THE generosity of an anonymous benefactor has allowed the Elgar Birthplace Museum to launch new digital audio guides to its exhibitions.
They were launched on Wednesday, when David Bowerman, the chairman of the Elgar Foundation raised, a Union Jack flag outside the building.
Visitors can now use the palm-sized guides to find out more about Elgar and his music as they walk around the Birthplace Cottage and the Elgar Centre at Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.
The digital technology means the tour is completely flexible, so visitors can choose the order in which they view exhibits.
"We're sure it will add a great deal to our visitors' enjoyment and understanding," said Mr Bowerman.
"We're delighted that Dame Janet Baker, such an outstanding interpreter of Elgar's music during her long singing career, has recorded her introduction to the tour of the Elgar Centre and to the Birthplace Cottage."
The raising of the Union Jack not only launched the audio guides but "christened" the museum's new flagpole.
The introduction of the pole was the idea of John Lapworth, the museum's longest serving volunteer.
"John has generously met all the costs of providing and installing the flagpole, so we now have an extra way of celebrating our special Elgar and Royalty exhibition," said museum director Cathy Sloan.
n Top: Elgar Museum director Cathy Sloan with one of the new audio guides. 201914d2
n Right: John Lapworth, an Elgar Museum volunteer with the flagpole he has donated. 201914d3.
Pictures by John MacBrayne
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