MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Friends of the Bartholomeu Dias Museum have a new committee and the members are extremely enthusiastic.

The new committee was elected shortly after a highly constructive annual general meeting in July, which was attended by a record number of friends.

Stalwart Pierre le Roux, who served the committee as chairman for many years, announced at the meeting that he was no longer available to serve as chairman. He would, however, still be in the wings in an advisory capacity.

The Friends of the Museum work hand in hand with the management of the museum, which is managed by the Western Cape Province. The friends assist the museum financially and also play a role in organising functions and supporting the staff.

The enthusiastic committee will be looking at several options to expand the membership of the friends and to make sure visiting the museum is a fun experience as well as being educational. The museum is an extremely valuable asset to the town and it offers Mossel Bay a unique backdrop for functions and educational events and the public is invited to make use of this facility.

Join the Friends at a nominal fee of R10 per year. Donations are also welcome. The new chair, Denise Lloyd, invites the public to take ownership of this magnificent asset and get involved in making this treasure a household name.

To join the Friends of the Museum, call Brigitte von Schütz (044 691 1067).

The newly elected committee of the Friends of the Museum. Front: Mbulelo Mrubata (museum manager), Pierre le Roux (outgoing chairman), Denise Lloyd (newly elected chair) and Cobus van Rensburg (vice-chairman). Back: Marlè Munro (secretary), Jan Maritz (marketing), David Clayphan (fundraising), Hans Bosch (constitution), Hein Bottom (finance) and Brigitte von Schütz (museum representative/scribe). Denise will also represent the friends on the Dias Museum Management Committee).

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