AGM & Spring Meeting
Monday 18th May 2009
Cheddar Caves & Gorge, Event Room, Cheddar, BS27 3QF
01934 742343
09.45 am
Tea and refreshments available
10.00 am
Welcome to site – Bob Smart
A major tourist attraction for over 200 years, Cheddar Caves & Gorge is an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is home to the world-famous Cheddar Man, Britain's
oldest complete skeleton dating back 40,000 years.
10.10 am
AGM
Apologies for absence
Minutes of the last AGM held on 12th May 2008
Chairman’s report
Secretary/Treasurer’s report (Including correspondence)
Election of Secretary
Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
Election of standing committee
Any Other Business
10.25 am
Spring Meeting
Minutes of last meeting held on 23rd February 2009
Matters arising
Any Other Business
Date and location of next meeting (5th October, location tbc)
10.35 am
Updates from regional representatives
SW Hub – Tim Corum
Update from the organisation that has taken over many of the functions of MLA
SW.
South West Federation – Liz Neathy
An update from the largest independent museums group in the SW on their
current work and their training days.
MLA Council – Vic Harding
Although MLA SW no longer exists, the national body MLA still continues to
work in the region. This will be a short update on the Council’s current projects.
11.05 am
Tea/Coffee Break
Complimentary tea, coffee and orange juice in Conference Room.
11.25 am
Risk Assessments – Helena Jaeschke
As requested at the Winter meeting, this session will tell you everything you need to
know about creating risk assessments, an essential part of hosting school visits at
museums. Includes a short PowerPoint presentation, a quick practical, a look at some
examples from elsewhere and an in-depth Q&A. To get the most out of this session,
why not bring along your own risk assessments, or a case study to work on?
12.30 pm
Reports From Museums – MiS
This is your opportunity to inform the Museums In Somerset group of news from your
winter and spring period. This could include your past events, visitor figures, problems
and successes, grants received or applied for, openings, awards or press coverage.
Reports and feedback on any training received are much appreciated. Please provide
a paper copy of your report if possible for inclusion in the next MDO Newsletter.
1.10 pm
Museum Development Officer Update – Natalie Watson
This will be an update on the current progress of various projects and schemes
including; the Somerset Routes touring exhibition, the 2010 Roadshow application
and the new Give1Hour scheme. This will also be a chance to question the MDO and
make suggestions for future work.
1.30 pm
Lunch
Seats have been booked at the on-site Explorers Café and Bar where you can
purchase your own food. A menu will be circulated during the tea break for you to
make your choice.
2.30 pm
Guided Tour of Museum of Prehistory and Cheddar Caves
MiS member are invited on a guided tour of the Museum of Prehistory, which includes
a Stone Age Survival Skills demonstration in the encampment.
3.15 pm
Audio Guide Tour of Gough’s Cave
4.15 pm
Somerset Strawberry Cream Tea/Somerset Apple Cake and Cream Tea
Notes: Please note both the conference room and the caves involve steps or stairs.
Helena Jaeschke, Conservation Development Officer for museums across the SW will be present
at the meeting and free to give any advice or information on conservation and environment issues.
The leaflet exchange can also take place throughout the day. If you have any leaflets you want to
swap with other museums, please bring them along!
RSVP: It helps us organise the event and gauge numbers if you inform Natalie Watson that you
would like to attend by contacting her on 01823 362849 or email nawatson@somerset.gov.uk.
Directions By Car: Nearest motorway is M5. Leave motorway at junction 22 and at roundabout take
3rd exit (A38 north) signposted Cheddar Caves. Follow brown signs to A38 junction with A371,
turning right onto A371 follow road to Cheddar outskirts and, at BP petrol station, turn onto B3135 to
Cheddar Gorge. From Bristol take A38. From Bath take A39 then B3135.
Public Transport: Nearest railway station is Weston-super-Mare. 126-bus service leaves every hour
at 2 minutes past the hour and takes approximately 50 minutes to Cheddar. 126 service also
operates from Wells, leaving every hour at 40 minutes past the hour, taking approximately 25
minutes to Cheddar.
Parking: There are several car parks in Cheddar but the nearest to the Caves is Cliff Street car park
near the town centre. This costs £3 for all day parking.
Upon Arrival: Go to the main reception ticket office of the Caves & Gorge and you will be shown the
way to the event room.