uninformed opinion expressed by Cllr Anne Millward, which disturbingly, appears to reflect the councils’ own summation of Broadfield House Glass Museum, and exhibits no civic pride in its own heritage.

The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum are a locally based group that helps and supports the museum (including helping, through donation, to buy exhibits and archive material) and the idea that it is a “pet project” clearly demonstrates that one of the most important members of the local council has a complete lack of understanding of the situation.

A modicum of research on the Dudley.gov.uk website would have shown her just this. Furthermore, a visit to the museum by her guided by a member of the museum’s staff (and indeed any other member of the council who hasn’t seen or understood what they are voting upon) should be a prerequisite to gain a concept of the national and international status that the museum commands.

These collections and archives are not, and should not be regarded as a quick one hour jaunt that can be ignored by the uninitiated. Without the glass heritage it is conceivable that much of the borough would not now exist.

It is deeply patronising to the locally based association (the Friends) and local objectors to the proposed move to the Red House Cone site, who she has dismissed through a total lack of knowledge. At the same time it is disingenuous to both national and international interests that wish to save the museum, its contents and archive material from being boxed up and hidden in storage.
 
Where on earth does Cllr Millward think tourists come from?

In the council’s own document, Agenda Item 8 - SELECT COMMITTEE ON REGENERATION, CULTURE AND ADULT EDUCATION - 14th JANUARY 2009 - REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT - REPORT ON THE VISITOR ECONOMY , it is stated quite clearly, under point 22 – 

“encourage existing day visitors to become overnight visitors, therefore encouraging greater spend in the local economy.”

The document also discuses the value to the economy of tourism, and also states, under section 49:

             “….attracting top collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.”

And under section 50:

            “……in the region of 10,000 visitors – from all over the UK and the world.”

Both points are being made within the report written by John D Millar, Director of Urban Environment, who is being realistic about tourism and how local income can be achieved. However, if the council insists in limiting itself to a parochial attitude aiming to gain visitors to the museum from its own locality then, by definition, they will go home at night and not spend!
 
Cllr Millward should not only retract her statements, but also apologise for her inept and uninformed comments.

Nigel Benson
 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 06, 2009, 06:58:57 PM
Letter from Jeanette Hayhurst to Cllr Caunt sent today:

Dear Cllr. Caunt
 
I am writing in response to the attitude of Dudley MBC towards the Broadfield House Glass Museum. I will not repeat my previous  logistical objections but would like to draw some more salient points for your consideration.
 
The expression 'pet project' has been well explained by Graham Cooley and is a total patronising insult to many of us who have supported the Museum for years. The petition has been supported by most of the world leading academics and collectors, the fact that we are not local,  we are deemed to be irrelevant, I was under the impression that the council was trying to encourage visitors to the area. May I remind you that people who have in the past and might have in the future visited BH, have and would have contributed to the local economy. I, like many others, have over many years lectured on many occasions for the Museum and various societies in the Stourbridge area, helping to boost local income  not only in the shops but  hotels and restaurants. I, like many, will no longer visit the Stourbridge area if the collection is pushed into the Cone with the loss of the archive.
 
I cannot believe that the council takes so little interest in the importance of the collections and presumably have never visited the Museum, because if they had they would realise from information boards shown around the galleries, that this museum or our 'pet project' has been supported by major institutions amongst whom are The National Art Collection Fund, The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Victoria and Albert Museum grant scheme. The Atrium was funded by The European Regional Development Fund in 1994 and in 2006 the museum was awarded Small Tourist Visitor Attraction of the Year by the Heart of England tourism.
 
Many of the supporters of the Museum have given up their time, for free, to help source or even curate exhibitions and now feel totally let down by the councils lack of respect for their contribution to your tourist attraction. I personally was responsible for introducing Michael Parkington to Charles Hajadmach, the outcome of which was his important bequest to the Museum, I wish that this never happened, as these wonderful objects would have been sold alongside of the rest of the collection for the benefit of nominated charities and not consigned to ignominy.
 
Jeanette Hayhurst


Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on March 06, 2009, 08:00:29 PM
My email to Cllr Caunt on this matter was deleted without being read, according to the read notification I have just had back.

Nice!    :-\
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: jsmeasell on March 07, 2009, 02:47:07 AM
Perhaps I am but one voice from "over the water," but I thought others who frequent this board would like to see a copy of my recent email to Cllr Tyler:

Dear Cllr Tyler:

Thank you for supporting the continuance of Broadfield House.

I thought you might appreciate these brief details of my background and a forthcoming trip to your borough.

I have visited Broadfield House several times (1993, 2005, and 2008) in conjunction with research on Harry Northwood, the eldest son of John Northwood. My research resulted in the publication of several books on Northwood glass, and I was pleased to contribute two articles to The Blackcountryman magazine.

Early this year, my wife and I planned a trip to England. We will fly to Manchester, and we have booked a self-catering lodging in Stourton. We expect to shop in the local grocery stores and other shops, and we plan to visit as many glass-related sites in the area as possible during our stay. We will also go to the Black Country Museum. We will attend the National Glass Fair near Birmingham. There are some items I want to see at the Dudley public library, but my research focus will also take me to Broadfield House. In the past, the staff there (particularly Roger Dodsworth) has been most helpful.

While our brief visit may have relatively little impact on the local economy, I daresay there are many others with similar stories, ranging from a pleasant day or two in and around Broadfield House to more extended stays.

I work for a glass manufacturing company in the United States. We have a small museum, and we offer tours of our glassmaking and decorating areas. Tourism is quite important to our overall success, and we consider expenditures to maintain and strengthen tourism to be good investments. In October 2005, we had the great pleasure of welcoming about 30 members of The Glass Association to our plant for a full day of factory tours and special programs.

Kind regards,

James Measell, Historian
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 11, 2009, 08:08:15 PM
TV star dubs cllr "Homer Simpson of Culture"
Stourbridge News 3:25pm Wednesday 11th March 2009
By Bev Holder

ONE of the country’s top glass experts has branded Dudley’s finance chief the “Homer Simpson of culture” after she labelled a world famous Kingswinford museum a “pet project”.

Andy McConnell, one of Britain’s leading authorities on glassware - and a regular on the Antiques Roadshow, has hit out at Councillor Anne Millward, from Gornal, who made the shock remark at the last full council meeting on March 2 where plans to close Broadfield House Glass Museum were hotly debated.

He told the News: “What this woman has come out with is peculiar. It’s so completely out of order. She’s truly the Homer Simpson of culture.”

TV’s Mr McConnell is one of a host of UK glass specialists left outraged at cllr Millward’s controversial comment.

Many others within the glass community have now called for her to make a public apology or resign. Glass collector Graham Cooley described cllr Millward’s remark as “astonishing” and added: “This attitude demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the passion felt worldwide about this issue.”

While Allister Malcolm, resident glass artist at Broadfield House, said: “It has offended many of the groups whose collective support to the glass world is immense.

“I am truly worried if this statement is not retracted that support from these groups will cease.”

But cllr Millward, who is also Dudley Council’s deputy leader, has refused point blank to back down on her stance.

She told the News: “I will not retract a single word. It’s my job to look after the finances of our council and the borough “I was elected with a very large majority by people in my ward - I certainly will not resign my position as deputy because I want a personal opinion “Less than 20 per cent of our glass is at Broadfield House, it’s in storage.

“I’ve had a number of calls from council tax payers saying they have never heard of Broadfield House Glass Museum.

“I have the vision to have a world glass centre complete with disabled access - not some pet project.”

Dudley Council still claims no decision has been taken to close the Compton Drive museum and that a feasibility study is getting underway to determine whether its collection can be moved to Wordsley’s Red House Glass Cone.

Meanwhile, Minister for Culture, Barbara Follett MP, has vowed to keep an eye on the situation after Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho urged her to intervene to help protect Stourbridge’s glass collection based at Broadfield.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4194385.TV_star_dubs_cllr__Homer_Simpson_of_Culture_/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on March 11, 2009, 11:09:47 PM
TV star dubs cllr "Homer Simpson of Culture"
Stourbridge News 3:25pm Wednesday 11th March 2009
By Bev Holder
“I’ve had a number of calls from council tax payers saying they have never heard of Broadfield House Glass Museum.

Doesn't seem as if that huge PR department at Dudley Council has been doing a very good job, then!  :rn:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on March 11, 2009, 11:43:37 PM
My thoughts entirely, Adam!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on March 12, 2009, 01:04:00 AM
                       HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                         YOUR VOICE COUNTS

Details taken from the Express and Star - 19 August 2008:

"Dudley Council spent £945,000 on public relations in the last financial year – employing 18 full-time Press officers who get an average of more than £32,000 a year. The total staff wage bill, including six part-time staff, was £680,000 while running costs spiralled to £265,000. Figures were released after a Freedom of Information Act 2000 request.

The outlay was attacked as “incredible” but finance chief Anne Millward said taxpayers got value for money. "


What a shame that they didn’t/don't see fit to promote a major museum to its own locality. Says a lot for the publicity machine and about the Dudley MBC over and above the attitude and capabilitiy of Cllr Anne Millward.

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 12, 2009, 06:30:32 PM
Message from Simon Bruntnell sent today:

Dear cllr Millward, & cllr Caunt

I would like to introduce myself, my name is Simon Bruntnell I am a freelance photographer based at the Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge. If you look at my website www.northlightphotography.co.uk you will notice I specialise in photographing glass. I now have artists and designers come to me nationally and internationally to have there work photographed by myself. I travel abroad to photograph national collections. Corning Museum in New York collects  printed material that I have produced on glass. All this, within the space of six years, before that I had never photographed a piece of glass. The contacts I have made at Broadfield House Museum as been instrumental
in building up my portfolio and reputation.

I'm Dudley born and bread. I grew up on the Russell's Hall Estate about two or more miles away from  cllr Millward's ward and where my father still lives. I went to Stourbridge Art College.

So I can say with a certain confidence I'm not an outsider, making a fuss, I am very much on the inside as a local, and as a person who makes a living within the glass world, and what a world it is. The through traffic of international names that pass through the doors of Broadfield and the local area goes unnoticed. I think people locally have not expected the national, let alone the international response to the prickly subject of Broadfield House Glass Museum and  closure. I also doubt your council would have expected such a response. But what I never expected was the response's from a public official 'talk about buckets of petrol' I have waited to consider the comments moving backwards and forwards.

All I can say at the moment is, I have an almost embarrassed feeling of being from Dudley with regard to recent statements from your office. 'Pet projects' and 'local people not knowing what Broadfield Museum was' is fairly damming of local people. This lacks insight of people working in public life and politics, because I assume it's the councils job to make sure people do know what and where it is, and not make 'Pig on the wall' statements regarding a national heritage and international treasure. I really do think your office needs to consider it's statements and I really think it would be worth cllr Millward retracting her statement as it's now throwing a bad light on the conservative party in general. We now have TV personalities calling cllr Millward 'The Homer Simpson of culture' It's starting to become personal and I believe it will get worse if action is not taken by you.

