Fusilier Museum to ask public for £0.5m boost (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Fusilier Museum to ask public for £0.5m boost

11:20am Monday 17th September 2012 in News

BURY’S Fusilier Museum is poised to launch a major fundraising campaign in its £1.1 million quest to finance its ambitious Onward and Upward development. Officials at the popular Moss Street attraction say the project will bring about “significant and exciting changes” at the museum which opened its doors three years ago. Earlier this year, it lodged an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £654,000 to create a new open store area that will allow the museum to show off its full collection to the public. Much-needed new and improved activity space, extended learning facilities and meeting and events spaces will also be created. It has been revealed that the application has been given preliminary approval and that a final decision will be made between March and June next year. As part of the application process, HLF has asked the Fusilier Museum for match funding of around £530,000. Now, museum bosses are set to embark on a fundraising campaign to raise the money and are asking the public to help by making donations. Helen Field, general manager, said: “We’re really excited by the potential of the Onward and Upward development project and we are confident that we can raise the money needed to match the Heritage Lottery Fund’s proposed contribution, in spite of this economic climate. “We’ve been so successful in the first three years that we now need more space to enhance the visitor experience. This development will continue the museum’s ambition to maintain its position as Britain’s best small military museum”. Col Brian Gorski, chairman of the museum, added: “With the current threat of losing the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers it highlights the importance of protecting the legacy of the regiment. We know that the people of the North West are proud of their Fusilier heritage and this project will help to conserve our collection and help people of all ages gain a greater understanding and enjoyment of our history.” The Fusilier Museum is home to the collections of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting more than 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum tells the rich and fascinating stories of the people who have served and continue to serve in the regiments. Figures show how the museum has progressed from a former visitor profile of less than 2,000 people each year to having almost 20,000 paying customers annually. l Donations can be made online by visiting fusilier museum.com