Imperial War Museum's Library and services are under threat

To quote the leaflet handed out to passers by outside the Imperial War Museum, and confirmed by staff at risk of losing their jobs:

"One hundred years after the outbreak of the First World War, the Imperial War Museum is under threat.

"The Museum is facing an annual deficit of £4m because of cuts in government funding.  It has [had to] drawn up proposals to 

- close its unique library

- cut important education services

- cut 60-80 jobs

- close the popular 'Explore History' facility in London.

"The Museum's library gives ordinary people access to the research materials on all aspects of British and Commonwealth involvement in conflict since 1914.

"Prospect trade union believes the world leading authority on conflict will be irreparably damaged by the £4m deficit.

"It has launched a petition to help ensure that the Imperial War Museum continues to provide for, and encourage, the study and understanding of the history of modern war and 'wartime experience'.

"Please show your support by signing our petition http://bit.ly/save_IWM " 

Hello there,
I just signed the petition "Rt Hon George Osborne MP: Urgently reverse current and future cuts to the UK Imperial War Museum's annual operating grant in aid so that it can maintain services and preserve its standing as an international centre for study, research and education." and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 15,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/rt-hon-george-osborne-mp-urgently-reverse-current-and-future-cuts-to-the-uk-imperial-war-museum-s-annual-operating-grant-in-aid-so-that-it-can-maintain-services-and-preserve-its-standing-as-an-international-centre-for-study-research-and-education?recruiter=188695201&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive
Thanks!
Andrew

PS  This was mentioned at the High Country History Group last night.  The government has cut funding to the Imperial War Museum by £4m which will lead to the closure of its Library, the loss of 80 library and archive related jobs, and perhaps its sale.
Andrew Smith
Secretary

High Country History Group

High Country History Group pre-Christmas Meeting: 27 November 2014

The next meeting of the High Country History Group will be next Thursday, 27 November, starting at 8pm, at Toot Hill Village Hall.

Nick Dobson is our speaker and will be talking on ‘Christmas in the Trenches’.

We will also have a book stall.

The December 2014 Journal is ready for members to collect.

And, we will end the evening with a glass of wine and mince pies. 

The Archaeology of Stansted Airport

Over several decades, and prior to any expansion of Stansted Airport, archaeology has revealed a surprising amount of habitation from the Iron Age forwards. Richard Havis gave an interesting talk to many members of the High Country History Group at its October meeting.