Simon Bruntnell
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on March 12, 2009, 06:45:58 PM
Collect It magazine, April 2009, has a large News item about the Broadfield House Glass Museum's uncertain future, with quotes from Mark Hill, Adam Aaronson and me. The piece also includes links to the online petition and the Friends of BH website. (The Collect It website hasn't yet been updated to reflect the April issue contents but when it is it's here: http://www.collectors-club-of-great-britain.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on March 13, 2009, 08:11:58 AM
Well said Simon,very true words indeed, will the message ever get through to the people concerned?? I sometimes
wonder how they sleep at night? I couldn,t if I was up to their tricks.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: simon bruntnell on March 13, 2009, 01:32:34 PM
The letter should do I've just put it into the council office post box, well to : Clare Marshall, Marketing & Communications, Council House, Dudley Council, Dudley DY1 1HF to be exact as I heard this is the person taking on all the  snail mail.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on March 13, 2009, 01:47:05 PM
Well written Simon, I hope they take note.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on March 24, 2009, 07:56:10 PM
Historic factory shop to close
Stourbridge News by Bev Holder

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4230419.Historic_factory_shop_to_close/

WORDSLEY’S historic Stuart Crystal factory shop is shutting its doors for the last time this week (Thursday March 26) - with nine long-serving staff members set to lose their jobs.

The shop on the Red House Glass Cone site has been trading for 60 years - attracting custom from glass collectors across the country and overseas. But the demise of the Waterford Wedgwood Group - which owned the shop and which is now in administration - has sounded the death knell for the popular outlet.

New York based private equity company KPS Capital Partners LP has bought certain UK and Irish assets belonging to the renowned crystal and china company. But the deal has not saved the Wordsley factory shop, which attracts hundreds of visitors a week and which still houses some of the famous glass tableware manufactured - but delivered too late - to grace the tables on doomed White Star Line steamship the Titanic.

Manager Jann Richards - who has worked at the store for a decade - described the closure shock as “heartbreaking”. She told the News: “People are going to be absolutely stunned because it’s been here so long. I don’t think people will comprehend what’s happened - it’s been everybody’s local glass shop and it’s the last of this size in the area. “We really thought they would keep the shop. It’s been here for 60 years and we were a reasonably successful business considering the economic climate. “Since Christmas we’ve been holding our own.”

She said staff members facing the dole queue had been associated with the glass industry for much of their lives; with longest-serving worker Ros Rigby notching up 40 years at the historic site and glass engraver Alan Crannage having perfected his trade for the last 30 years.

The shop closure will not affect the Dudley Council-run museum and cone, which are rented under a 99-year-lease agreement.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on March 24, 2009, 10:33:07 PM
Looking at the photo of the shop in the article it looks quite small.... as in not large enough to house the Broadfield House museum collection?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Lustrousstone on March 25, 2009, 12:44:06 PM
It isn't!! That would be ludicrous. Areawise, it's smaller than the antiques centre in Morecambe (that's to give Anne an idea).
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on March 27, 2009, 11:35:44 AM
                    HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                             YOUR VOICE COUNTS



      :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:  MUSEUM RECOGNITION – CONGRATULATIONS!!    :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:


26 March 2009 – “Best of the West Awards”:

“Best Individual”
– Roger Dodsworth, BHGM’s curator

“Best Exhibition on a Small Budget” – for the exhibition held at BHGM:

“The Danger of the Image – Glass Dresses by Diana Dias-Leao”


Having won a number of awards and achieved recognition over the years Broadfield House Glass Museum was successful in gaining both the awards that they were entered for in the “Best of the West Awards” run by Renaissance West Midlands.

This is a body that represents the museums, libraries and archives council which is a national organisation. It means that a panel of judges who know and understand have voted for BHGM to be recognised for their endeavours with these awards.


Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on March 27, 2009, 12:15:56 PM
                    HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                             YOUR VOICE COUNTS



And, the record of BHGM...............


BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM – Awards and recognition:

Opened:
 
“Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
 Broadfield House Glass Museum
 Opened by
 HRH Princess Michael of Kent

 On 2nd April 1980”

In first year:

Come to Britain Trophy
 Certificate of Distinction
 Awarded to Dudley MBC and
 Broadfield House 1980”


National Heritage
 Museum of the Year Awards

 1981
 Highly Commended
 Illustrated London News”


Regarding the Entranceway/foyer glass structure:


“This project has been partly financed
 with aid from
 European Regional Development Fund
 17 November1994”


Civic Trust Awards 1996
 Contribution to the Quality and Appearance of the Environment”


Registered Museum
 Broadfield House Glass Museum

 No. 764
 Complies with the standards of the
 Museums and Galleries Commission
 Registration Scheme”
 2 June 1998


 “Investor in People
  Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
  Planning and Leisure Department
  Awarded 15 February 2000,
  by Dudley Training and Enterprise Council”


 “Heart of England
  Excellence in Tourism Awards

  2006
  Visitor Attraction of the Year
  (Small)”


Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on March 27, 2009, 01:29:20 PM
Threatened Museum Scoops Top Awards

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4240273.Threatened_museum_scoops_top_awards/

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on March 27, 2009, 02:12:39 PM
Thanks Christine, that does help with the size comparison.

Well done to all at Broadfield House with the latest awards. :clap:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on March 27, 2009, 11:47:28 PM
                    HELP SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                             YOUR VOICE COUNTS


Hello all,

If you have been wondering whether or not to sign the petition, or haven't yet and would like to - this is the last weekend when it will be possible.

Please sign if you haven't already - www.gopetition.com/online/24751.html

Also perhaps consider emailing your own contacts to sign, if they agree with you once they've checked out what is said.


Many, many thanks, Nigel :thup: :thup:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on April 01, 2009, 06:16:25 PM
Good write up in the Stourbridge news etc tonight.Dont relax your grip keep it up!! petition handing over tomorrow
lets keep our fingers crossed!!
J. :ghug:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Angela B on April 03, 2009, 06:00:27 AM
How many names were there on the petition when it was handed over?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Oxbridge Fairs on April 03, 2009, 09:10:44 AM
We delivered the returned paper copies to Barbara Beadman last Thursday and the official figure from the Friends for both those and the online petition is 6,120 signatures of which 62% came from the West Midlands. They were handed over to Dudley council last night.

Paul.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on April 03, 2009, 01:25:59 PM
That's a very good total, Paul, and the West Midlands signatures % is extremely significant as the council will have to explain to their own voters why they are not listening to the people who voted them into office!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on April 03, 2009, 07:36:05 PM
My email to Cllr Caunt on this matter was deleted without being read, according to the read notification I have just had back.
Nice!    :-\

Councillor Caunt is not the only person who deletes emails without being read. Sally Orton of Dudley Council appears to operate along similar lines. An email that I sent on 16th February, copied to her among others, has just been deleted by her without being read, today on the 3rd April. Does anyone know of any reason why she should be around six weeks behind in reading her emails? Has she been on extended leave or been ill, perhaps, which would of course be understandable? Or should we just assume that her workload has been so heavy that she has been unable to cope? I'm not sure that I would be very happy if someone in my organisation was so behind on reading their emails, but we are a commercial enterprise as opposed to a council executive, so our expectations may be different.....
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Angela B on April 04, 2009, 10:09:20 PM
Congratulations to everyone concerned with the petition - those are excellent numbers and there will be no excuse for the Council to ignore it.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on April 09, 2009, 08:47:19 PM
Hi just updating everyone on handing the petition in, I attended the council meeting and councillor Tyler spoke passionately about local people having their say about closing the museum and saving the glass heritage.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/search/4264690.Broadfield_campaigners_slam_council__gag_/


 Since mid February I have been involved in the campaign locally. The save our glass heritage campaign has gained momentum appearing on tv, radio and in the local papers. On 27th February the BBC came to Broadfield House and filmed for 2 hours, Barbara,Allistair our glass designer and I spoke.

 On 20 March we had a local community event attended by MPs and coucillors, as well as the Chairman and President of the British Legion in Kingswinford. Our forthcoming event is a Spring Concert to raise awareness in the local area to save our glass heritage. Please send letters of support for the campaign to Broadfield House Museum, we can display them on the night. Our resident Glass Designer Allistair Malcolm will display his work. Once again dignatories will be invited and of course the press. A local school that has made glass hands will also be displaying their work.

http://saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com/

http://www.friendsofbroadfieldhouse.co.uk/

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum

http://www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on April 09, 2009, 10:42:39 PM
Hi Janet, welcome to the board and thank you for the update. 

Can I ask what date the Spring Concert will be so people know when to get their letters in by?

This might also be a good time to remind UK citizens and ex-pats of the other petition to Downing Street about the proposals for Broadfield House:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/savebroadfield/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on April 10, 2009, 06:31:45 AM
Hi there Ann!

Yes our Spring Concert is on Saturday 9th May 2009 in a lovely church just behind Broadfield House Glass Museum. The Reverend has been most supportive, as are the community in Kingswinford! Local shops and businesses have come together.

It will be great to receive cards and letters - so we can display them - please mark them spring concert and send to Broadfield - we can pick them up.

After Broadfield winning 2 awards we can keep positive and look forward to our Spring Concert!

Thank you
Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: cfosterk on April 11, 2009, 11:40:18 PM
Forgive me for pointing this out.....

15,000 visitors and an annual saving to the council of £120,000 to £140,000 - seems like a no brainer to me.

Do you really think the venue merits saving if it can only attract 400 pairs of feet a week??
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on April 12, 2009, 05:28:31 AM
                        PLEASE HELP  BROADFELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
                                                  YOUR VOICE COUNTS


I find your comment quite extraordinary coming from, I assume, a glass enthusiate. However, maybe you want to just stir things up. 

To me it is amazing that a council could envisage downsizing any museum that houses the heritage of the area it represents, however I am realistic enough to know that finances cannot be ignored, particularly in current times. Having said that, most council’s would give their eye teeth to have a museum that gives them access to a world stage, if only for the civic pride that it would engender. Unfortunately, Dudley MBC have a parochial attitude toward this world renowned museum that gives them direct access to tourism – part of their stated aim for the Stourbridge Glass Quarter. An aim that re-occurs throughout their own documents.

The question I believe you, and they, should be asking is, 'how can this resource be best used to advantage?'

Importantly, as a direct answer to your thought, the publicity that this ill advised decision has created is more than the council has given the museum over its entire life and has resulted in a huge upturn in visitor numbers, proving the point of the protestors. Visitor figures for January 2009 more than doubled the previous January, and all reports say that this upturn has been continued. 

Perhaps instead of using an uninformed publicity department to act as the interface between the council and the protestors in order to ignore them, it might be a better use of that resource to actually publicise this award winning museum that is so important to both the local heritage and to the history of glass worldwide.

It is not always the bottom line that makes a decision correct. Often it is more about how to make best use of a resource. In this case for very little money invested into the correct publicity the resource could show a much greater return.

