New Welcome Signs for the museum

Narberth Museum has joined with Narberth School to create new signs of welcome.  As part of the Anti-Racist Action Plan for Wales, the signs have been funded by Welsh Government.  Dr Marian Gwyn, the heritage consultant who leads on anti-racist work in Welsh museums, approached the museum with the opportunity and it was decided by the museum to work with their local CP school to create a series of images to show welcome to all. 

Dr Gwyn said, ” I’m thrilled to see Narberth Museum’s fantastic use of Welsh Government funds to create this inclusive welcome panel. Designed by local primary school pupils, this colourful masterpiece celebrates the richness of human diversity, sending a powerful message of welcome to every visitor who steps through the museum’s doors.”

The project was led by museum volunteer Mark Lewis who has previously worked with Dr Gwyn on various anti-racist projects.  Mark said, “This project was a joy from beginning to end.  It shows how museums have both the responsibility and opportunity to work towards celebrating diversity.  Narberth Museum offers a warm welcome to everyone and these signs now make that explicitly evident. The museum is grateful to Dr Gwyn for giving us the opportunity to be part of this important project.”

Curator Pauline Griffiths stated, “Working with our local school was fantastic and the children should be proud of what they have achieved.  These impactful signs really show how much of a community organisation the museum is and how the doors are open to all of our visitors.  We are delighted to have been a part of this important project.”

Dylan Parry Evans, the graphic designer who created the final versions of the signs, said, “It’s been a real joy turning the children’s vibrant and colourful drawings into a piece that celebrates the spirit and diversity of our community.”

One large sign will be placed in the museum foyer to make a bold statement of warm welcome.  Two street signs will stand outside the museum and in a location within the town. 

‘Partaking of the Tea’ Mosaic

Influenced by the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi (‘treating breakage and repair as art of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise’), we created this fabulous mosaic at our recent ‘Partaking of the Tea’ wellbeing day.

A fabulous group of women used crocks dredged from the Newport estuary and the wedding China of a couple celebrating their diamond anniversary to create this tea-themed mosaic.

A permanent reminder of a day spent in meditation and celebration of Welsh and Japanese heritage.
#WOWW #mosaic #mosaicart #museum @heritagelotteryfund PLANED Arwain Sir Benfro 2020

Women’s Wellbeing Day

An incredible day of spent with inspiring women brought together over tea. A day of looking both inwards and outwards in the spirit of solidarity and shared experience; spanning the world via Welsh and Asian heritage.

A huge thank you to Sonia, Fusae, Claire and everyone who joined us. Thank you too Arwain Sir Benfro 2020 PLANED and Heritage Lottery Fund for your support in helping us to use heritage to enrich the lives of people in our community.

Photo Credit: Sian Lester

#WOWW Update

Pupils from Golden Grove Gelli Aur have been learning about the Victorians. Through their own investigation they discovered the story of Anne David, a 13 year-old girl who worked locally in a coal mine. She dragged wagons of coal in a 12″ underground space, never went to school and never had a holiday. In contrast, Edwina Price, a doctor’s wife, had servants and took picnics in Tenby where ‘the air was most exhilarating’.
#WOWW #museums PLANED Arwain Sir Benfro 2020 Heritage Lottery Fund

An Evening of Poetry with Alison Brackenbury #WOWW

Huge thanks to Alison Brackenbury who joined us for a wonderful evening of poetry in celebration of our Grandmothers. She read from her new book Aunt Margaret’s Pudding and talked on her Welsh roots. 
Thanks also to PLANED, Arwain Sir Benfro 2020 and the Heritage Lottery Fundfor their support.

Latest news on the #WOWW project

Last week we had the privilege of talking to 97 year old Edith Morgan about her life and her memories of her mother and grandmother.

One question we asked was ‘how do you think the lives of women have changed during your lifetime’? She replied: ‘Freedom…much more freedom; and after the war…it was good to get back on an even keel…and I was free…The woman in my mother’s day wasn’t free to go and do things that she liked. But I was.’

A huge thank you to Arwain Sir Benfro, PLANED and the Heritage Lottery fund for the opportunity to capture these valuable insights into the lives of Welsh women for future generations. #WOWW

Myths and Mavericks at Narberth Castle

Myths and Mavericks at Narberth Castle

We were joined by storyteller Sonia Caller and her musician friend Justine this morning for ‘Myths and Mavericks’, the stories of inspiring Welsh Women. A huge thank you to them, Narberth C.P.School and Arwain Sir Benfro’s LEADER fund for their contribution.