Organising a series of visits and talks to our members, providing them with an opportunity to learn about the history of Doncaster and surrounding areas and encouraging engagement with Doncaster Gallery, Library and Museum (DGLAM).

Supporting DGLAM in the acquisition of several works of art, and the preservation of a historic document.

In November 2024 the portrait of Ben Parkinson was unveiled, at the Doncaster Gallery, Library & Museum (DGLAM). The event was publicised in the local FreePress newspaper and nationally via the BBC. We consider this one of the highlights of the year, successfully working with many organisations, the artist David Curtis, and Ben to deliver this project. The portrait was very well received. By commissioning the portrait we hope to have: honoured Ben Parkinson; added an important addition to gallery’s art collection; supported a local artist and created public awareness of DGLAM to a local and wider population.

 

Fundraising 

Our Christmas raffle was a success and it is thanks to our team, led by our fundraising officer Helen Stirland, that nearly £800 was raised.

We held two blind auctions, the first an etching by Melanie Bellis raised £300, and then a painting by David Curtis raised £240.

We thank our members for their continued support.

 

Acquisitions

The Museum, with a £1000 contribution from The Friends, was successful in acquiring the 18th century Sprotbrough estate map.

The Friends were pleased to assist in the acquisition of six lithographic prints, part of a series titled 'Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals' by Archibald Standish Hartrick (1864 - 1950).

The commissioned portrait of Ben Parkinson, funded by The Friends, was completed very successfully by the artist David Curtis.

The Friends provided funds to help conserve and frame an architectural drawing of the Doncaster Corn Exchange.
 

Support for Education

By providing funds to buy specialist materials The Friends are supporting informal art sessions held throughout the year at the gallery.

Talks and Events 

The Friends were able to deliver a wide variety of events to members.

Doncaster has a significant Chinese Community. To celebrate their contribution, to the city, The Friends continue to work with local community groups, businesses and individual practitioners to develop a programme of events and visits during 2024 and 2025. Events to date include a calligraphy workshop earlier in 2024 plus a Tai Chi workshop, with an art exhibition to take place in November 2025.

In June there was an organised tour of Brodsworth Hall and Gardens.  Built in 1860s the hall is one of the most complete examples of a Victorian country house, with stunning gardens.

On the 14th August a group of Friends were taken on a guided tour of the Walled Garden and Lady Isabella's Garden at Cusworth Hall. Led by David Shore, the Head Gardener, the group were able to view recent developments and get an overview of plans to develop things further.

The unveiling of the Ben Parkinson portrait in November, mentioned earlier, was an important high profile event for The Friends and was a great success.

It was a pleasure to welcome many of our members to the Christmas Social in December, the fantastic efforts of our trustees created an event enjoyed by all.

In February 2025 retired Detective Superintendent John Hope gave a talk on ‘My Life With Crime, the Murder of Carolyn Susan Challenor’.

March 2025 it was a pleasure to see so many of our members attending the talk 'Murder in Victorian Doncaster' by Nicola Fox.

We hope to build on this year’s events with a full calendar for next year.

Infrastructure Developments

In September we were pleased to have Sally Shearman become a Trustee and take on the role of Membership secretary.

In April our Chair Dr Mathew Jones had to step down as chair and trustee due to his other commitments; we thanked him for his time with us. The trustees elected Nathan Turnbull as Chair.
 

Membership 

We are grateful to our members and their continued support, although we have seen a drop in membership; recent efforts by the trustees have started to show results. The planned production of a leaflet and additional posters will help to grow our membership.

Partnership Work

We continue to be members of the British Association of the Friends of Museums (BAFM).

Communication

Information is being provided to our members via our website and regular emails. Although we have a Facebook page our social media presence is still being developed.

It has been agreed by the trustees to create a leaflet about The Friends, which will include a membership application form.

Currently there are no plans to restart publishing of a news letter although this is still under review.
 

Financial  Review

We are grateful for our members both for their subscriptions and generous donations.

Despite challenges we have been able to maintain a reserve of funds and continue to deliver a programme of events. Several commitments have already been made to support DGLAM  projects over the next year.

Our fundraising team, led by Helen Stirland, has successfully run our annual raffle, and we are thankful to the local businesses that continue to contribute so generously to the raffle prizes.
 

Nathan Turnbull

Chair The Friends of the Doncaster Museums, Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number 1189117