Stroud Probus

KEVIN Ward was the guest speaker at our first May meeting when he gave a presentation entitled 'The History and Work of the Museum in the Park'.

He began by telling members that the word museum was in all probability derived from 'The Muses', who in Greek Mythology were goddesses for the arts and science.

The first museum open to the public was the Louvre in Paris, followed by the Ashmoleum in Oxford with the British Museum opening its doors in 1759.

Prior to this, most collections of art and antiquities were in private collections.

Later, Bristol and Bath opened museums and in 1887 an appeal was made for funds to open one in Stroud.

The largest benefactor was William Cowle who left £4,000 in his will for this purpose.

The museum was opened in Lansdown where it remained until the move to Stratford Park.

In addition to objects on permanent display the museum stages workshops and exhibitions on different subjects.

Entry to the museum is free and last year it was visited by over half a million people.

Kevin had brought several items to the meeting and members were tasked with identifying them, which was a fitting conclusion to an extremely interesting morning.

The president thanked Kevin on the quality of his presentation.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, May 27, commencing at 10.15am when Michael Lipping will be speaking about the work of LtCol JKR Murray an intelligence officer.

Probus is open to all retired men and meetings are held at the Cotswold Bowling Club, Dudbridge, Stroud, where ample free parking is available.