Busy days

Yesterday I had a conference call about a possible digital marketing project, today an interview for the BBC and then a lesson on Mailchimp so I can send out an e-newsletter. Tomorrow we have a group from Edinburgh and then the launch of our Junior Tour Guide group for 2013 then a meeting of the Whithorn Arts and Crafts Trail planned for July 19th-21st. On Friday we will be changing over our temporary exhibition. Whew can't wait for the weekend - planning a trip out following a Spring Fling route!

 

Countryfile - name for a calf - Ninian?

I have just received an email with the following suggestion to raise our profile! Please help if you can.....

Countryfile tonight showed the prize bull Highland cow that one of the presenters has been developing....... Among the calves produced by the ginger bull (of course, ginger!) has been a beautiful silver one this year, completely out of the ordinary. He's asked viewers to submit names, t...his year beginning with N.

Help us by suggesting Ninian, telling him that this is Scotland's first saint whose name is commemorated from Hadrian's Wall to the Shetland Isles, and that he was a royal who gave up his privileges for his cause.

Here's the link:

countryfile@bbc.co.uk <countryfile@bbc.co.uk>

This morning we have the first meeting with MSP's and Council leaders.  Hopefully the sunshine is a good sign!  On Facebook we have a thought for the day using a quote about trust - here is today's. 

 

 

Thoughts of

journey's,

pilgrims,

trust and

friendship

Yesterday we welcomed a group of volunteer guides of Fountains Abbey.  There was quite a funny moment as they realised they all knew a couple, also visiting whilst on holiday in the area.  Then they found they knew others signing the petition on our front desk.  What a small world!

Today we will welcome some Finnish business people - might be an interesting tour! 

We are receiving donations daily and phonecalls of support.  One group is preparing a walk to show their support (more information to follow) - we hope the weather settles for them a bit.

There will a meeting on Friday with MSP's and the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council so hopefully there will be more news over the weekend.

1328 signatures on the petition.

Petition update

There are 1307 signatures on our petition.  Some are local people, some are distant friends and visitors.  One of the latest is Dr Paul Shore who came to speak at the Visitor Centre in April - his subject was early music.  This was an interesting lecture prompting thoughts about the evolution of music and how this was shaped by the environment and buildings. The importance of silence also featured.

Andy Raine of the Northumbria Community spoke of the ever growing interest in key sites and the  valuable contribution of the Whtihorn Trust. 

Archaeologists, historians and academics have all commented alongside people involved in the tourism industry.

We say a very big THANKYOU to each and every one.

Exhibition views

Strathleven Artizans

On Sunday 5th May members of the Strathleven Artizans visited the Centre to express their support for our campaign.  They brought with them their replica sword of Robert the Bruce. 

On 30th April the Trustees of the Whithorn Trust went public with news that their existence was under threat. 

Finance has been an issue for some years and the Trust has, over the years, developed new income streams, raised awareness and improved their exhibition areas. The funding received is not enough to continue throughout the year. 

A core funding budget of £107,000 is needed in order to pay wages, rent, electricity, insurance, marketing, security, phone, etc. The Council’s Wigtownshire Area Committee has given £32,125 and £6,725 is returned to Dumfries and Galloway Council as rent for the building. The Trust is responsible for all maintenance of the building plus all exhibition materials and upgrades. The dig fields are leased from the General Trustees of Scotland at a cost of £840 per year (however all maintenance is borne by the Trust). Whilst the Council does not charge admission to its own museums the Whithorn Trust cannot afford to do this and it raises £56,000 itself from tickets, tearoom and gift shop. 

A Facebook page has already been launched at www.facebook.com/savethewhithorntrust .  This has attracted many followers but it was felt that there was a similar need to reach those who do not use Facebook.

One of the big issues is to get the decision makers around the table to discuss a sustainable future.  The Trust recognise that there is no simple solution but is looking to all involved to add their support - this way sharing the load.  To this end a petition has been launched at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-the-whithorn-trust.html

There are currently 1275 signatures on the petition and I can recommend a visit to the site, not only to sign but to read the comments.  These comments cover all aspects - history of the nation, Christian beginnings, archaeology and the importance to the local economy.

So much has already happened over the past two weeks - so more posts to follow!