Lastly, using your 'bottom line' logic, one could take the highly manipulated Red House Cone visitor figures and find that that site should also be closed as being uneconomic - particularly as it houses a Grade I listed building that is in dire need of repair, making the site a liability financially speaking. So, should the council be allowed to let one of only four cones left in the UK fall down?

The bottom line isn't always the way to analyse the problem IMHO.

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on April 12, 2009, 10:39:05 AM
Dear All,

Thank you Nigel! Yes, as residents of Kingswinford we value our heritage and our Stourbridge glass collection, which is the envy of the world. This is our area's identity and the whole community and surrounding areas use the facility of Broadfield House and its working glass studio.

We welcome any improvement on the facility but we require firm assurances that the Stourbridge glass collection and archives are kept together. The local area of Stourbridge and Kingswinford have requested a special meeting with Dudley Council.

No one has the right to take away the people's heritage and identity from them!

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: cfosterk on April 12, 2009, 10:41:43 AM
Nigel,

I was being a little bombastic!!

My comments were directed at the venue, and not the collection - which which is of international importance. My view is that a new line of attack might be more productive - surely this is central governments responsibility?

This might offer an opportunity to house the collection in a custom-built venue? Central government might wish to stimulate the economy through capital expenditure programmes - just a thought...

Perhaps if we aim high we might reach the stars??
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: jal on May 20, 2009, 08:26:10 PM
  Over a month since the last message.   Does anyone know what's happening now.   I am informed the study is being run by an anti Broadfield person,  but have not heard of any "glass" person being invited to join the study.
John L. Sussex.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on May 20, 2009, 10:37:14 PM
Hi Everyone,

The Save Our Glass Heritage Spring Concert was a success! We were in 3 local papers, on 2 radio stations and we had a live link on radio at the start of the night. (MPs Councillors and VIPs attended) Please check my blog
saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com

Over 150 people packed the Methodist church behind Broadfield House. The community spirit was great and everyone was singing at the end. I have made a dvd - please contact me for further details.

We are about to hear this week hopefully who the consultants will be. Once that is known steps will be taken to introduce ourselves to them and have regular meetings - so our concerns are known. The local people of Kingswinford are not happy our Glass Museum and heritage is being treated this way and we will ensure that all efforts are made to keep the dignity of the Great Stourbridge Glass Heritage!

Regards

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on May 20, 2009, 11:05:02 PM
Hi Janet,

You're doing a brilliant job. The council apparent only take real notice of local opinion and you seem to be pulling the campaign together really effectively.

Well done.

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on May 21, 2009, 04:44:56 PM
Hi All,

Liz Lynne MEP came to Broadfield House today. To date this is the most high profile MP to come to us since January. She met Allister Malcolm our resident glass artist and was very sympathetic about what we were going through.

Councillors Dave Tyler and Lynn Bolyn accompanied the Euro MP.

Regards
Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on May 31, 2009, 08:35:39 AM
Dear Friends,

The consultants should be announced on Wed 3rd June at a Council meeting. We are entering a different phase now and I will try to keep you in touch.

Can I thank everyone for their concern and support so far.

We have plenty of local support and I remain positive public opinion will overturn the council's plans.

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 03, 2009, 02:01:54 PM
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4417176.Consultants_to_look_at_museum_closure_plan/

L & R Consulting have been appointed

http://www.lrconsulting.co.uk/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: KevinH on June 03, 2009, 04:12:02 PM
Quote from the consultants' web page:

Quote
Our insight has grown out of our skill at bringing together the needs of stakeholders with the needs of the marketplace now and with an eye on future trends. We aim for achievable and sustainable solutions.

So, although the consultants may well "work with musuems and heritage attractions" [quoted from Stourbridge News] presumably their "insight and skill" does not specifically need to include consideration of the needs of local businesses or the effects on country-wide or even world-wide heritage issues?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on June 03, 2009, 07:07:33 PM
I,ve heard that these consulants came in with the cheapest quote and they dont have a lot of experience so god help us cos it looks like a stitch up.
flyboy.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 03, 2009, 08:04:37 PM
Dear Friends,

I have just returned from the Dudley Council House, after presenting my questions to the select commitee. These were my questions;

1. There are concerns about the structural integrity of the red cone site, in particular movement of the red cone which could cause it to implode, and flooding of the tunnels underneath the red cone site.
Can you confirm that a full structural survey of the red cone site will be done, prior to moving the glass collection held at Broadfield House Glass Museum and the results will be made public?

2. Can you confirm that Miss Sally Orton is a trustee of the Red House Cone?

3. How much is the feasibility study costing the tax payer?

4. Regarding  the commitments made by Karen Shakespeare What are the arrangements that have been set in place for "engaging all of the organisations and groups who have shown their interest in the future of the
museum" and to ensure a "substantial amount of public consultation throughout the process"?

5. Regarding commitments made by Karen Shakespeare "One thing I can assure you of is that the details of whatever comes from this feasibility study will be in the public domain long before a final decision is made" What is the timescale of the decision making process when can we expect the report from the consultants to be in the public domain and how long afterwards will a final decision be made?

 janet

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 03, 2009, 08:18:24 PM
Dear Friends,

I handed over the list of interested parties, to Duncan Lowndes myself in the meeting and the chair person also requested a copy. He said all interested parties will be contacted for a discussion about Broadfield House Glass Museum shortly.

The Save Our Glass Heritage Campaign has introduced themselves to Dudley Council!

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 04, 2009, 09:29:08 PM
A very interesting article in the Birmingham Post.....

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2009/06/04/dudley-council-wants-glass-collection-under-one-roof-65233-23788511/

Has anyone seen a copy of the press release from Dudley Council?

"The study will also inform the future development of the popular Red House Glass Cone and the display and management of the collections generally."..."This initial exercise will explore visitor markets, site opportunities within the leased and potentially leased buildings at the Red House Cone site and look at case studies of best practice elsewhere."

Those don't jump out as phrases written by an enquiring journalist, I'm afraid. That phraseology and jargon sounds to me very much like the worst kind of "bureaucrat babble" and I reckon they has been lifted directly out of the Dudley press release!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 04, 2009, 10:30:30 PM
You guessed right Adam!  The full text of the PR is here:
http://www.dudley.gov.uk/welcome/news-in-dudley/june-2009/consultants-chosen-for-glass-feasibility-stud
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 09, 2009, 10:45:50 PM
Over the last two days the closure story has made the front page of the Express and Star. The stories are not yet available in the online version but if anyone would like to see them please contact me or Adam A directly.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 10, 2009, 07:07:38 PM
Dear Friends,

We have made it in the express and star regional newspaper 3 days running! The Save Our Glass Heritage Press Conference has been scheduled Friday 12th June 2009 at 1:00pm.

Since the announcement of the consultants we will be showing the council we mean business! The council are still refusing to tell local residents what the feasability study will be costing the local tax payer.

Please have a look at Dunsley Hall which dates back to the 1200s.

Lenny Henry and Antiques Roadshow expert Henry Sandon back the campaign

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 11, 2009, 09:57:43 PM
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4433791.Top_glass_designer_snubbed_by_council/

Dudley Cabinet members and Council executives continue declining to reply to letters from museum supporters......   
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 12, 2009, 08:29:20 PM
Today we held a Save Our Glass Heritage Press Conference.

Below is a picture of Charles Hajdamach, Sue Hill, Janet Hendry, Graham Fisher MBE and Geoff Hill MBE outside Dunsley Hall, Kinver
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 16, 2009, 10:28:17 PM
Hi Everyone, I've received the following info from Lynda Waltho MP’s office, regarding the debate in Westminster on Thursday 18th June 2009 about the fate of Broadfield House Glass Museum.

As per request below we all need to be contacting our MPs with our concerns, so these can be raised with Barbara Follett - the culture minister.
 
 
The debate on Thursday is an Adjournment Debate and follows the main business of the day in the Commons chamber, so it will be whenever the main business finishes.  On a Thursday this is usually about 5pm, but it could be any time between 4 and 6pm.  The debate will last for 30 minutes, so Lynda will speak for about 15 minutes and the Minister will respond.  Other interested MPs can speak briefly but they have to let Lynda know beforehand.  As it’s an adjournment debate it doesn’t have a vote.  It is a vehicle whereby MPs can raise matters of concern in the House of Commons and have a minister respond. This is about getting it on the record and also holding (in this case) Dudley Council to account for their decisions etc.
 
Campaign supporters in should contact their own MPs and ask them to lobby the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Barbara Follett will be the Minister replying to Lynda on Thursday so if she were to receive letters/emails from other MPs (or your supporters could email her directly) supporting the campaign then that would be great.[/i]

http://www.barbara-follett.org.uk/contact/index.html


Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 17, 2009, 09:52:58 AM
Latest article by Bev Holder of the Stourbridge News outlining the dangerous state of repair of the Red House Cone site. Clearly there are safety issues at stake here and in the light of this article I personally wouldn't be entering this building until a full survey by a major firm of structural engineers has been published given it the all clear.


http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4442366.Fears_over_cone_s_future/

See also the related issue of the closure of the International Glass Centre.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4440972.Another_blow_to_glass_industry/



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on June 17, 2009, 11:58:27 AM
I have sent an email to Barbara Follet, the Culture Minister who is both a friend and neighbour as well as being my MP!  She and Ken are strong Gordon Brown supporters, not that that is a guarantee of anything!
I see there are over 72,000 references on the internet now mentioning the closure.

I am discussing a plan with Barbara Beadman, Chairman of the Friends and a fellow glass manufacturer to try to obtain some Heritage Lottery Funding to keep Broadfield House Museum in situ with a contribution towards the upkeep of the Museum, but it seems a valuation of £5m in being bandided about ( Surely in the depressed property market it cannot be so high, can anyone local get a rough estimate from an estate agent?).
I will also speak to The Glass Sellers Company about it at the Court meeting tomorrow. I know they are supportive, but as yet have not really got involved.

I think we must start to be pro-active of how to improve and raise the status of the Museum soon rather than negative, and just say "Do not close it"!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 17, 2009, 01:06:56 PM
Hello there!

I have an estate agent contact who thinks the building as it is commercial, is worth in the region of 1.7 million. She thought the land is only worth something when planning permission has been granted.

Great news about Barbara Follett and thanks again for your support.

Check out this article in Stourbridge News.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4442366.Fears_over_cone_s_future/

Just shows Dudley Council isn't listening as on 3rd June 2009 I submitted a list of questions to the Select Comittee council meeting, and the first one on the list was
 
1. There are concerns about the structural integrity of the red cone site, in particular movement of the red cone which could cause it to implode, and flooding of the tunnels underneath the red cone site.
Can you confirm that a full structural survey of the red cone site will be done, prior to moving the glass collection held at Broadfield House Glass Museum and the results will be made public?

