Each year The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum award a monetary award to one or more part time students taking a glass course at Dudley College. This year we awarded 4 prizes of £25 to the following glass makers :- Christina Bate Bryan Jones Ema Kelly Kay Stowell. We wish them all success in the future.

The Friends enjoyed a fascinating journey from Germany via Scotland to Broadfield and Patricia Nieman's latest collection of work. We have one regret, that we did not video the talk and slide presentation so that other visitors would have a valuable insight in to the inspiration Patricia finds in her natural surroundings. The exhibition contains many forms of art from glass in the form of 'bones' and a red glass chandelier inspired by the blood dripping from a dagger, to soft fine sheep wool - black and blowing in the wind and cream, shaped like a cocoon and sofly scented by the soap it was washed in to detailed drawings of skeletons and pieces of hand made gold jewellery. A thought provoking exhibition that will stay until August.

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that John Sanders, founding Chairman of The Friends, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 10th January 2012. John was 77 on the 27th December 2011. He leaves his widow Eileen, daughter, Clare and son, Richard. John will be sadly missed by all the Friends and his many colleagues in the legal profession, cricketing and rugby world, and of course - the glass world. I will let you know the date and time of the funeral at the earliest, should you wish to attend. Barbara P. Beadman