Newsletter No. 14, September 2010

Dear Friends,

I was delighted to learn from Birthplace manager, Jo Moulin,

that the Birthplace has now been awarded VisitScotland 5 stars.

This prestigious award is down to the very hard work put in by Jo

and her staff. Well done Jo, Pauline, Susan, David and all the casual

staff who come in when required. The Birthplace itself is still

attracting pleasing number of visitors from all over the world.

Thanks to our secretary Susan, the Sand Sculpture Competition and

the Geowalk were very successful. The Sand Sculpture Competition

attracted over 50 ‘artists’ of varying abilities and techniques

moulding lobsters and mermaids amongst other designs.

Elsewhere in this newsletter, the date and time of the AGM is

given. One of the items on the agenda is the election of our council.

The current council members do a sterling job but all have been in

situ for many years. I hope that they will all be continuing to give

service to the Friends by staying on council but it would be

welcome if we could have some new blood to join us. I earnestly

ask Friends members to seriously consider offering their service as

a council member. We meet, usually once a month to consider ways

and means of helping and promoting the Birthplace and its staff.

I have to conclude my letter with the very sad news of the

sudden and unexpected death of a long-standing family member, Dr

Tom Badger. Tom came to Dunbar some 30 years ago. He took an

active interest in the Dunbar Community, medical officer to the

RNLI and local firms, two terms as president of Dunbar Rotary

amongst other activities. He visited Yosemite and Martinez with

local children and acted as host when the Yosemite groups visited

Dunbar. Tom had time for people and he will be very much missed

by the community. I was privileged to be able to call him friend.

Sincerely,

Jim Thompson

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Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace

will be held on

Wednesday 6th October, 2010 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm

John Muir’s Birthplace, 126 High Street, Dunbar

Agenda

(i) Report on year’s activities

(ii) Filling any vacancies on Council*

(iii) Other competent business*

Non-members will be warmly welcomed

Following the AGM there will be an illustrated talk

Walking the John Muir Way

by Robert Russel

* Please note that nominations for Council accompanied with the nominee’s

agreement in writing and items for consideration under other competent

business should be lodged with the Secretary, c/o 126 High Street, Dunbar,

EH42 1JJ by Monday 4th October, 2010

Visitors to the Birthplace

There have been a large number of visitors to the Birthplace this summer,

particularly from England and North America. The total over the period April

to July was 6,120 – a slight increase over the same period last year (6044) and

a marked increase from these months in 2008 (4342).

In August, JMB staff welcomed two former JMB Trust donors - Thomas Hodge

and Robert Lornie. Mr Lornie made further donations of money and ten John

Muir books from his collection for reference by visitors.

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5th Annual Sand Sculpture Competition

Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace held their 5th Annual Sand Sculpture

Competition at the East Beach, Dunbar on Sat 3rd July. The sun was shining

as around 50 people gathered to create their masterpieces! Sculptures included

sea creatures, mermaids, castles, pyramids and even a golf course green!

Prizes were awarded in three categories. The winning group/family sculpture

was a fantastic turtle making its way up from the sea; the adult winner created

a humorous lobster and the winning children created a hammerhead shark!

Everyone enjoyed the day and many commented that they were getting their

thinking caps on for next year!

Above: The winning family/group entry. Below: Works in progress!

Below

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John Muir’s Birthplace Awarded 5 Stars

The John Muir Birthplace has been awarded a maximum five stars from

tourism body VisitScotland.

The star rating system is used to rate the quality of information, service,

facilities and overall visitor experience provided by tourism establishments

across Scotland. John Muir’s Birthplace is one of only four 5-star attractions in

East Lothian. It is one of a host of accolades that have been awarded to the

museum including a Gold Tourism Award for its sustainable principles and

practices.

To achieve 5-star status, John Muir’s Birthplace was tested on a range of

criteria from the welcome, knowledge and efficiency provided by staff, to the

information available and cleanliness of facilities. VisitScotland’s inspector

also noted positive improvements since the last inspection in 2008 including

new signage, a new plaque, freshly painted exterior and the museum’s plans to

introduce new interactive displays. She commented that: "The customer care I

received was yet again excellent."

Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing in East Lothian Council,

Councillor Ruth Currie, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the team.

John Muir’s influence spreads far and wide and the Birthplace meaning that

the museum has gained international recognition. It’s great that all visitors

keen to find out about Dunbar’s famous son will have a five star museum

experience."

FRIENDS CONTACTS

Official address: Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace, John Muir’s Birthplace, 126 High Street, Dunbar EH42 1JJ: tel: 01368 865899

Friends Website: www.muirbirthplacefriends.org.uk

Birthplace Email: info@jmbt.org.uk Website: www.jmbt.org.uk

Convener: Jim Thompson, Secretary: Susan Panton, Membership Sec: Duncan Smeed, Treasurer: Will Collin. All can be contacted through the Birthplace.