 
This was put on the official record, however they now seem to have 'forgotten'

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on June 17, 2009, 08:04:11 PM
I think everyone should read the comment of 2364 Glass Association petition list its true I,ve been there when its
raining.
Flyboy90
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 18, 2009, 02:22:47 AM
Is it also worth reminding UK citizens of the Downing Street petition?
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/savebroadfield/ (Deadline to sign up by: 03 August 2009) and the campaign's blogspot: http://saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com/

I also found another blog from someone whose ancestors worked in the glass industry at Wordsley: http://www.d-log.info/?p=6818
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on June 18, 2009, 10:48:48 AM
Here is my acknowledgement from Barbara Follet MP Minister of Culture for reference.



Dear Stephen Pollock-Hill,

Thank you for writing to me to say:

Subject: Seeking my assistance

Dear Barbara,
I wish to express my concern about the pending closure in April 2010 of the Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford, in my capacity both as a glass maker who has left some of my archives to the Museum, and as Chairman of The British Glass Education Trust, and curator and owner of The British Domestic Glass Museum 1900 -2000.
Dudley Borough Council has decided, without any consultation or definite plan of replacement, to close the Museum in 2010, putting the staffon notice.
This is the leading glass museum in the country, of its kind dedicated soley to glass, and one of the most important in the world, containing archives of over 200 years of the Crystal Industry which was based in the Dudley area,covering famous names like Stuart Crystal, Royal Brierly, Thomas Webb & Sons, Webb Corbett, Richardsons,Walsh Walsh, to name a few that have all now closed down or the trade names sold off.Only a  couple like Tudor Crystal and Plowden & Thompson remain.
It is a major part of the  cultural heritage of the area, and several thousand people have signed a petition against its closure and there are over 72,000 article on the internet about this!
Dudley Borough Council( and its predecessors) have benefitted by many millions of pounds in rates from employers and employees over the years, so this seems a very shoddy, unprofessional and undemocratic way to behave!
I would appreciate your views and bearing in mind national culture and heritage is at stake, (this is not just a local affair!) your favourable judgement , that the closure be postponed, at the very least until all alternatives have been fully discussed of the requirement to best house, preserve and improve the history of glassmaking in the West Midlands.
Kind regards,
Stephen Pollock-Hill. 

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 18, 2009, 07:28:55 PM
Watch Linda Waltho speak. followed by the Minister for Museums, Barbara Follett's response here:  (starts at time 07:16:00 ends 07:49:17)
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=4213

Well done to Linda for expressing the concerns not just of her constituents, but also of us glass enthusiasts wherever we may be. Let's hope that the commitment which Barbara Follett appears to have to keeping the collection intact and on display is borne out by reality, and that Dudley MBC take note that the eyes of voters in the borough and beyond are watching them, and that they do the right thing by the collection.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 18, 2009, 09:00:16 PM
Lynda Waltho MP did a great job of raising our questions in Parliament today

You can watch the debate directly on my blog, http://saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com

without having to fast forward the Parliament TV 7hr 16min in.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 18, 2009, 09:22:07 PM
Great, thanks for the direct link, Janet.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 18, 2009, 10:41:52 PM
Many thanks to Lynda Waltho for raising this issue so clearly in the House, particularly at a time when there are probably many other areas she could have focused on.  :)
 
But although Barbara Follett seems supportive, some of her comments and replies leave me feeling uneasy. We may have won a battle, but I fear we have not yet won the war.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 19, 2009, 04:54:07 PM
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4448753.Minister_warns_council_not_to_/

Bev Holder's article in Stourbridge News Jun 19th
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 22, 2009, 07:36:30 AM
BBC WM are backing our campaign!
 
I did an interview with Phil Upton this morning and they have been playing it on the news every half hour.
 
live feed http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_wm/

recordings http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_wm/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on June 22, 2009, 09:12:36 AM
Blimey Janet; thats fantastic!
More power to the Hendry elbow!

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 22, 2009, 05:52:50 PM
We have made it on the front page of Express and Star again!

http://saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com/2009/06/today-we-have-made-front-page-of.html


[Moderator: image removed for copyright reasons]
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on June 22, 2009, 05:59:47 PM
Well done, Janet and Charles. Keep it up!   ;) ;D
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 23, 2009, 04:20:23 PM
I gave Chris from BBC radio WM a tour around Broadfield today. He saw wine glasses being made in the Hot Glass Studio, press clippings from the campaign and commented on how impressive the museum was. He also enjoyed seeing Graham's Czech Glass Collection.

Simon and Ian from the Ruskin also introduced the Glass reflections weekend they will be holding on the 11th and 12th July to WM.

We were also joined by Malcolm Andrews who was Head Cutter at Corbett Webb/Royal Doulton for 30 years.

We will be on air tomorrow! Thanks WM!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 23, 2009, 06:47:12 PM
For those in the UK but outside the BBC WM reception area, you can listen live online (or use the listen again feature to catch up later) from here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_wm
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 23, 2009, 07:45:15 PM
The Culture Minister, Barbara Follett MP, warns Dudley Council not to take risks with the collection, not to implement and unnecessary closures and to listen to the local community

http://www.politics.co.uk/mps/press-releases/party-politics/labour/council-must-work-with-local-people-%E2%80%93-says-minister-$1305699.htm (http://www.politics.co.uk/mps/press-releases/party-politics/labour/council-must-work-with-local-people-%E2%80%93-says-minister-$1305699.htm)  (Mod: Link fixed)

 
Former Stuart Crystal shop at the Red House Glass Cone up for sale.

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4452403.Special_meeting_on_glass_saga_organised/

 
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 23, 2009, 07:57:36 PM
Just for clarification, I understood that the former Stuart Crystal shop belonged to the now defunct Waterford Wedgwood group not to Dudley Council...?  The newspaper story actually states, "Meanwhile Dudley Council has confirmed the former Stuart Crystal shop at the Red House Glass Cone site has been put up for sale" which doesn't mean the same as, "Dudley Council puts ... [it] ... up for sale."
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 23, 2009, 10:12:46 PM
MP criticises council on Stourbridge glass museum plans

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2009/06/24/mp-criticises-council-on-stourbridge-glass-museum-plans-65233-23960130/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 25, 2009, 05:08:00 PM
Today Charles Hajdamach has been on the radio at 102.5 the Bridge and Linda Waltho will be speaking on the radio on Saturday 27th June between 12 and 1pm.

We are also looking forward to the Reflections Weekend on the 11th and 12th July to bring back past glass memories. This event is also being organised in support of Broadfield House Glass Museum, by Ian, Simon and Brett from the Ruskin Centre. I will be there with fellow campaigners to promote the cause, handing out leaflets and inviting people to visit the glass museum.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 25, 2009, 05:11:08 PM
Glass feasibility study:  project brief

A copy of the project brief used to appoint consultants to carry out a feasibility study into the amalgamation of the renowned glass collections at Broadfield House Glass Museum and those at Red House Glass Cone is available via the following link http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum/broadfield-house-feasibility-study

At Last!!!!!

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 25, 2009, 11:10:28 PM
You can now hear a recording of BBC Radio WM when they visited Broadfield House on the 23rd June

See my blog entry for 23rd June at http://saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 26, 2009, 01:17:50 AM
As mentioned earlier in this topic, I asked my MP, Tim Farron, (Westmorland & Lonsdale) to support Linda Waltho in her Parliamentary campaign to save BHGM, and I've had a reply from Tim saying that he would be delighted to support the principle of the campaign and further suggesting we ask Linda Waltho to table an Early Day Motion which he and others could sign, to elicit support for the campaign in Parliament.

Could someone who is a constituent of Ms Waltho suggest this to her please, as apparently protocols prevent MPs from responding to other MPs' constituents like me?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 26, 2009, 01:56:57 AM
Hansard transcript of Linda Waltho's speech is here if anyone would prefer to read it rather than watch or listen:  http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090618/debtext/90618-0019.htm (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090618/debtext/90618-0019.htm) (scroll down almost to the bottom).
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on June 26, 2009, 07:12:21 AM
Grateful thanks, Anne, particularly for those of us who are hearing impaired.   Fascinating reading.

Bernard C.  8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on June 26, 2009, 04:54:46 PM
Anne,

Great idea about the early day motion - I will contact Linda Waltho!

Janet
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on June 27, 2009, 12:00:04 AM
Super, thanks Janet. :)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on July 18, 2009, 09:04:40 AM
Save Our Glass Heritage held its second meeting with L & R Consultants on 16th July, at Broadfield House Glass Museum.

The Presentation to L & R was delivered by Dr Graham Cooley and Antique Roadshow experts, Will Farmer and Andy McConnell.

We shared a vision of creating a Centre of Excellence for Stourbridge Glass.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on July 20, 2009, 02:00:10 PM
A Joint Meeting of Brierley Hill and Stourbridge Area Committees is being held for Broadfield House Glass Museum on

Thursday 23 July 2009 at 7.00pm

at Wordsley Community Centre
The Green
Wordsley
Stourbridge
DY8 5BN

Please come and support the glass museum and put you points across.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on July 24, 2009, 04:09:23 PM
Here are two news reports of last night's meeting:

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4511572.Empty_Woolies_store_could_house_glass_collection/

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4510965.Mayors_speak_out_over_glass_collection/

Both of these are well worth reading.

Note the comment by former mayor Malcolm Knowles:

“If anyone thinks the brief is too narrow we should be big enough to widen it."

Just in case anybody missed this, here it is again!!

“If anyone thinks the brief is too narrow we should be big enough to widen it."


Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on July 24, 2009, 04:26:50 PM
The Stourbridge News have covered the meeting comprehensively and here is their third report which has also  had some interesting on-line replies at the bottom of the page
http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4511128.Council_refuses_to_reveal_study_cost/

The combined groups that have united behind the award-winning Broadfield House Glass Museum now have memberships totalling more than 100,000. Apparently the meeting was packed and it sounds as if there would have been standing room only if any more supporters had turned up, so it is probably a good thing that not everybody was able to attend!!

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on September 05, 2009, 07:14:11 PM
As we draw close to the end of phase 1 of the feasability study and meeting on 7th September, I would like to thank Adam Aaronson, Nigel Benson, Graham Cooley and Charles Hajdamach for their enormous help and support for the Campaign to save the Glass Heritage held at Broadfield House Glass Museum!

The fight continues and yes, Stourbridge Glass Deserves a World Class Glass Museum.

A picture outside Broadfield House during another day of campaigning - first a radio interview for a breakfast show then standing outside Council house with banner and then back at Broadfield for another photo shoot.

Yes Stourbridge Glass does deserve a World Class Glass Museum.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on September 11, 2009, 01:25:07 AM
Hello,
Just a quick mention here people.

I know we are all getting rather dishearted with the campaign.
Yes we are struggling, Dudley Council Are Ruthless.


Come On.... I know you all have facebook get yourselfs on this link and just have a look at the Cause on the to "SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM" and the members and administrators we have supporting it! :) :) :)

It will take 2 seconds to just click the link and join the cause we are at 500 members!!!
Another 500 members is always a good thing!
A breath of fresh air possibly?
If you have facebook imagine how many others do!!!!!
Then invite your friends and family and watch the numbers grow!!!!!!!

