A fitting tribute to a loyal volunteer
As was the case across the heritage sector, the Egypt Centre faced many challenges due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, with the museum closed to the public from March 2020 until October 2021. The traditional sources of income (shop sales, school visits, and in-person events) were substantially impacted. However, these challenges proved an impetus for the museum to diversify its methods of engagement, creating a broad range of digital resources, and dramatically increasing its online presence. The use of Zoom enabled the centre to create a virtual community of supporters from across the globe, engaging with audiences from over 59 countries.
Through donations received to the Greatest Need Fund, the Egpyt Centre were able to launch a new online catalogue which provided access to researchers, students, and the wider community even when the museum was closed. We have since been commended for having one of the most accessible museum collections online! Through donations received by the Egypt Centre we were also able to purchase a new ‘writing, maths, and measuring’ case. This new case will also allow us to put on temporary exhibits, including some curated by students at Swansea University.
A tribute to Merlys Gavin
Last year the centre lost one of its longest serving volunteers, Merlys Gavin, who started volunteering at the Egypt Centre in 1998. Merlys was a former Maths teacher and the centre's resident maths expert. Merlys made the decision to remember the Egypt Centre in her Will. A new case will be dedicated to Merlys in honour of her years of service to the museum, with an unveiling event planned for December 2022. This fitting tribute to Merlys, has only been made possible through the generosity of donors.
We are extremely grateful to all those who have remembered the University in their Will. If you are interested in leaving a gift in your Will to Swansea University please contact our Legacy Manager, c.s.plumley@swansea.ac.uk.
