All Recent Reports Noted

All recent reports on campaign for a Barry Museum noted. Perhaps we, Axis, which already has a considerble collection of local historical material at our disposal, should change direction. Maybe we should invest in a company that sells back scratchers. I think we would make a fortune in a very short space of time, to re-invest in both our collection and support a small local museum. Am I the only one that can read between the lines. Or do I need new glasses.

Please dont make the mistake of thinking that our society would not want a museum for Barry. What we are objecting to is the high financial cost involved. Even if a state of the art museum for Barry was feesable. Once the property was up. There would still have to be a long term projected strategy to fund it. Axis has had these discussions with high ranking officials over what we wished for Barry. A simple format museum. Is all we have ever wanted, to keep the interest in our local history alive. I think the present line of thought, would price many local groups, out of the market. In addition, one woud have to find considerable funding, year in, year out to keep such a project afloat.

These are some examples for a new building. Insurance. Both buildings and a contents. Security. Probably 24 hour cover would be required. We dont feel that a mobile security van, turning up, every so often would be sufficient to protect treasures. Will give an example of cost of 24 hour manned cover.

In 1983. The cost for a Bonded warehouse with an exterior that could be walked around in less than ten minuets at normal walking pace was £110,000 a year. Anyone out there have the projected figure for a state of the art museum at the 2009 price. Would be delighted if they would come into this debate and let us know. Could anybody who has access to the amount spent on a state of the art museum's general maintenance per annum, please do like wise. As Axis Trustees are not grooming themselves for employed positions in such a state of the art museum. We would also like to know the average annual cost of of a waged curator, and deputy curator? Of course we would suggest is is lot more hidden costs to the running of a modern, up to date, all singing and dancing museum. But would just like to know the annual budget for the above to start. We can look at the extras later.

Oh, and by the way. If we do have a bigger arts centre for Barry. Can our history society please have the existing arts centre. As we need to be central to Barry Town. Simple reason. It would mean our most senior citizens would have a state of the art library and their history society close together. Thus avoiding the need for them to travel considerable distance to see some of their past heritage every time they wished to do so.

Your comments welcome.

Regards

Martin Adams