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/205853

Cheeeeers!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on September 11, 2009, 11:38:53 AM
We are now in our 9th month of the Campaign to Save the Collections held at Broadfield House Glass Museum.
There has been great public and media support for the Museum in this country and abroad.

We have a meeting with Cllrs about Broadfield on the 29th September. Anyone who would like to join us for this please check http://saveourglassheritage.blogspot.com for details.

The campaigners believe, we have one of the best Glass Collections in the world and will continue to fight for a World Class Glass Museum.

JH
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on September 11, 2009, 12:31:30 PM
When are teh Councillors due to be re-elected in Dudley?
Fear of losing their seat concentrates the mind, and one can always
post posters showing the Councillors against retaining the Museum in a
"NOT WANTED!" or "ANTI BROADFIELD HOUSE!"
Poster.
It is humourous and bangs home the point. Rumours of such a campaign may
lead a few anti-Broadfield Councillors to change sides.

Also how many contributors to the Museum archives ( like me) would ask for their
loans/ archives/papers to be returned if Broadfield House closes?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on September 11, 2009, 02:01:27 PM
Excellant suggestion Stephen :thup:

The local elections for DMBC, believe it or not, are next year ;)

Concentrates the mind even more if your seat is marginal, what??

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: malwodyn on September 11, 2009, 02:07:10 PM
It is quite possile that the local elections and the general election will be held on the same day....
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on September 13, 2009, 10:37:49 AM
Local Elections - The Borough is split into 24 wards.  Each ward is represented by 3 Councillors.  Local Elections are held in 3 out of 4 years.  There is an election of one Councillor to each of the 24 wards on the first Thursday in May each election year.  The next local elections are scheduled for 6th May 2010 

http://councillors.dudley.gov.uk  This link gives you access to dudley Cllrs details, email address, home address and telephone numbers

These are the Cllrs that will be voting on the future of Broadfield.

Please write to them or phone them up if you care about this issue.

Please note emails tend to get "LOST" in the system.

This is a conservative run Council with a majority of just 14  (Con 43, Lab 26,  Lib 2, UKIP 1) So lobbying them could make all the difference!

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close. A life saver?
Post by: sph@ngw on September 14, 2009, 03:25:26 PM
Can I put forward the suggestion that through the membership and contacts of this message board, we consider starting a "Save The Broadfield House Fund"?
To do this I suggest that everyone concerned should set up an annual standing order for £20 p.a paid to the Friends of Broadfield House, as a contribution/inducement/sweetner to Dudley Borough Council, to at least defray part of the £120,000 that DBC reckon the Museum is costing them?
If we got 600 contributors  ( 600 x £20),that would solve the funding problem.
If a  Registered Charity is involved a further 20% can be given from tax paid, once the Charity is identified.
Those who contribute to thsi scheme deserve the name "Guardian of The Broadfield House Museum"!
Finally, if ether is a shortfall, i think I could find a one of funding from The British Glass Educational Trust to help kickstart the first year!

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on September 14, 2009, 04:08:22 PM
I think we'd need 6000 at £20, or 600 at £200, Stephen.  8)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on September 14, 2009, 11:24:53 PM
Hi Stephen,

A very good suggestion. You seem to have pre-empted something that may be in the offing, which as yet I cannot discuss. Having said that there maybe an appeal for funds imminently. This is dependant on a few things that are about  to happen.

So, I hope folks will watch this space (and others) and be ready with whatever they can afford - of course the more the better :) ;) :)

I have taken onboard the charity angle Stephen - a very good thought, thank you.

I, and a number of other people believe that if we do not make a supreme effort now and save the collections and archives for a World Class Glass Museum we may never have the opportunity again.

For example, I learnt only this weekend that Dudley had the first Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) after the Second World War. The world renowned geology collection associated with that site is languishing in a basement somewhere in Dudley Council (DMBC) awaiting the fulfilment of council's promise to rehouse it in better facilities - it was boxed up years ago, and has now been forgotten about :huh: ::) :huh:

Sobering thought, eh?

Thanks, Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on September 15, 2009, 09:56:04 AM
Hi Nigel,

Thanks for your positive reaction to my proposal. That info about DBC's lack of stewardship about its geology collection, could be a very useful lever. If the local press were tipped off to that story, it could show that heritage and culture is not really a priority in Dudley's thinking, with grave implications for their tourism industry,
(I still find it strange there is not a decent hotel in the area!).

What we really want to do however is work WITH Dudley Borough Council to find a satisfactory solution to preserving and enhancing Broadfield House's repution as a World Class Museum of glass.
I can also ask the Glass Sellers if their Charity Fund will contribute, we have a Court meeting soon.
Perhaps a small local group of our supporters need to have a meeting with the Council Officers - who are the people who flag up funding problems and advise the councillors-to suggest a campaign to raise funds for the long term preservation. That might give us a target to aim at. We do not know if £40k or £60k new income a year will preserve the collection there.
Also if we do this, we need some assurance that they will not change their minds in a few years. The advantage of annual small donations (which are tax deductable for the donors) is that they can be cut off immediately.
Also representatives of the donors will need to be on the Governing Board of the Museum.

Perhaps we need a wealthy glass collector on board as well. As a dealer do you know any such person?
Regards, Stephen
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David E on September 15, 2009, 09:59:41 AM
To he best of my knowledge, the geology collection is still at Himley Hall, unless it has been removed recently (but I cannot think why that would be necessary).
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: malwodyn on September 15, 2009, 02:06:07 PM
Can I join the queue to pledge at least £20 to the "Save Broadfield House" Fund?  Let me know where to send my cheque.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on September 15, 2009, 08:15:49 PM
Stephen .... that would be a chap called Pollock-Hill :o ;)

Sorry, just couldn't resist that open goal :)


The serious answer I think would be that only a guarantee of funding the museum for a given numbers of years (say 5), and for a serious amount percentage wise, would likely be looked at by DMBC. There are other ideas, which I am sure will be coming onto your radar soon Stephen.

As for the tourism aspect, I have been talking about this on a number of occasions, but I fear that housing is far more in line with current council thinking - despite the current situation. Certainly, their views about the proposed Glass Quarter, which they are about to push through, seem more aligned to reducing the industry in the locality in favour of housing.

They have also albut abandoned the glass industry, both current and historical if you read the Supplementary Planning Document concerning the Glass Quarter. This goes to a council planning meeting on the 18th September (and I believe has to have comment by interested parties by the end of the month).

Heritage is apparently not their bag, despite its obvious use as a draw for visitors, and hence helping regenerate the locality and bringing much needed income to the area.

One chairman of an association observed that it was a shame that it was Dudley that we had to deal with. They have no vision, certainly not the sort that might come from a metropolis like Liverpool or Birmingham. To be fair they also don't have the income, but, so far, they have also steadfastly avoided taking up the offer(s) of help made by the various campaign bodies - so illustrating a complete lack of vision, or inquisitiveness about what might be on offer.

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on September 17, 2009, 08:33:56 PM
Watch this space!!
Flyboy.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on September 23, 2009, 08:48:48 PM
Meeting for Broadfield House Glass Museum will take place

Brier School
Bromley Lane
Kingswinford

29 September at 7pm

Great coverage in Stourbridge News today -

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4643920.The_world_is_watching__warns_Roadshow_star/


http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4643824.TV_duo_call_for_world_class_glass_museum/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on September 23, 2009, 11:30:58 PM
Wonderful coverage Janet, thanks for posting it.  :clap: And well done Andy and Eric for going to Dudley too!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on September 25, 2009, 04:57:08 PM
Hi Everyone,

Today we have the leader of the Council saying in today's Birmingham Mail that there should be a fourth option for an official designated national museum on an expanded site. Cllr Millward admitted this morning "That is the fourth option, really." She said the local glass fraternity had pledged to raise a six-figure sum, if the council would match it, to help draw up the ambitious plans and that national regeneration funding could be sought.

Cllr Millward said such a scheme could become a major global attraction because the glass collection was second in importance only to the Corning in New York.

Cllr Lowe is submitting a resolution to the next full council meeting backing the national museum bid.

We have work to do!!

JH
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on September 30, 2009, 02:49:18 PM
I was informed at the Court meeting of the Glass Sellers Company on Tuesday 23 rd September, by a local to Dudley, that The Broadfield House closure is now " a done deal" ratified by a Council decision on the 4th September, even though the closure date of the consultants' study and review only closed on the 31st August!
Is this true? Did that give them time to summarise teh findings, and distribute this to Councillors, if true?

Also if you look at their website, http://www.dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums--galleries/glass-museum/reference/glass-collections, they show a photo of the entrance of the BFH Museum and then give the address of all other UK Glass Museums or rather Museums with a glass ( and many are very small!) collection.
Is this the action of a Council, which has not yet decided?
Might it also be that the visitor numbers of 20k p.a. to their proposed site, the Red House Cone, depended on the Stuart Shop which has now closed and is up for sale, and will be much lower in the twelve months that follow! Gift buyers with time would stroll next door and make up the figures!

How on earth will they even get a car park adequate for an enlarged Museum in that location , unless it is on the old Stuart site across the very dangerous humpback bridged, busy main road?
An update please from someone in Dudley on what may be happening , and when a decision will or was taken, please!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on September 30, 2009, 05:39:07 PM
Stephen,

I may not be from Dudley, but I do keep my ear close to the ground on this particular topic.

Since the beginning of this whole campaign, back in early January, it has been said by some that it is a 'done deal', including your recent visitor. Whether that is true, or understandable fatalism on behalf of a few people, perhaps only time will tell.

What I do know is, a huge number of people in the Dudley locality, and out here nationally and internationally are totally against the move to the RHC site - and we will go on campaigning until a World Class Glass Museum is achieved. Even if DMBC do decide to go down the uninspired and easier route of shoving as little as possible into an unsuitable site it is important for us all to have a clear vision out here - despite the difficult financial times we find ourselvs in.

I am sure you are aware of some of the things that are going on without the glare of publicity, and I sincerely hope that the council continue to go down the route that their leader, Anne Millward, has indicated.

Your point about visitor figures at the RHC diminishing this year, because of the lack of visitors to the old Stuart Shop, is well made and only emphasises the increase in numbers that are visiting Broadfield House Glass Museum as a result of all the publicity it is at last receiving (these have doubled in 2009 compared to 2008, something that DMBC are keen not to admit). It also illustrates how the visitor figures to the RHC site were achieved - certainly not through specific visits to the Cone and any glass on show there!

DMBC, and their own publicity department, have long since put BH on the back burner as far as publicity is concerned, which is why the current publicity is having such an effect - BH has been the borough's closest guarded secret!! Even locals who didn't know of its existance now visit and are amazed at the treasures held there.

