The Chairman writes...
Like many organisations the Friends have had to curtail most of their activities during the pandemic. The trustees have continued to exercise their responsibilities by communicating with each other via the internet, and have ensured that finances are still properly scrutinised and returns sent to the Charity Commission on time.
However, the usual programme of talks and outings, so enjoyed by local members, has had to be put on ice.
The government is now relaxing restrictions, but I am very conscious that many of our members are elderly, and some vulnerable, so activities may have to remain limited for a while yet.
In the meantime, I should like to thank all our members for their continuing support. Annual subscriptions are the lifeblood of our charity, and without them we could not support Gloucestershire Archives in the way we do. New members are always welcome. Membership forms are available at: www.foga.online/join
One thing that has flourished in recent months, oblivious to the pandemic, is the shrub border the Friends planted at the entrance to the Heritage Hub. It continues to mature, making a very attractive and welcoming sight for visitors. I should like to thank Jonathan, one of the Archive volunteers, for regularly checking the plants, watering them, and removing any encroaching weeds. My thanks also to Phil King for his recent photo of the shrubs.
Photos by Phil King
Clive Andrews
The Friends of Gloucestershire Archives wins £1,000 Movement for Good award
The Friends have won a £1,000 Movement for Good award from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group thanks to nominations from the public.
We are one of 500 winners in specialist insurer Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards, which is giving £1 million to charities this summer.
Our grant will be used, together with a grant from the National Archives, to enable a young person under 30 to work with members of the Gloucester community, especially with minority groups. The young person will aim to help them understand the value of the archives they produce and encourage them to work with Gloucestershire Archives to preserve them for future generations. The young person will also record their oral histories, which will be deposited at the Archives for posterity.
We hope the project will provide developmental opportunities for the young person, provide new insights and understanding of archives within local communities, as well as enhancing the County’s archive collection with written and oral material from hitherto under-represented minority groups.
An enormous thank-you to all our members and other supporters for voting for us and enabling us to receive the award.
