A little over a month ago an Egyptian statuette was discovered in one of the museum stores at the Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil. Found in an inconspicuous cigar box it had a note attached which revealed that it was a genuine Egyptian artefact as the owner had it confirmed from the curator of antiquities at the Cairo Museum, from whom he obtained the artefact in 1913.

This startling discovery was further compounded by the mystery of how it came to the museum. There was no documentary evidence for except that it was acquired in 1913, then found in our stores in 2013. The rest is a real mystery.

Origins aside it was decided that as it was obtained by an illegal and unfair transaction, as well as being considerably outside of our collecting area of South Somerset!, that it should be offered back to Egypt via the Egyptian Embassy, who very warmly accepted our offer.

South Somerset’s Heritage Team are currently seeking a Heritage Intern to work at the Community Heritage Access Centre at Lufton. This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable practical museum experience alongside our experienced staff on a variety of projects including preparing an exhibition, cataloguing and conservation of historical items and experiencing outreach activities.

• Job Title: Heritage Intern
• Hours: Full Time (37 hours)
• Contract: 12 month fixed term contract
• Salary: National minimum wage applies
• Closing Date: 27 June 2013
• Interview Date: 16 or 17 July 2013
• Job Description

Get plugged into the musuem sector in the SW, enhance your CV, make new friends!

The Board of the SW Fed is up for election: some current post holders are elligible to stand again, but some are not - all are open for nominations and election annually.

Joining the Board of the SW Fed gives you unrivalled opportunities to develop new skills and be at the forefront of developments in the region. Whether you are a new entrant to the profession or an experienced practitioner, there is something for you. It will give you a new perspective, which in turn enriches and benefits your museum.  

Gemma Brace, Bristol County Rep 2012/2013 writes:
“Joining the Fed as a County Rep is a great opportunity to widen your professional network and engage with a variety of different individuals within the industry, including independent practitioners. As well as building regional relationships with other board members, it is also a chance to get to know professionals within your county, forging new links that can benefit both you and your organisation. As a member of the board you are often the first to hear about new funding and development schemes in the region, a great asset for your organisation. As a personal development opportunity it also provides a chance to widen your understanding about the variety of different funding and partnership schemes on both a local, regional and national level, with opportunities to meet representatives from key stakeholders such as Arts Council England. Having served my first year on the board I am looking forward to taking a more active role and promoting the Fed to more members within my county.”

The Jurassic Coast Museums Development Project are looking for a Digital Content Coordinator for a contract with Dorset County Council.

• Role: Digital Content Coordinator
• Freelance supplier
• Fee: £13,000
• Contract period:  July 2013 to March 2014
• Closing date: 26 June
• Interview date: 3 July
• Location: Home based but must be able to work in Dorset locations including Bridport, Dorchester & Lyme Regis.
• Reporting to: Museums Advisor for Bournemouth Dorset & Poole & Jurassic Coast Museums Project Steering Group.