At the moment the consultants, L&R, have suggested the proposed work at RHC could cost between £3m and £5m, totally wiping out any advantage in selling the BH site should they decide to spend the money.

So, why continue to pursue this ridiculous policy when all that they are likely to save is the yearly £120,000 that represents the loss of salaries and some other running costs of BH?

I say 'only' £120K, since surely that amount would be far outweighed by the income to the locality that is likely to occur as a result of supporting the museum and giving the publicity it deserves, as well as sorting out the sign-posting?

Finally, it is interesting that the October closing date for Stage 2 of L&R's feasibilty study has been put back to December as they need more time to complete the report thoroughly.

Recent events have suggested a possible change in attitude by at least some of the DMBC councillors, so I would suggest that we all need to carry on pursuing the goal of a better museum giving the collections and archives the status they deserve as the "Mecca for glass" in this country, as well as ensuring it's role on the world stage of glass.

Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on October 01, 2009, 08:36:15 AM
There was a packed meeting held in Kingswinford on 29th September 2009. Thank you to William Fludgate Chairman of the Scientific Glass Blowers for travelling 200 miles in one evening to be with us!

Here is the press coverage from the meeting.

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2009/10/01/row-over-plans-to-move-collection-to-red-house-glass-cone-stourbridge-65233-24824086/

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4656435.New_glass_museum_would_cost___3_5m/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on October 08, 2009, 07:10:33 AM
The day has arrived. On the 12th October 2009 there will be a resolution put forward by Cllrs Lowe & Tyler. This is a historic day for the collections and archives held at Broadfield House Glass Museum. The Cllrs will be asking for cross party support in future to create a museum of national importance for the collections and archives.

If you are free come and join us at On Monday 12th October 5.30pm on Council steps, Priory Road, Dudley.

This is everything the campaigners have been fighting for and we hope we can make history in our part of the world!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on October 08, 2009, 11:32:40 AM
Surely all the supporters already believe that Broadfield House is THE Museum of national importance regarding English glass, its history and heritage? Why re invent the wheel. Surely the question is how can it be better financed and its future safeguarded?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on October 08, 2009, 06:28:20 PM
Think about this, what we need is people to turn up for photo shot and the meeting, AS we are not recognized by Dudley mbc as a NATIONAL GLASS MUSEUM,so please
lets try to convince them, we have to take grasp every chance we are offered  and next Monday is a opporrtunity we have to take, COME ONE WAKE UP.
FLYBOY.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on October 09, 2009, 12:12:35 PM
Stephen said,

Quote
Surely all the supporters already believe that Broadfield House is THE Museum of national importance regarding English glass, its history and heritage?

Yes that is quite correct Stephen and your point about not re-inventing the wheel is fair, however it is DMBC that we have to convince, not ourselves.

Since the recent presentation to councillors at BH by Eric Knowles and Andy McConnell with Graham Knowles, the museum's oldest and regular benefactor, there have been signs that some leading coucillors are beginning to understand what we're saying and voice it.

The resolution by Cllr Peter Lowe will hopefully be adopted by DMBC, although there may be some alteration in order for them to be able to.

This is an important meeting coming up and, as Flyboy says, we need as many people to support it as possible. Therefore, particularly if anyone out there is local, then please try to turn up to help........and bring a friend/the family/neighbours  :)::) ;) :)

Kind wishes to all, Nigel
Title: Re:
Post by: Janet H on October 12, 2009, 07:42:09 PM
Hi All,

Just got back from the Council House - The Resolution Passed Easily! The leader of the Council Anne Millward said she would not close Broadfield House Glass Museum "On her watch"!

All the campaigning was successful - A million thanks go out to Barbara Beadman, Adam Aaronson, Graham Cooley, Charles Hajdamach, Nigel Benson, Andy McConnell, Eric Knowles, Will Farmer, Brian Clarke and John Smith.

A big thank you to John Smith at Broadfield for always opening the museum for me when press and visitors came to the museum.

Jan H :hiclp:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: pamela on October 12, 2009, 07:58:30 PM
Congratulations!  :chky:
 :hug:
 :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :band:
:fwr:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on October 12, 2009, 11:29:08 PM
Wonderful news Janet, and congrats to everyone!  :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on October 13, 2009, 01:25:33 PM
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2009/10/13/campaign-hails-museum-victory-97319-24918601/

Birmingham Mail article today
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: jsmeasell on October 13, 2009, 02:47:28 PM
Well done!

The next phase will be even more difficult. Don't lose the momentum you have gained.

My wife and I look forward to visiting Broadfield House next May.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on October 13, 2009, 03:35:38 PM



 Great minds think alike!
 here is an email I have just ent to Dudley Council!

Now we must all support Broadfield House to teh full!

Congratulations to all the Dudley Councillors who listened to the massive chorus of protestors against the closure of a much loved and valued Museum of national importance in the world of glass.
I made a suggestion that the Friends of Broadfield House be widened in membership. If 3,000 supporters each made out a standing order for £20 a year, giving them a regular newsletter by email about the Museum, new acquistions, new exhibitions and talks on glass, etc., half the costs would be covered! I had many confirmations of support, and via gopetition, this could be set up.
The Museum has the makings of being the  Best Glass Museum in Europe, and Second Best Glass Museum in the World ( after the Corning Museum of Glass- New York State- which is fabulously endowed financially!
 
It has the potential to put Dudley on the national map as a Must See location, and efforts should be made to ensure that the glass making heritage and tradition of the area is never forgotten. Look at Ironbridge and the Tourism that draws in. Stourbridge Glassmaking predates that by two hundred years!!
The John Ruskin Centre, ( ex Webb Corbett/Royal Doulton Crystal), The Stuart Crystal Cone, and the Broadfield House Museum have the makings of a rich
 "Glass Maker's Quarter and Trail", that many towns would give their eyeteeth to poseess.
I've known the area for over forty years, and now is the time to develop the theme, and build on those foundations for the benefit of local business and tourism, (hotels, restuarnts, gift shops, bus and coach companies.
Some of the old factories still exist ( just!), Stuart and Royal Brierley sites, and income from sale of part of the site should be invested into developing the core areas as
favourable leases to talented glassmakers who can demonstrate the ancient art of glass making.
 
I know as I have just opened a small glass museum here at Nazeing,Essex and am developing successfully open days, lectures, "Hot Glass Visits",etc., and
we only go back to 1928!
The Dudley/ Stourbridge area goes back to  the first glasshouses in Bagot's Park circa 1550-1585, and families like the Hennezels, Tyzacks and Titterys , Henseys and Bagots!
 In fact Dudley should proudly announced "Dudley & Stourbridge, centre of British Crystal for nearly 500 years!"
 Finally look what the BBC webpage shows for the Black Country....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/uncovered/glass.shtml
 The front of the Museum you were planning to close.
So well done again!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on October 13, 2009, 08:15:20 PM
Stourbridge News

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/local/4679892.Glass_campaigners_celebrate_victory/

BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2009/01/15/broadfield_house_feature.shtml
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on October 13, 2009, 09:00:03 PM
Broadfield House Glass Museum was today celebrating. Councillor Lowe arrived with champagne and best wishes for the staff and campaigners. We did radio interviews, newspaper interviews and then the TV Crew arrived.

Here is a picture myself and Councillor Lowe - Many thanks to him and Councillor Tyler for all their support.

A Great Day For Broadfield House Glass Museum!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on October 14, 2009, 07:02:11 PM
Hi All,
If Jan had not banged the drum the way she  did Broadfield house would have gone!!!!
THANK YOU JAN.
Flyboy.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on October 23, 2009, 07:10:08 PM
Good News at last from Broadfield - Congratulations to Charles Hajdamach on the launch of his new book 20th Century British Glass. The new exhibition is great - please come along to Broadfield to see and enjoy!

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: keith on October 23, 2009, 08:15:53 PM
Great news,have you got Charles new book at Broadfield House,gives me another reason to visit,Keith.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on October 23, 2009, 09:09:59 PM
Hi Keith,

Yes book is available at the museum - price £49.50

Hope you enjoy seeing the exhibition.

JH
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: scimiman on October 23, 2009, 10:41:57 PM
Well done to every one who put so much effort into saving one of Europes most important Glass Museums. :hiclp:
Power to the people. :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:
Mike www.abfabglass.co.uk
:hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp::hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp::hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp::hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp::hiclp: :hiclp:
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on October 23, 2009, 11:37:33 PM
Hello Everyone,

Like you all, I am very pleased that DMBC have at last begun to come up with the goods. However, I believe that jsmeasell made a very good and timely remark,
Quote
The next phase will be even more difficult. Don't lose the momentum

Whilst the council have said that Broadfield House is not to be closed, until action has been taken that actually signifies that the museum is safe, then, I fear there is risk.

It is good that we have got this far, no, it is remarkable, and I too offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked so tirelessly to achieve this fantastic result, both behind the scenes and in the foreground.

We must not let our elation cloud us to the goal that still has to be achieved, a museum that it worthy of the collections and archives that it holds, and that is truely international in the way that it is promoted and supported - especially by DMBC.

Everyone's continued support and help is needed now, just as much as during the last 10 months. WE must stay vigilant and help those who have begun the negotiations with the council.

Thanks, and kind wishes to all, Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Bernard C on October 24, 2009, 12:18:03 AM
I'm not celebrating, at least not yet — preferring to heed James Measell's caution.   There's still a so-called "independent" report to come.

I have lived for over a third of a century in an ancient coaching town that has been treated with contempt by local authorities, first by Wolverton Urban District Council, then by Milton Keynes Council.   Along with others, I am constantly on guard to protect our historic buildings, our mediaeval walls, our street furniture, our open spaces where Wesley preached and Churchill relaxed, and more.   Sometimes you have to move fast — only four years ago I stood in the way of a contracter with drill in hand attempting to install a plastic meter box on the front of a listed building, and was stuck there for three hours!   Hence my caution.

... and if the whole Broadfield House threat was a cleverly planned diversion to distract attention from the closure of the International Glass Centre at Dudley College, then it has been a great success for Dudley Council.

Bernard Cavalot

I see that I've overlapped with Nigel — I will leave it as there is no harm in making a good point twice!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on October 24, 2009, 10:13:22 AM
Yes, thank you Nigel for your comments. The risk is still out there and now the emphasis of the campaign has changed - the campaign begins for a museum of International standing worthy of the hot glass studio, collections and archives it deserves and all in the area where we have 400 years of glassmaking heritage!

Please help us achieve this worthy cause.

JH
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Angela B on October 24, 2009, 10:59:30 AM
I am so happy that the threat to close Broadfield House has ended. Like everyone above has said, now the real work begins - to make the future absolutely secure.
But lets take the time to celebrate - everyone who has helped should give themselves a pat on the back. We did well - congratulations to all of you.
 :dance: :cheers: :girlcheer:
Angela
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: keith on October 24, 2009, 01:10:17 PM
I find it amazing,and pleasing,that so many of you from so far away care so much,it's such a shame that the local population have no idea where or what Broadfield House is,as a local thankyou,Keith.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Carolyn Preston on October 24, 2009, 01:50:33 PM
Trust me, if I'm ever even moderately close, I shall visit the museum (and the red cone, 'cuz I like the name).

