Committee reports
a. Museum Creation
Solicitors were still working on the lease from East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) to Pocklington Town Council (PTC). It was hoped to be in place shortly. Due to the legal work on leases and refurbishment of the building it was unlikely that PDHT would be able to use any space in the hall until autumn.
A discussion paper regarding a proposal for a partnership National Lottery Heritage Fund bid was presented. This was to be presented to PTC at the May meeting. If PTC was willing to explore this further, a more detailed proposal, involving PTC, PDHT and the Pocklington Community Trust would be developed.
b. Finance and Fund-raising
The Treasurer circulated copies of the current accounts. A donation of £2500 had been received from the High Wolds Heritage Group, which had recently closed down. Thanks were given to a Trustee for donating £321 from an open garden day. A Gift Aid claim had been submitted. The current balance was approximately £16,500.
The Treasurer was thanked for his work.
c. Collection Management and Research
A draft collection policy and manual had been prepared. A meeting of the collections group was to be organised so that documents could be finalised. It was important that documentation was completed when items are loaned out, such as the Pocela Panel. Although the collection was not yet catalogued a start could be made with the items in the portable museum.
d. Education, Events and Public Engagement
A second visit had been made to Fangfoss School.
The Heritage Festival is to be on 13th and 14th November. The theme would be the Kingdom of Northumbria.
The possibility of also having a talk on an evening was discussed.
Talks were planned about Chariot Burials at Londesborough and about Christianity coming to Pocklington.
A heritage board had been designed for Burnby.
A second edition of the Parisi book, which will include much more about Pocklington, is expected to be ready in the autumn.
The children’s story book, is progressing well and it was hoped that it would be ready for the Heritage Conference in November.
Bill’s Book is still selling well.
e. Facility and Volunteer Administration, Governance and Audit
There were a number of volunteers. There was little they could help with until some room was available in the Hall.
It was suggested that those with suitable skills might be directed towards the Pocklington Community Trust to help with general refurbishment of the building until PDHT was allocated some space.
