WiSH aims to provide tangible, local sporting history. This will form a base for shared cultural and local community access and involvement.
Based at AFC Wimbledons' new stadium, we will benefit Wimbledon football supporters ( providing accessible display items in a physical and virtual museum), local schools / other education providers (working alongside the AFC Wimbledon Foundation), the local area (heritage trail - linking local history with the local sporting history), ex players and older supporters (recording memories and supporting bereaved spouses, maintaining links with ex players / families with the club), local communities (for example promoting working with the 'Wombles' to promote using rubbish bins / taking litter home),offering opportunities to Volunteer and gain experience / confidence / skills and be part of a proactive team of Volunteers. WiSH matters, as it is collating, displaying and safeguarding the sorting artefacts of AFC Wimbledon, Wimbledon FC and other local sports ( we have a speedway motorbike and greyhound mosaic which will be displayed around the stadium). WiSH will engage with the local community and the communities within, being inclusive and welcoming the richness of diversity - the new stadium is in a mixed residential and industrial area. Initiatives that WiSH are developing can help to include local people and groups in understanding the local history, which in turn may nurture a sense of local identity and belonging. WiSH is an organisation than can provide opportunities for people to become involved, help and also benefit themselves.
A relatively young organisation, WiSH has grown steadily and is now at the stage where we need to fill more key roles. WiSH has trustees and a management team, ambassadors and is a member of the National Museum Association. The management team meet every Friday for an hour and there are many additional meetings as needed. We are steadily recruiting and now have a timeline for plans - although WiSH will always continue to develop. The management team have completed FA Safeguarding training.
WiSH has Heads of Departments, each with responsibility for different areas. We have a strategy plan and produce a Gant chart to oversee progress. WiSH has an experienced Head of Volunteering, who has a structure in place, such as a Volunteer agreement, policies, recording Volunteer hours (just under 1000 for the first quarter of 2021), certificates of recognition, review meetings and development opportunities as appropriate. Forums and social events are planned for the future.
We are building strong links with the local council, heritage organisations, AFC Wimbledon, The Dons Trust and AFC Wimbledon Foundation amongst many other relevant groups.
WiSH owns or has been loaned a huge amount of sporting artefacts and heritage. The space at the new stadium has been handed to WiSH and areas to be utilised around the stadium agreed. Display cabinets have been required for free (V&A museum) and target dates set. Leaflets have been designed to go out to the local communities ( which encourage involvement). WiSH has just recruited an Inclusion and Diversity Officer who will advise and ensure we are accessible and open to all. A management 'fact finding' trip to Exeter FC is planned.
