30/08/2026
The meeting to discuss the future of the Glen Museum ( The Charlie Pinch Collection) was held today and here is a letter from the President Stephen Graham.
COMMUNITY MEETING - THE FUTURE OF THE GLEN MUSEUM
Thank you to everyone who attended today's community meeting to discuss the future of the Glen Museum.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the Museum's future, the significance of the Charlie Pinch Collection, and the need to ensure that the work undertaken over recent years is carried forward.
There was general agreement that the Glen has evolved from a remarkable private collection into a professionally presented community museum with considerable potential to contribute to Portland's future.
Importantly, the meeting recognised that the principal issue now facing the Museum is succession.
After eight years as President, Stephen Graham advised the meeting that he will step down from the position by 30 June 2027. The Museum therefore has a limited period in which to establish a sustainable structure for its future.
Following discussion, those present agreed that the next step should be to seek a suitably qualified and experienced museum professional to guide The Glen Museum through its next stage of development.
This provides an opportunity not simply to preserve what has already been achieved, but to build upon it; developing the collection, preserving Portland's stories and memories, increasing visitation, and exploring the Glen's potential as a destination for visitors to the town.
The issue raised at today's meeting remains an important one: there are plenty of ideas
for developing the Museum, but who will take responsibility for turning those ideas into action and providing the leadership needed for its future?
We will provide further information shortly about the proposed position and the next steps.
Thank you again to those who attended and contributed to the discussion.
Stephen Graham
President
The Glen Museum
30 August 2026
