Maidstone Museum was the setting for our March meeting.

Some 28 members and guests gathered in the magnificent Brenchley Gallery and split into two groups prior to being taken on a “behind the scenes” tour. Simon Lace, the Museum’s Director informed us that of the 600,000 or so artefacts in the collections only a mere 2% are ever on show to the public.

Highlights of the tour included a visit to the Art Store to see some magnificent works of art, the main store where we were able to get our hands on such diverse items as Japanese ceremonial swords and an extremely rare narwhal’s tusk and a chance to see the “Bug Store” where we were able to browse through hundreds of thousands of specimens of insects.
Following the tour a light-buffet was served following which Simon gave an enlightening talk on the history and exciting future of the Museum. Members were intrigued to hear how many of the artifacts and collections are rare, of exceptional quality and of international significance. Many other museums and universities borrow items on a regular or come to study them because our county town’s Museum truly has a most diverse and unique range  of items on display and in its stores.
Simon also outlined  the new East Wing Project which would both revolutionise access to the collection and provide 21st Century technology and educational facilities to benefit the community.
After covering the usual business matters chairman Peter Smith thanked Simon and his staff for a most enjoyable evening and requested a return visit in a few years once the new wing was completed