Colonial-era museums – a disturbing anachronism in need of reform or an enduring contribution to our knowledge of other cultures? A personal view having visited the @Pitt_Rivers Museum, Oxford.

As I sat a few days ago in Oxford’s famous Pitt Rivers Museum, with its extraordinary collection of artefacts, initially established from a gift by Victorian army officer and explorer, General Augustus Pitt-Rivers, I felt hugely challenged by the content and history of the items on display. On entering the museum’s cavernous exhibition hall, one… Continue reading Colonial-era museums – a disturbing anachronism in need of reform or an enduring contribution to our knowledge of other cultures? A personal view having visited the @Pitt_Rivers Museum, Oxford.

My final thoughts as Chair of Universities Scheme: Freemasonry needs to ditch 1950s attitudes

Today’s Universities Scheme conference at Freemasons’ Hall in London saw the end of my eight year tenure as Chairman of the Scheme, and provided an opportunity to reflect on the Craft and its future. In my valedictory address, I set out some thoughts about Freemasonry and the ongoing need for change, to better reflect modern… Continue reading My final thoughts as Chair of Universities Scheme: Freemasonry needs to ditch 1950s attitudes

Delighted to see so many friends and colleagues in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List

The UK’s honours system sometimes comes in for criticism, (not least when I received an OBE for public service four years ago!) but today’s list yet again recognised people from every station in society including school crossing attendants, teachers, carers, and community activists. I was particularly delighted to see so many friends and colleagues listed… Continue reading Delighted to see so many friends and colleagues in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List