by Karen Loh
Achievements! Achievements! Achievements! Let’s look back on 2013 and the milestones we have achieved, the accomplishments and changes which took place in our MV group the past year. First of all, I am very excited about the museum volunteer Coffee Table book which we have been talking about compiling the past two years and finally kick-started again, by Magan. Thank you to all of who have contributed their articles to the book and to our great team of editors; Magan, Rose, Hani, Hayley, Pam and our very talented in-house designer, Mariana. We will keep you posted of the date, the book will be ready.
The school program team hosted 2 important school visits this year amongst other schools. We had for the first time, a visit by children from a Down Syndrome School and children from a Chin refugee centre. Many thanks to Cay, who has untiringly led the school program team for the last 3 years. She is however exhausted from it all and asks for another courageous mv to replace her. Please email me if you like children and have plenty of educational ideas and energy!
The wait was finally over in May for JMM’s brand new bus and we were lucky to be one of the first groups to take the bus to Ipoh, Batu Gajah and Kampar. Do sign up for our next trip to Melaka in January (15 & 18) 2014. Our Focus team also organized our first movie screening at the Discovery Room in July. Though the title “Queen of Lankasuka” did sound a little melodramatic, the movie turned out to be very interesting. We hope to screen more movies (with a historical reference) in 2014 and welcome any suggestions.
Last but not least, the “Bunka No Hi” themed Anniversary dinner was a success. 73 people attended the event for a night of delicious Kristang food. There were many interesting performances demonstrated by our volunteers and it was an enjoyable night. Kudos to Cze Yan for her ingenuity. What will she come up with next? Also, many thanks to Erina and the many Japanese volunteers who joined us for the first time this year and shared their culture. Our slogan was decided by vote that night and the winning slogan went to Stuart for his catchy line “take the Mystery out of History”.
For 2014, I hope that the problems we have had with the guiding schedule and guide absentees will be solved. Many thanks to Fiza, who is juggling both weekend and weekday rotas. Please do give her your full cooperation. Susan and Lena will also be promoting our guided tours though travel websites and by sending leaflets to major hotels in the Klang Valley.
I look forward to a great year of the Wood Horse. Happy New Year & Happy Guiding!
Best wishes,
Karen
Museum Volunteers, JMM 