COBRA Meeting

Emergency Planning

We had our own version of a Cobra meeting this morning. Inevitably the discussions at our weekly staff meeting were round #COVID-19 and we felt we needed a little light humour in these most difficult of circumstances.

 The decision was made to close the Museum from Thursday 19 March in-line with other local cultural organisations and with advice from Public Health England.  These are uncertain times for the heritage and arts sector.  We understand the pressures on all areas of society and the amazing work our NHS are currently undertaking.  What we need to think of is what part can our small Museum play to help in all this?  With limited resources and finances, this is the challenge the staff team faced this morning.

 Many of our users are veterans of varying ages.  How do we reach out to them during this period?  The school holidays will soon be upon us (and schools across the Country will be closed from the weekend) so how can we help entertain and educate?  The Museum is full of fascinating objects, archives, photos and stories. Over the next few days we will be trying to change our normal work pattern to support our communities by harnessing these stories.  We value your support during this time.  We will attempt to do our best but it won't be easy.  Be kind and offer us ideas and advice - we will try to take it on-board but it may not be that simple.  But we will give it a damn good go!

 So, our bottle of Cobra is there waiting for the departure of coronavirus when we will open it and have a wee drink.  By that time I think we will have deserved it...

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