The Japanese students from Swandean, in front of the Wm Morris model [Full size image 33.9kb]
During March we had two visits from groups of Japanese students studying English at the Swandean School of English in England. Both parties enjoyed Textile Workshops and hopefully took their Liberty prints back to Japan with them. We have also had two visits from St Teresa's First School in Morden who are now Museum members.
Volunteer Auriel Glanville, with Japanese student, exploring block printing. Compare this with the full commercial process illustrated in the photo accompanying the David Evans article on p 14 [Full size image 32.6kb]
We have once again had the pleasure of meeting the visitors on the Borough Coach Tour during Museums' Month in May. This annual event is organised by Merton' s Heritage Officer Sarah Could and is always a very popular event which usually gets fully booked very quickly. This time we were able to extend our normal displays with the Surrey Iron Railway display, and Mary Hart was on hand to show visitors how we demonstrate printing techniques to the Schools, creating much interest
Outreach - The National Trust:
Volunteer Eric Trim at Morden Hall Park [Full size image 33.9kb]
Once again this event, held in Morden Hall Park, gave us a great opportunity to promote our Museum to a wider audience and to raise money.
This three-day event is always successful on all levels and this year we were not disappointed. Our display about the bicentenary of the founding of the Surrey iron Railway Company caused much interest from the public and we also raised nearly £300 from sales of Museum goods. We now have a selection of new Wandle Industrial Museum and Surrey Iron Railway badges and keyrings on sale at very reasonable prices so do come along to the Museum and buy yourself one or get one for a friend.
A big thank-you to all Volunteers and friends who helped man our stall, make the display, transport and set it all up, and take it down at the end. We couldn't do without you!
Members Events:
Past::
Visit to Richmond Museum: This proved very interesting and informative. See article on separate page.
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Current::
A Walk round The Watermeads led by Eric Montague has been arranged for Tuesday 12th June. Meet outside the entrance gate in Bishopsford Road just over the bridge close to Wandle Road at 7.15pm for 7.30 start. Please wear strong footwear in case of rain and long undergrowth.
Future::
The Annual General Meeting: Has been planned for Saturday 6th October at the Snuff Mill Environmental Centre at 12.00 noon till 2.00pm with lunchtime refreshments provided. Please note this date in your Diary. Further information in the next Newsletter.
EVENTS FOR WHICH WE SHOULD LIKE YOUR SUPPORT: Mitcham Carnival on Saturday 16th June:
Once again we shall have a stall at this popular event. offer help. Please ring the Museum if you can offer help
Abbeyfest on the Green:
Help is also needed with our stall at this event at Fair Green, Mitcham, on Saturday 30th June. This is areal fun day out with non-stop musical events to keep everyone happy.
Please ring Ellie on 8542-6122 if you can offer help on either of these events
Sunday Opening Roster :
We did not have a very good response this year to our request for help with Sunday openings. If anyone is free on the first Sunday of the month from July onwards can they please telephone the Museum.
Members' Subscriptions:
There are still some members who have not yet renewed their subscriptions for 2000- 2001. A reminder slip is enclosed and prompt payment would be appreciated.
Other News:
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Deen City Farm project director Judy Gasser reports that there has been fantastic response to its appeal. The Farm has now been shut for more than two months and does not expect to reopen until July.
However no staff have needed to be laid off. They have been at Centre Court, Merton Abbey Mills, Morden Hall Park, and Savacentre to raise support and knowledge about the danger faced by the farm if action is not taken. They will also be at Mitcham Carnival and Sainsbury's North Cheam. They are very encouraged by all the help they have received and the council have helped financially.
Web Watch, interesting URLs:
http://www.spab.org.uk/mills
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Mills section.