Carolyn
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: KevinH on October 24, 2009, 02:44:54 PM
I agree with the recent comments of Nigel, Bernard and Janet. This is not yet a definite saving of Broadfield House, or the Glass of the Museum, in any truly practical sense - only a stated intention from councillors. If the campaign is not followed up in whatever way is required for the next stages, then who knows what will happen following future council (and even main government) elections?

Bernard commented on the heritage of his locality and the effort he makes to protect that heritage. I do not have the same sort of drive as Bernard, but these days I do feel saddened that a town near me (High Wycombe) now has virtually no recognition of its heritage as one of the primary furniture centres for many centuries - back to the times of lone bodgers working in the local beechwoods. The world-famous "Windsor Chair", beloved of many antique wood furniture buffs, is only generally known in High Wycombe if visitors happen to search out the tiny museum in which there is an extremely limited display of the woodworking past.

If the Dudley Borough glass heritage does end up going the same way as High Wycombe's woodworking past, it will be an even bigger loss to the country as a whole.
Title: Re: Broadfield House NOT to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on October 26, 2009, 03:19:19 PM
Perhaps we should now rename our campaign? Certainly we must refocus it!
I was up at Stourbridge/ Dudley/Kingswinford on Saturday for the launch of Charles Hajdemach's most excellent and erudite book, "20th Century British Glass" and The Glass Association Meeting had I believe a record turnout(over 70 present,  with many names from this thread) to cheer the announcement, that the closure notice had been withdrawn and staff were no longer on notice for April 2010.
It is a bit ironical to see the Brown Tourist signs proudly announcing "Glass Quarter"when so little remains!
But the important thing is that it does still remain....and we now need to enter the next phase, so aptly put by Jonathan Glancey writing in The Independant back in 1994, just prior to the opening of The National Glass Centre in Sunderland (which sadly continues to lose money!) "When old English industries decline and fall, the towns that bore them turn first to the three D's Drink, debt and depression, then to heritage trails and shopping malls (think the Merry Hill Centre close by!), and garden festivals.

"The Glass Centre is a chance to put Sunderland on the map of international excellence in design and making of glass, from artworks to architecture".  http://www.nationalglasscentre.com/.

Here is what Wikipedia says about the financing....


"Since the centre opened it has failed to meet targets on visitor numbers.[2] Visitor numbers of 100,000 per year were some way short of the target of 250,000 visitors per year.[4][5] The centre receives regular funding from the Arts Council England - including one of £700,000 - prompting a National Audit Office report to judge that it was "over-funded".[2] Despite this, the site continues to receive a quarter of a million pound grant annually by the Arts Council and the City Council[2] and in 2002 was losing £100,000 per year.[4] The problems of low attendance and overly optimistic income generation the Centre experienced have been shared by other lottery funded cultural attractions in the North East such at the Arc Centre in Stockton (which went into liquidation in 2003) and nearby Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art".


We have won the first battle, but the task ahead is immense, but not impossible. We must act while the  sites of the famous Heritage are still visible and 1612- 2012,  400 years of handmaking in the area must be the theme, and we must aim to compete with Ironbridge. In 1998/9 it had 2.5m visitors bringing in £76m!

One of the things that needs to be done is to attract glass artists from across the country to come and set up studios there at attractive rents and rates, in the old sites and strive towards creating a World Heritage site of Glass making.  This is where, inmho, The National Glass Centre did not succeeed fully. For instance the old glass making tradition of Hartley Wood Glass Makers, making stained window glass in the original way, that was there, is now in a steel shed in Alvechurch near Redditch, called English Antique Glass!

DBC needs vision, courage and deep pockets, and all the support it can get from glass mad fanatics like us to create a future World Heritage site capable of employing thousands, not hundreds! There is not even a decent hotel in the close vicinity, and the only conference area for the Glass Association AGM was the bonded warehouse alongside a neglected canal!
But as  Ralph Waldo Emerson said "build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door!", and
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!"   



Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on November 27, 2009, 11:57:00 AM
Brilliant comments - but now lets see what we can do!

Local Conservative Cllrs have put this in their leaflets and posted them through Kingswinford resident houses.
Title: Re: Broadfield House NOT to Close
Post by: malwodyn on November 27, 2009, 12:18:13 PM
The original reason put forward for the closure of Broadfield House was the need to save £120 000 per annum in expenditure.  The Sunderland Glass centre receives £700 000 p.a. from the Arts Council - Dudley is going to have to find this sum from its own resources.  This probably means cuts - or at least savings - elsewhere.

Perhaps we should now rename our campaign? Certainly we must refocus it!

"The Glass Centre is a chance to put Sunderland on the map of international excellence in design and making of glass, from artworks to architecture".  http://www.nationalglasscentre.com/.

Here is what Wikipedia says about the financing....

"Since the centre opened it has failed to meet targets on visitor numbers.[2] Visitor numbers of 100,000 per year were some way short of the target of 250,000 visitors per year.[4][5] The centre receives regular funding from the Arts Council England - including one of £700,000 - prompting a National Audit Office report to judge that it was "over-funded".[2] Despite this, the site continues to receive a quarter of a million pound grant annually by the Arts Council and the City Council[2] and in 2002 was losing £100,000 per year.[4] The problems of low attendance and overly optimistic income generation the Centre experienced have been shared by other lottery funded cultural attractions in the North East such at the Arc Centre in Stockton (which went into liquidation in 2003) and nearby Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art".


We have won the first battle, but the task ahead is immense, but not impossible. We must act while the  sites of the famous Heritage are still visible and 1612- 2012,  400 years of handmaking in the area must be the theme, and we must aim to compete with Ironbridge. In 1998/9 it had 2.5m visitors bringing in £76m!

One of the things that needs to be done is to attract glass artists from across the country to come and set up studios there at attractive rents and rates, in the old sites and strive towards creating a World Heritage site of Glass making.  This is where, inmho, The National Glass Centre did not succeed fully. For instance the old glass making tradition of Hartley Wood Glass Makers, making stained window glass in the original way, that was there, is now in a steel shed in Alvechurch near Redditch, called English Antique Glass!

DBC needs vision, courage and deep pockets, and all the support it can get from glass mad fanatics like us to create a future World Heritage site capable of employing thousands, not hundreds! There is not even a decent hotel in the close vicinity, and the only conference area for the Glass Association AGM was the bonded warehouse alongside a neglected canal!

As a mad glass fanatic I too am willing to do my bit to help to create a World Heritage Site in the Dudley/Stourbridge area - but we are all going to have to keep working if the proposal to close Broadfield House is not to resurface in a few years time when budgets are under strain.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on November 27, 2009, 12:37:58 PM
We need more people like you to come forward and help us create the International Stourbridge Glass Museum here in the rich glass heritage area of Dudley!

Lets all get behind the idea of having the best glass museum we can all be proud of!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: sph@ngw on November 27, 2009, 01:09:10 PM
May I point out that there is little comparaison between The National Glass Centre in Sunderland , and the Dudley possibilities?

1.The Sunderland Centre is a purpose built  modern glass and steel centre, without any 
   industrial heritage buildings connected with glass making! Just legend!

2. It took on Hartley Wood glass, based in Sunderland, about 20 people, of which about
   14 actually made glass, the other six were administrators, of which there were three
   directors all given BMW cars!

3. It is the perfect example of how NOT to design a glass factory. have too many chiefs 
  and not enough Indian braves, do no research into the potential market, start by
  charging £5 a head to view the set up and when visitor numbers fail, allow viewing for
  free!

4. Do not attract talented young studio glass makers in, and give them subsidized units in
   return for free viewing and a ready made visitor shop outlet.

5.Do no research into the market and potential for the stained glass you are making.

6. Buy in glass from your competitors to stock out the shop ( Caithness, Dartington,   
    Royal Brierley gifts, etc), thus reducing sales of made on the premises items.

7. Do no research into what people want to buy and provide for the market.

8. Do not encourage a team work ( all pull together) between curators and glass makers.

9. Do not establish a brand with a talented designer allowing you to sell to other retail
   shops.

10. Sell the ruins of the glass set up to an asset stripper, who has no plans of keeping it
    alive, rather than wait for the right buyer to come along.

11. Does Sunderland have one of the finest glass Museums and artifacts in the world?
      If so I've never seen them!

12. Finally, open the Centre at the height of one the worst recessions in a highly 
    depressed area ( which attracted the EU and local Government grants, of course!).

So now, who is surprised it has virtually failed to achieve its aims ?

Having said that the idea was laudable, and it does play an important educational role and encourage school children to join the industry.....OOOPS
the local industry has  now closed, with Pyrex/ Corning and Arc moving out!

Could Sunderland ever be another Ironbridge? Ship building was the main industry there surely!

But Dudley with its under used canals for sustainable transport and leisure tours could,
if it learns the lessons of Sunderland!

( How do I know so much about it? I was talking this week over lunch with the furnace
  builder who now owns what is left of Hartley Wood, who opened my eyes!)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on December 04, 2009, 12:46:55 PM
It looks like we haven't heard the last from Dudley Council's feasibility study:

www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html (http://www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: malwodyn on December 04, 2009, 03:17:37 PM
It looks like we haven't heard the last from Dudley Council's feasibility study:
www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html (http://www.glassassociation.org.uk/News/broadfield.html)

It does look as if we were celebrating too soon...  When the bean-counters of Dudley Council thought it was safe, out they came... 

Redevelopment of the Red House Cone site is unlikely to give us sufficient gallery space, even if the former Stuart shop is demolished, and rebuilt as a two storey structure.  Added to that are the existing problems of disabled access, and limited parking - it is difficult to see how any redevelopment of the site can give increased gallery and lecture space.  Now if the old industrial site across the main road were to become available...
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on December 04, 2009, 06:10:21 PM
Your right David the fight is about to start all over again, the  officers intend to renage on the resolution  "Broadfield will not close until etc" item 22 and possibly be phased!!" is the one to be wary of.I dont trust DMBC THEY ARE NOT LISTENING TO ANYONE nor do they intend to, so much for the smoke screen & L&R. I rest my case for now.
Flyboy90
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on December 04, 2009, 06:39:31 PM
Flyboy90,

I suspect that the meeting is intended to formalise the decision not to close Broadfield House and determine how to refocus the feasibility study.

Let's hope so anyway.

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on December 07, 2009, 01:37:29 PM
                                SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE  GLASS MUSEUM
                                                          YOUR VOICE COUNTS


The council's publicity dept have confirmed that DMBC has bought the Stuart shop site, etc.

To be fair they were all but honour bound to go ahead with the purchase. However, given the recent signs of their wish to go ahead with the RHC project, this seems to confirm their intentions in advance of the vote and the announcement on this Wednesday, 9th December.

