Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Leisure & Culture

RESOLVED

To delegate authority for the decision on altering opening hours at Horsham Museum to the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture.

REASON

The ability to have a flexible approach to opening hours will enable the service to focus its resources effectively to serve the needs of its customers, volunteers and other stakeholders.

Before presenting the report, Councillor Roger Noel, Cabinet Member for Leisure & Culture, announced that Jeremy Knight, Horsham Museum’s curator for 32 years, would be retiring in September.  

The museum had been closed during the pandemic and was currently undergoing a significant refurbishment of its displays, under the guidance of Jeremy and with the help of volunteers, and was due to re-open by the autumn of 2021.

For safety and operational reasons, initial opening would be 10am – 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday, with the expectation of extending this in due course.  The Cabinet Member outlined the reasons for the proposed flexible approach to opening hours, which would maximise the potential of the museum, having regard to visitor patterns and the needs and availability of the indispensable volunteers.

The Cabinet Member stated that delegating authority to make changes to opening times would ensure any alterations could be made when needed.  He would keep the Leisure & Culture Policy Development Advisory Group informed and consult more widely on any major changes in opening times policy.

A number of Councillors expressed their admiration for Jeremy Knight’s outstanding knowledge and his contribution over the years. The Leader wished him well for his retirement, and it was hoped that he might agree to remain involved with the museum to some degree.

RESOLVED

To delegate authority for the decision on altering opening hours at Horsham Museum to the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture.

REASON

The ability to have a flexible approach to opening hours will enable the service to focus its resources effectively to serve the needs of its customers, volunteers and other stakeholders.