Outreach:

Pupils from SS Peter & Paul at the Museum [Full size image 30.7kb]

During the year 2000, Sheila Harris, our administrator, has been representing the Museum whilst participating in the Education Course for Voluntary Museums, organised by the London Museums Agency. She has been pleased to visit many local Museums, including The London Fire Brigade Museum, The Kew Bridge Steam Museum, and the Brunel Engine House. The new Museum Education policy has now been written and approved, and a Museum Education booklet has been devised and sent to all Merton Schools.

Fund Raising Day:
During the year 2000, Sheila Harris, our administrator, has been representing the Museum whilst participating in the Education Course for Voluntary Museums, organised by the London Museums Agency. She has been pleased to visit many local Museums, including The London Fire Brigade Museum, The Kew Bridge Steam Museum, and the Brunel Engine House. The new Museum Education policy has now been written and approved, and a Museum Education booklet has been devised and sent to all Merton Schools. At the Savacentre. This annual event on Saturday January 6th proved most successful this year, raising £284, which was almost twice the amount raised last year. Not only was there no competition from the double glazing sales people, but shoppers were smiling and happy to put money in our tins, often without being asked. Very many thanks to all volunteers and friends who helped on this occasion.

Book launch:
At Merton Abbey Mills. The new Wandle Industrial Museum publication "A Historical Guide to Merton Abbey Mills" was launched on Thursday 23^rdNovember by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Ian Munn - see photograph. John Hawks, site manager of Merton Abbey Mills very kindly laid on refreshments and there was a good turn out of members volunteers and invited guests. The book, written by founder member Kevin Leyden (see his article in this issue) should prove a successful commercial venture for the Museum. This book has been part funded by the London Borough of Merton, with additional sponsorship from Tramlink.

Members Events:

Past::	The Museum Christmas Party held at 100 Cannon Hill Lane was a great success. Thanks to Mary Hart for organising the refreshments and the raffle, which raised £32 for Museum funds. Also thanks to Sheila for the loan of her house.
Current::	A visit to the Museum of Richmond Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond has been arranged for 31st March. Meet outside the Museum in Richmond at 2.00 pm. There is a café adjoining the Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor. Please let Mary Hart know if you would like to join us (020 8542-7534).
Future::	Ideas include a visit to The Wimbledon Society Museum and a visit to Little Holland House at Carshalton.

Investing in Volunteers:
As reported in the November Newsletter, work has now started towards achieving the Investing in Volunteers Award. A small working party of volunteers, representatives from the Management Committee, and the Administrator has been set up, led by Maureen Watson from the Merton Volunteer Bureau. We have had our first meeting, and there are two more to follow during February. This is part of phase 2, which is the initial assessment and review of what we already provide. Phase 3 will be preparing an Action Plan, which will identify key issues and areas for us to work on. The eventual completion of the project should provide a quality standard for management of volunteers.

Surrey Iron Railway:
at the Museum, and, longer term, a publication for sale in 2003 to celebrate the bicentenary of the opening of the railway itself. All these materials will be published on the site as we go along.