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30 August 2024

The Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum will host the annual conference for friends of museum groups from all over Britain here in Wisbech this October.

FWFM helps to support the museum through subscriptions from its 90-plus members, by publishing books like Andy Ketley's successful series on the pubs of Wisbech and by staging popular events.

Non-Friends are welcome to all Friends' events leading up to and including those from October 4 to 6, the British Association of Friends of Museums annual conference weekend, with all tickets available from Museum reception Wednesday to Saturday or at https://friends-of-wisbech-museum.sumupstore.com/

Events start on Tuesday September 10 at 2pm with Back to the Flood, local historian Diane Calton Smith's talk about her latest medieval murder mystery novel set in Wisbech, at the Octavia Hill Birthplace House, 7 South Brink, Wisbech.

On Friday October 4 at 11am Fenland artist and embroideress Mia Hansson will launch the conference weekend with a talk and display of her remarkable version of the Bayeux tapestry at St Peter's Church Hall, Wisbech. Mia's tapestry is already 47m long and will take three more years to complete.

Still on Friday the 4th, traditional sea shanty performers Isle 'ave a Shanty will be giving their annual FWFM Shanty Night starting at 8pm at a venue TBA.

The national conference itself all day on Saturday October 5 at The Luxe will end with a reception and awards presentation at the Museum.

Not to be missed, the final event of the weekend on Sunday the 6th to which all are welcome: doors open 1pm for the 2pm Puddings and Pies concert by Hexachordia at the Octavia Hill Birthplace House.

Chairman of the Museum Friends Paul McGregor said: “Delegates from around the UK will come to the area to discuss supporting the Museum and will also have an opportunity to view the important cultural and heritage activities happening in Fenland.

“At a time when all museums need help and support this recognition is very welcome.”