Wincanton Museum is to be Reborn

Until 2010 Wincanton Museum operated from a cottage in the High Street. Our landlords were the Quakers, who were highly supportive while the Museum was there. However, changes in Charity Law precipitated them to decide to adopt different plans for the property and the Museum was unable to remain in that site.

As a result we entered into discussions with the Somerset County Council Libraries Department and our chairman, Dr Terry Stanford, is able to report that a very good offer has been received from them.

This means it is possible the Museum can be reformed and will occupy a useful space within Wincanton Library. Terry has also been pleased to report that the Libraries Department has been very helpful and that both the Museum and the Library see distinct synergies in their respective operations and displays.

Separate talks have also begun with Wincanton Town Council. Again the Museum is extremely encouraged with the supportive attitudes that have been shown.

There remains just one hurdle. In order to comply with "Duty of Care" responsibilities, and meet the requirements of the insurers, it will be necessary to have a steward in attendance during the Museum's opening hours. The Museum can possibly operate as often and as long as the Library doors are open. However, the eventual times will be dependent on the volunteer support levels.

Terry reports that, "We were very lucky to have a band of cheerful and knowledgeable stewards when we were in place in the High Street and we hope they will all, together with new volunteers who have come to live here, think about coming to join us in what we see as an exciting and useful future. A town like Wincanton deserves good community and educational services and we see the Museum as making an important contribution towards this."

It is planned that an information and questions evening will be organised very shortly. This will be well publicised. So if anybody is interested in joining us the Museum committee members will be very happy to meet you on the evening. Otherwise do not wait. Just contact Terry Stanford on 01963 31665.

The Museum organises public talks on interesting topics of local and historic interest. These number approximately eight per year.

Forthcoming Events 2012

24th February "Death, Destruction and the Cat and Mouse Act." Some aspects of the Suffragette Movement in the Early Twentieth Century. Dr Terry Stanford.

30th March "A Contemporary Archive." Highlights in words and pictures from the last two years in the Wincanton Window. John Baxter.

27th April "Ravenna, The Magic of Mosaics." Hendrika Foster.

25th May "A Talk and a Walk Around Wincanton." Frank Foster.

8th June "Riot, Riot, