SOMERSET NEWS: Fundraising campaign for Rural Life Museum

THE Friends of Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury have launched a fundraising campaign to support the museum’s forthcoming redevelopment.

The campaign aims to raise £25,000 to extend disabled access and help improve insulation and heating.

 The museum, based in Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, has not undergone major refurbishment since it was opened in 1974.  Forty years on and the site, displays and facilities are becoming increasingly outdated and in need of improvement. 

David Heeley, chairman of the Friends group, said: “The current site is home to some wonderful exhibits. However, the rich contents of the museum are not displayed or interpreted in ways that meet modern expectations.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund has contributed £720,000 to the project, and other very generous grants have also been received.  Now, a further £25,000 needs to be raised so that the project can fulfil all its ambitions.

The council’s heritage spokesman, Cllr David Hall, said: “We’re very grateful to the Friends for launching the fundraising campaign and for the outstanding support they’ve given over so many years.

“The money they hope to raise will make a real difference to the future of a very popular and important museum.”

If you would like to help secure the future of Somerset Rural Life Museum, you can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/somersetrurallifemuseum or text SRLM01 and the amount you wish to donate (£1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10) to 70070. The text message is free and all of the donation will be passed to the Friends.

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