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
 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.