The Friends of the Doncaster Museums

Report and Gallery

50th Anniversary Conference; Doncaster Mansion House

During the afternoon of 29th September 2023, delegates attending the Annual Conference of The British Association of Friends of Museums began arriving in Doncaster. There were people there from as far afield as Southampton, Maidstone, Dundee and Northern Ireland and France, all of whom were visiting Doncaster for the first time.

The following day the Conference began with a breakfast buffet followed by the opening by Mayor Ros Jones and Damian Allan (Chief Executive of City of Doncaster Council). Damian outlined the objectives which have prompted the Community Regeneration aspects of the plan and design of cultural buildings in the town centre.

‘… I was very impressed by the commitment of the city and its councillors to supporting the conference. I was particularly impressed by Damien Allen’s welcome and his enthusiasm for culture and creativity and his understanding of the role that the arts can play in regenerating and building a city, and in improving health and wellbeing.’ Delegate from The Friends of Birmingham Museums

Dr Dean Lomax emphasised the role that Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, had had a transformative effect on his career. After a disappointing educational experience Dean is now recognised worldwide as the expert on ichthyosaurs, a kind of marine reptile from the Age of the Dinosaurs.

Professor Joann Fletcher was the second keynote speaker; Joann was born in Barnsley and, she has become a significant, nationally important Egyptologist. She emphasised the way that museums can co-operate with each other to access ‘forgotten’ corners of their collection to design exhibitions which can attract large numbers of visitors. project, an integral part of the National Curriculum. Both Dean and Joann were well received. As one delegate commented,

‘The keynote speakers were excellent and inspiring. There was a clear link between their presentations and the theme of the conference.' Delegate from Dundee Heritage Association

The Friends of Doncaster Museums are grateful for the support of the City of Doncaster Council and those individuals who made donations which enabled the event to go ahead.