Wisbech and Fenland Museum's plea for help to stay open for free

A museum has set up a supporters scheme in order to remain open to visitors for free.

The Wisbech and Fenland Museum says it can’t survive without support from the local community since losing its £60,000 grant from Fenland District Council.

The museum, which is supported by a dedicated band of volunteers, needs more regular cash coming in to supplement funding for running costs if it’s to stay open free to everyone – so the trustees have set up a new Supporters Circle to enable supporters to contribute a regular sum.

Trustees’ vice-chairman David Ball said: “Enormous progress has been made since Fenland District Council decided to remove all funding but we know that there are many people out there who want to be involved by helping financially on a regular basis.

“The museum cannot keep going in its present form unless we succeed in persuading as many local people as possible to join us in this combined effort.”

The purpose-built early Victorian museum is one of the oldest in the country. It makes the history of the area and its people and their involvement with the wider world come alive for adults and children.

The museum is supported by a band of volunteers to back up the professional staff.

People can join the Circle by contributing at whatever level they choose – Townshend at £20 per month, Peckover at £10 per month or Clarkson at £5 per month.

It is hoped that supporters will join online using direct debit through the museum website www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk Just click ‘Join and Support Us’ and go to Supporters Circle. Others who prefer to use paper can join by standing order using a leaflet which is now available in the museum reception area.

Earlier this year, the museum was awarded £92,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its two-year Sharing Cultures project to reach out and engage with all the people of Fenland.