The British Association of Friends of Museums 51st Conference and AGM 2024.

In partnership with the Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum.
Friday 4th – Sunday 6th October 2024.

Conference Theme:

     Great Exceptions: Friends supporting museums in these financially challenging times.

Download Programme and PDF Booking Form

Outline programme:

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Wisbech, a charming historic town with over 100 listed buildings, a fine Georgian Crescent, Peckover House, Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, The National Army Cadet Force Museum, apart from the mid-19th C. Wisbech Museum, which houses, amongst other treasures, Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of Great Expectations.

Friday 4th October:

Delegates may collect their conference packs from the Wisbech and Fenland Museum from 10.00
to 16.00, and join a walking Tour of the Wisbech from 12.30, starting from the Museum.

A Bayeux Tapestry talk, @ £5 each ticket, is also offered.

Delegates may like to join the BAfM Council members for an informal dinner at the Red Lion, 32 North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR, from 18.00, and later, to join the Friends of Wisbech Museum for their Shanty Evening @ £10 each.

For these tickets, please contact: The Luxe Cinema box office in person, tel. 01945 588808,or online: https://wisbech.picturedromecinemas.co.uk/

Saturday 5th October 2024:

09.30    Conference Registration with tea & coffee.
10.15    Welcome by the Mayor of Wisbech and Chair of BAfM, Dan Calley
10.40    Speakers:

• Alison Giles, Whipple Museum – Fund Raising;
• Justin Coombs – Upminster Windmill Restoration Project;
• Gareth Monger – Friends Publishing for Profit.

12.30    A buffet Lunch and possible Museum visit.
13.30    Dawn Bainbridge, Heritage Lottery Fund – Accessing Funding
14.15    Groups’ Breakout discussions Session & Groups’ workshop feedback
15.30    Tea
16.00    52nd BAfM Conference & AGM – Tim Craven, the Region Coordinator introduces Southampton
16.15    Summary of the day, BAFM’s Chairman, Dan Calley
16.30 – 17.00    BAFM AGM

Delegates who do not wish to attend the AGM may proceed directly to the Wisbech &
Fenland Museum and view Charles Dickens’ original Manuscript for Great Expectations

17.00 – 18.00    Reception at the Wisbech & Fenland Museum; Presentation of BAFM Awards
19.00    Conference Dinner at The Crown Lodge Hotel.

If you need transport from Wisbech to the hotel and back, please let Kate Kuhn know.

Sunday 6th October:

Walking Tours of Wisbech can also be arranged.

For partners and companions not attending the Conference: There will be information in the Conference folder for your partner/companion of venues available to visit

Accommodation: If you are booking into The Crown Lodge Hotel, 44 Downham Road, Outwell, Wisbech, PE14 8SE, Tel. 01945 773391, on Saturday, transport to and from the Conference can be arranged if needed.

Wisbech by bus: There is a regular bus service which links Wisbech to Peterborough, King’s
Lynn, Swaffham, Dereham and Norwich.

Wisbech parking: Most of the parking is free.

For further details and questions please contact:
Kate Kuhn, 54 Lee Park, London, SE3 9HZ; Tel: 07980 578882; Email: kkkuhn@hotmail.co.uk

Download Programme and PDF Booking Form