WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY
Earlier this year the Museum was given access to funding from the UK IT Association targeted at the Tourism and Leisure sectors, which enabled several IT projects to be undertaken.
Firstly the Museum site is now Internet connected via a broadband link, which means that we can use the web to get immediate access to suppliers and manufacturers information and to search for elusive data or pictures. Individual members have been using the web for many years but the facility at the Museum enables information to be distributed much quicker.
Next, the Museum's website was upgraded to include an on-line shop with the ability to take online payments for goods or donations. This coincided with the installation of a credit card processing terminal in the shop, which has finally enabled us to take payments in this way on operating days. Although we incur charges for the facility, the growth of visitors to the Museum and the amount spent by them means that we really have no choice but to provide this service.
The website also now includes facilities for members to pay annual subs by credit card or debit card, although there is a 5% surcharge to cover our costs. (The full membership fee thus becomes '£15,75.) Many members pay by standing order but there is a still a fair amount of cheques to be handled each year and this new facility may be easier for some members.
The Trustees and Committee are also experimenting with ways of using the web for sharing common data, such as group bookings and private hire dates so that different people can view and update the data simultaneously.
Finally, we will shortly be installing web enabled CCTV security cameras, which will allow us to remotely monitor the site for any suspicious activity out of hours. The advance of technology means that this is relatively straightforward and cheap to implement.
The Museum website has had a members area for some time where colour copies of 'Omnibus' can be downloaded, and a photo gallery showing recent activities.
Dave Taylor & Andrew Gardner
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
