The National Conservation Centre has officially closed its doors to the public.
The institute, which is part of National Museums Liverpool, suffered as part of the governments latest round of cuts and opened for the last time on the 17th December 2010.
The centre, which relies on almost 95% Government funding, was ear-marked initially as a potential money-saver in George Osborne’s spending review.
Spokesman for National Museums Liverpool, Dickie Felton highlighted the desire within the company to save jobs.
“Our aim is to keep the jobs of the wonderful people who work for us” he said.
Mr Felton went on to explain how the institution never expected to close its doors just a couple of years ago.
He said: “Unfortunately that’s just the way things go. When you see the economy taking a hit like we have, then you always fear the worst for places like us.
“One of our key mandates is to allow free public entry and that won’t change, but as we rely so much on government funding and grants, it’s hard to keep your head above water.”
One shining light through the murky world of spending cutbacks is that the Whitechapel building will still operate behind closed doors where the crucial work is done.
Although the National Conservation Centre was only created in the 90’s, its life span to the public looks short lived. Whether there is a future for the centre, is up to the board of trustees to find out.
Dr David Fleming, NML Director said: “We bitterly regret having to close one of our venues to visitors but this is the harsh reality of government cuts. If you cut public spending there is pain for the public.”
The NCC has staged exhibitions for the last 14 years, and the closure of the public area released 10% of the space available to the rest of conservation department.
Dr Fleming said that the team of executives had ‘scrutinised’ every aspect of National Museums Liverpool to make savings but decisions like the one being made cannot be avoided.
He said: “We said that a 15% reduction in our funding would have grave implications for us being able to maintain our world class museums and galleries. We are now seeing the impact in terms of a venue closure, following the loss of a number of posts through a voluntary severance scheme”.
Dr Fleming stressed that despite budget cuts, all the remaining venues will remain free, which includes threatened locations such as Sudley House and The Piermasters House.
Staff at Sudley House were relieved to avoid cuts, and Lisa Dalton, who works part-time on the reception at the listed building said: “Me and the rest of the guys are delighted to hear our jobs were safe but we’re very sorry for those who won’t be so lucky at NCC”.
Phil Redmond, Chairman of National Museums Liverpool, said: ““The National Conservation Centre’s conservation department itself is not in danger and neither is the Museum of Liverpool, but to safeguard these projects we have to make harsh choices elsewhere.
“While this action is regrettable, the Board of Trustees endorsed what is a pragmatic solution to a very difficult problem: how do we maintain the best offer we possibly can with reduced resources?”
Many of NML’s alternative ventures have been cancelled because of the cuts, along with development funds by outside agencies.
Affected activities are the Find Your Talent Programme, which was penciled in for the cut in June, as well as plans for a new Titanic Gallery at Merseyside Maritime Museum, which is to be scaled down.
Proposals to redevelop Canning Dock were abandoned after the North West Regional Development Agency was abolished.
‘Reveal – the hidden stories of objects’, which was a permanent display at the National Conservation Centre, will be moved to the World Museum, so it can still be viewed.
The £72m opening of the new Museum of Liverpool will escape the reductions although it’s budget for special exhibitions will be reduced significantly.
According to Organogram and staff pay data for National Museums Liverpool, each member of the board earn between £351,358 and £200,000, which is paid between six executive directors.
Outside of the National Conservation Centre, Jeff McLean, who visits occasionally said: “They have the cheek to ask for cash donations, volunteers, whilst they cream off the cash that’s supposed to be used to showcase the donations of previous benefactors.”
Others, are more sympathetic. Bill Holden, who last visited in July said: “A real shame this - we have visited a few times by ourselves and with the grandkids and found it very interesting - still - someone has to pay for the bankers mistakes and, as usual, it's Joe Public.”
One of the lasting effects will be to the reputation of the city. Only three years ago Liverpool was named Capital of Culture but the newest developments will be seen as a contradiction to the promise that filled the city previously.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Super League Grand Final
Wigan Warriors were crowned Super League Champions after crushing bitter rivals St Helens 22-10 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
An energetic and aggressive Warriors had the upper-hand early on and never let up. 80 minutes of domination was the order of the day as the lackluster St Helens failed to get to grips with Wigan’s pace and power.
Wigan justly deserved their win, and after topping the Super League table, will feel the victory over their North West rivals is a fitting end to a great season.
The damage was done primarily in the first half as Wigan crossed the line three times. Tries from Gleeson (2), Goulding and a sole reply from Andrew Dixon for the Saints ensured the 1st half ended with Wigan well in the driving seat.
A fantastic half for Wigan was soured slightly by the loss of top points scorer Pat Richardss who limped off with a leg injury.