The instability of the Cone, along with the proposal that DMBC are going to commission a report on that subject AFTER the vote (for whichever plan) again makes one suspicious.

Old news? But perhaps pertinent given current indications and the council's inability to discuss the way ahead with campaign representatives, culminating in the meeting last week dissolving into a fiasco. It is fair to say that this was largely engineered by council representatives who were apparently intransigent, whilst also championing the RHC site.

I fear the campaign restarts. We have to be centred and aim high. Stephen's comparison with Iron Bridge is apt and by now one would have thought DMBC would have begun to see the merit and the advantages to the locality, but I am afraid they are far too blinkered and unconcerned to care :o

We have to re-stir ourselves and wake up from the slumber we were diverted into by DMBC!!!!

Thanks to all, Nigel



Title: Fresh Fears For Glass Collections & Archives
Post by: Janet H on December 09, 2009, 02:10:09 PM
This was in Stourbridge News today! http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/4785001.Fears_for_consultaion_on_glass_heritage_future/
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: yelooc on December 10, 2009, 10:18:32 PM
We have been slowly cruising towards this for a long time.

Some months ago myself, Andy McConnell and Will Farmer presented a proposal to the consultants at a meeting at BH organised by the Friends, it outlined a fundraising plan to develop an alternative business plan for a more extensive "World Class" museum. The plan needed seed funding by the Friends, GA and GC.

Andy McConnell and Eric Knowles visited Broadfield House Glass Museum on 17th Septemeber and met with Council leader Anne Millward and other Dudley Councillors and represented the plan; to a warm reception.

However, when the Friends, GA and GC were approached (by conference call) to seed fund the alternative plan no money was committed. So, in summary, the campaigne has no money, no business plan and no alternative location.

So, perhaps it is worth restating the very first post in this thread from Jan 10th 2009:

"Dear All,

I am reliably informed that Broadfield House Glass Museum is to close in March 2010. I think that this is a tragedy. In my opinion Broadfield House is a national treasure.

I wonder; what can we do?"

Graham
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: David Hier on December 11, 2009, 01:54:49 AM
Yelooc,

If I may lead from your post?.......

Quote
Some months ago myself, Andy McConnell and Will Farmer presented a proposal to the consultants at a meeting at BH organised by the Friends, it outlined a fundraising plan to develop an alternative business plan for a more extensive "World Class" museum. The plan needed seed funding by the Friends, GA and GC.

With all due respect to the FBH comittee, it is this approach that needs to be persued with regard to the future of Broadfield.

We live in a celebrity driven society and the media publicity generated by such high-profile views is surely the way forward when it comes to a campaign to secure the heritage of British glass making.

In theory there are many GMB members that have connections to so-called celebrity antiques prersenters, and it shouldn't be that difficult to bring the plight of the  BHGM to the attention of the genral public. Applying the old 6 degrees of seperation hypothesis, it shouldn't take too much effort to get Eric Knowles on the One Show and put the national spotlight on this issue.

I might be being a liitle overdramatic here, but (to paraphrase William Wallace - via Sugar-Tits Gibson):

"I am Thomas Woodall and before me I see a whole army my countrymen here to battle the Dudley County Council. Ay, fight and you may die, run and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives.... but they'll never take our Glassmaking!!

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on December 11, 2009, 04:14:15 PM
Quote
So, in summary, the campaigne has no money.....

This is not totally my understanding of the situation.

As I understand it, benefactors have been found; however, in the recent talks between the council and representatives of the campaign, rather than DMBC councillors and officers present respecting the anonymity of the these benefactors there was baiting and only interest in the amount of money on offer.

There was also championing of the RHC site, as well as one particular officer saying that putting the museum into a trust was not an option. When challenged he could not substantiate his statement, other to say that it was his opinion.

So, in short, we are up against intransigence and bias, with a total lack of empirical information or research to back up thoughts and statements.

It seems to me that no benefactor is going to be prepared to write a blank cheque without knowing what it is for, or indeed whether the proposed alternative is an acceptable proposition through having had a successful negotiation to which both parties can subscribe.

Surely, rather than the myopic vision that DMBC exhibits, they should be investigating these offers with an open mind within meaningful talks. In other words, if money from a benefactor is on offer they should be wooed and not shouted at. Politeness costs nothing, moreover it can achieve much.

The Shorter Oxford Dictionary definition of ‘negotiation’ is:

“To confer (with another) for the purpose of arranging some matter by mutual agreement; to discuss a matter with a view to settlement or compromise…….”

So how about it DMBC, do you want to make a World Class Glass Museum – or just pay lip service and go off and do your own thing?


Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: keith on December 11, 2009, 05:01:52 PM
Not being very good at writing letters and after reading the suggestion that getting  celeb's involved might help,how about Dr Carl Chinn,I know he's a Brummie but he's also an historian, he writes in the local papers and is on local radio,if someone with better literary skills than mine could contact him it might be a start,found this email on a site about him....carl.chin (AT) bbc.co.uk     
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: flyboy90 on December 11, 2009, 05:49:22 PM
I think the collection has become an embarrassment to Dudley mbc,They most certainly dont know the potential of what they have and what could be achieved with it and  neither do they want to listen to the majority!! I know who I wont be voting for!
Flyboy90.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on December 13, 2009, 03:13:30 PM
                            SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS COLLECTIONS
                                                             YOUR VOICE COUNTS  




Yelooc said:

Quote
So, perhaps it is worth restating the very first post in this thread from Jan 10th 2009:

 "Dear All,

I am reliably informed that Broadfield House Glass Museum is to close in March 2010. I think that this is a tragedy. In my opinion Broadfield House is a national treasure.

I wonder; what can we do?"

How right he is to say this, given the link that the council has sent out to interested parties. As a result one is confronted with the statement below - taken directly from the Dudley website:

Quote
The cabinet noted the findings of the first stage of the study and asked the consultants to progress to Stage 2 which will develop more detailed proposals and costings for Option B of their report.
 
Option B asks the consultants to look at the practicalities of bringing the boroughs glass heritage services together onto one site at the cone and developing the former Stuart Crystal shop and associated buildings, which have been purchased by Dudley Council, subject to contract. It will cover such topics as physical/spatial designs, interpretation plans, audience development and marketing strategy, estimated costings and funding strategy, implementation programme and priorities.


See this link for more information and their links to more details:

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/welcome/news-in-dudley/december-2009/feasibilit
y-study-moves-forward (http://www.dudley.gov.uk/welcome/news-in-dudley/december-2009/feasibilit
y-study-moves-forward)


In other words, we've (DMBC) heard some whinging about what we planned to do, and started instigating last January, and come what may we're going ahead with our original plan!

For those not realising the point being made, the statement describes closing Broadfild House Glass Museum, moving the collections to the Red House Cone and not doing anything particular to the buildings on that site to ensure that even the collections already on show at Broadfield will still be available.

Are we any further forward? Yes, DMBC now owns the RHC site subject to contract - so they are  :'( :o :'(

Even at this late point in the proceedings it is possible that we could make a difference, BUT it means pulling together to make that difference. There are many ways to do this, but maybe, first and foremost, we have to remind them that we haven't gone away. If you have a moment write to them, look for the links to the local papers where comment can be made and generally let them know that the world IS STILL WATCHING, and are deeply concerned.

We need to be vigilant and we need them to know.

Many thanks to all, Nigel

Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: keith on December 13, 2009, 07:46:55 PM
Have sent an email to Dr Carl Chinn a local historian, who writes in the local paper and is on local radio,outlining the plight of BH,will post any replies I receive,Keith.(every bit helps,I hope)
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: aa on December 13, 2009, 10:52:36 PM
                          

See this link for more information and their links to more details:

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/welcome/news-in-dudley/december-2009/feasibilit
y-study-moves-forward (http://www.dudley.gov.uk/welcome/news-in-dudley/december-2009/feasibilit
y-study-moves-forward)


Link doesn't work. try this

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/welcome/news-in-dudley/december-2009/feasibility-study-moves-forward
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on December 14, 2009, 12:06:37 PM
Oh, so no progress despite the campaign after all!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on December 14, 2009, 02:24:57 PM
                             SAVE  BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS COLLECTIONS
                                                       YOUR VOICE COUNTS

Hello,

Not strictly speaking Frank. There has indeed been progress, such that DMBC felt obliged to make an ambiguous statemant that Broadfield House was reprieved. Everybody read this as saved - as they were supposed to do.

This gave the council the breather that they needed to push things through. With everyone thinking all was well, people have gone away feeling their help and their voice was no longer needed.

In the vacuum created DMBC have paid lip service to meetings with campaigners in order to say that they have consulted with interested parties. This is a classic way of manipulating guidelines that are given in good faith. Something that all of us would recognise here is the pigs-in-the-trough routine that epitomised the MP's expenses fiasco.

Here, we have the same unabashed disconcern for public attitude and feeling. Well, the MP's leaders got the message and things are going to change (maybe not as much as many would like, but at least it promises to be for the better).

Public opinion can be a great persuader :hiclp: :hiclp:

This museum's contents are unique and we must ensure that DMBC get the message. Let's go for it!! (again) :thup: :thup:


Many thanks to all for your help in the past and for your continued support, Nigel





Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: KevinH on December 14, 2009, 07:48:56 PM
So what happened to the reported statement from the Council leader, having taken due consideration of public opinion - "Broadfield House will not close on my watch"?

Has she done a u-turn? Surely not! Or does she expect (for whatever reason) not to be in power after, or even before, the next elections, and already knows that the closure will conveniently happen after she has moved on and therefore her statement will remain true until that time?
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: nigel benson on December 14, 2009, 09:17:57 PM
                          SAVE BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS COLLECTIONS
                                                       YOUR VOICE COUNTS  




For a moment there Kevin you had me going, but I think you've got at least one handle on the situation.

Sadly, as I've had to say on a number of occasions during this campaign, politicians words are no good, nor is a piece of paper - until it is voted upon and then rubber stamped. As DMBC are proving so efficiently by their determination to throw us a sop, and then carry on regardless. Easy words by Anne Millward I'm afraid - but I like your observations, 'tho I doubt she will.

This is a prime example of democracy NOT in action. But as I've said, it is not too late to stop 'em and turn this around.

Instead of incredulity on our behalf, it's action we need and pulling together, especially at this difficult time when everyone is pre-occupied elsewhere.


Kind wishes to all, Nigel
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Janet H on December 14, 2009, 09:34:27 PM
Hi All,

Well said Nigel, this is our only chance - these collections I believe are the best in the world and the only ones in the UK.

Lets pull together!
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on December 15, 2009, 05:45:28 PM
So how can we help? We could do with some suggestions please as to what we can do... I'm sure we have the will to help, we just need guidance as to how to proceed.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Frank on December 15, 2009, 07:34:22 PM
Maybe time to start a fresh thread.
Title: Re: Broadfield House to Close
Post by: Anne on December 22, 2009, 05:32:19 PM
Topic locked and a new one started here:
http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,30683.0.html