The Warriors went in at the break in command at 16-6 and with one hand potentially on the trophy.
Wigan were far the more adventurous throughout the second period, and despite Saints becoming more dogged in defence, Young Player of the Year Sam Tomkins found his way through the line. Blistering speed and power ensuring the try. Replacement kicker Mark Riddell didn’t have his kicking boots on, slicing the ball wide.
A penalty on the hour mark was the perfect opportunity for Riddell to finally score his first points with a kick from 13 meters. Wigan were now almost there at 22-6.
St. Helens managed to get another try on the board with six minutes remaining.
The try, which wasn’t converted by Foster, was a consolation.
Francis Meli went over after some good work, powering through a couple of Wigan defenders. At 22-10, and five minutes remaining, things still looked bleak for the Saints.
The referee, along with 30,000 Wigan fans, called time on a dominant and victorious night for Wigan Warriors.
They were well worth their win. St Helens on the other hand will be looking back on some poor possession play and will feel disappointed for long term servant Kieron Cunningham missing out on a glorious finish to his Saints career.
An energetic and aggressive Warriors had the upper-hand early on and never let up. 80 minutes of domination was the order of the day as the lackluster St Helens failed to get to grips with Wigan’s pace and power.
Wigan justly deserved their win, and after topping the Super League table, will feel the victory over their North West rivals is a fitting end to a great season.
The damage was done primarily in the first half as Wigan crossed the line three times. Tries from Gleeson (2), Goulding and a sole reply from Andrew Dixon for the Saints ensured the 1st half ended with Wigan well in the driving seat.
A fantastic half for Wigan was soured slightly by the loss of top points scorer Pat Richardss who limped off with a leg injury.
The Warriors went in at the break in command at 16-6 and with one hand potentially on the trophy.
Wigan were far the more adventurous throughout the second period, and despite Saints becoming more dogged in defence, Young Player of the Year Sam Tomkins found his way through the line. Blistering speed and power ensuring the try. Replacement kicker Mark Riddell didn’t have his kicking boots on, slicing the ball wide.
A penalty on the hour mark was the perfect opportunity for Riddell to finally score his first points with a kick from 13 meters. Wigan were now almost there at 22-6.
St. Helens managed to get another try on the board with six minutes remaining.
The try, which wasn’t converted by Foster, was a consolation.
Francis Meli went over after some good work, powering through a couple of Wigan defenders. At 22-10, and five minutes remaining, things still looked bleak for the Saints.
The referee, along with 30,000 Wigan fans, called time on a dominant and victorious night for Wigan Warriors.
They were well worth their win. St Helens on the other hand will be looking back on some poor possession play and will feel disappointed for long term servant Kieron Cunningham missing out on a glorious finish to his Saints career.
Wigan v Leeds Match Report
Wigan Warriors today broke Leeds Rhinos hearts as they swept to a 26-6 victory against the reigning champions.
A powerful defensive display and some lucky breaks allowed the away team to go over 4 times, clinching a place in the Grand Final against bitter rivals St Helens.
Sinfield in the heart of the Leeds attack couldn’t create as Wigan closed down quickly and aggressively. Some opportunistic tries and flawless kicking from Pat Richards ensured a North-West derby was to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Headingley-Carnegie was rocking to the tune of 13,000 fans as the Warriors and the Rhinos were just 80 minutes from the Grand Final.
Both teams started off brightly, with the Rhinos looking the most dangerous early on as some good Leeds kicking forced a mistake by Sam Tomkins close to his own try-line.
The first two penalties went Wigan’s way on 13 minutes after Danny Budearas gave away two quick fouls on Martin Gleeson. The second, gave Pat Jackson a chance to put one between the sticks from 31 meters, which he duly took. The Warriors now had the advantage at 2-0.
Leeds didn’t take long to strike back as Martin Gleeson was robbed in possession by Budearas. Skipper Kevin Sinfield picked up the ball and charged 30 meters to cross for the opening try of the game. Wigan will feel aggrieved at Buderas’ challenge on Gleeson as many would feel he was stripped of the ball illegally.
The game went on to become a scrappy affair, Leeds were pressing well while Wigan were looking to spring a counter-attack.
The Warriors were slowly making their way back into the game though as their industry in the central areas was beginning to pay dividends.
After mounting pressure, it took a bit of luck for Wigan to finally get their first try. Darrell Goulding went over for his 28th try of the campaign but only after an awkward flick wrong-footed Scott Donald. Goulding, who had been denied minutes earlier, was the 1st to pounce and squirmed over the line. Richards, as cool as ever, pushed Wigan ahead again 8-6 at half-time.
On the restart, Wigan were fasted out of the blocks. A high kick caught in the wind bamboozled Donald. Joel Tomkins pounced on the bounce and crossed unchallenged after a spot of ball juggling to gain control. Richards made no mistake from the kick, putting Wigan up to 14-8.
Leeds were now struggling to deal with Sam Tomkins who looked too quick and too agile for the Rhinos defence.
On the hour mark, the Warriors went over with a scruffy try from George Carmont. Leeds looked slack and switched off momentarily, in an instant, McIlurom was onto it and after dropping the ball, Carmont squeezed through the defence and touched down before Leeds knew what had happened them. Richards converted to make it 20-6, making Wigan the clear favourites against the reigning champions.
Leeds, showing why they’re reigning champions, started to turn the screw on Wigan who held out resolutely. A spate of last gasp challenges kept the Rhinos out, Leeds would not be deterred though and kept coming back again and again. Pat Richards in particular made a spectacular challenge on Danny Buderus just after the hour mark.
The rest of the game saw Wigan become ever more composed in their defending as Leeds efforts gradually began to fade away. The match was put to bed just before 80 minutes as Martin Gleeson crossed the line after some nice possession allowed Gleeson to run in from the wing. Richards would convert to finish the game 26-6.
As the referee blew up, Wigan players and fans celebrated as they reached their first Grand Final in 7 years. Leeds miss out on a 4th consecutive final. The key in this game was a determined defense and plenty of grit and steel going forward. The theatre of dreams awaits the Warriors, as well as the Saints.
A powerful defensive display and some lucky breaks allowed the away team to go over 4 times, clinching a place in the Grand Final against bitter rivals St Helens.
Sinfield in the heart of the Leeds attack couldn’t create as Wigan closed down quickly and aggressively. Some opportunistic tries and flawless kicking from Pat Richards ensured a North-West derby was to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Headingley-Carnegie was rocking to the tune of 13,000 fans as the Warriors and the Rhinos were just 80 minutes from the Grand Final.
Both teams started off brightly, with the Rhinos looking the most dangerous early on as some good Leeds kicking forced a mistake by Sam Tomkins close to his own try-line.
The first two penalties went Wigan’s way on 13 minutes after Danny Budearas gave away two quick fouls on Martin Gleeson. The second, gave Pat Jackson a chance to put one between the sticks from 31 meters, which he duly took. The Warriors now had the advantage at 2-0.
Leeds didn’t take long to strike back as Martin Gleeson was robbed in possession by Budearas. Skipper Kevin Sinfield picked up the ball and charged 30 meters to cross for the opening try of the game. Wigan will feel aggrieved at Buderas’ challenge on Gleeson as many would feel he was stripped of the ball illegally.
The game went on to become a scrappy affair, Leeds were pressing well while Wigan were looking to spring a counter-attack.
The Warriors were slowly making their way back into the game though as their industry in the central areas was beginning to pay dividends.
After mounting pressure, it took a bit of luck for Wigan to finally get their first try. Darrell Goulding went over for his 28th try of the campaign but only after an awkward flick wrong-footed Scott Donald. Goulding, who had been denied minutes earlier, was the 1st to pounce and squirmed over the line. Richards, as cool as ever, pushed Wigan ahead again 8-6 at half-time.
On the restart, Wigan were fasted out of the blocks. A high kick caught in the wind bamboozled Donald. Joel Tomkins pounced on the bounce and crossed unchallenged after a spot of ball juggling to gain control. Richards made no mistake from the kick, putting Wigan up to 14-8.
Leeds were now struggling to deal with Sam Tomkins who looked too quick and too agile for the Rhinos defence.
On the hour mark, the Warriors went over with a scruffy try from George Carmont. Leeds looked slack and switched off momentarily, in an instant, McIlurom was onto it and after dropping the ball, Carmont squeezed through the defence and touched down before Leeds knew what had happened them. Richards converted to make it 20-6, making Wigan the clear favourites against the reigning champions.
Leeds, showing why they’re reigning champions, started to turn the screw on Wigan who held out resolutely. A spate of last gasp challenges kept the Rhinos out, Leeds would not be deterred though and kept coming back again and again. Pat Richards in particular made a spectacular challenge on Danny Buderus just after the hour mark.
The rest of the game saw Wigan become ever more composed in their defending as Leeds efforts gradually began to fade away. The match was put to bed just before 80 minutes as Martin Gleeson crossed the line after some nice possession allowed Gleeson to run in from the wing. Richards would convert to finish the game 26-6.
As the referee blew up, Wigan players and fans celebrated as they reached their first Grand Final in 7 years. Leeds miss out on a 4th consecutive final. The key in this game was a determined defense and plenty of grit and steel going forward. The theatre of dreams awaits the Warriors, as well as the Saints.
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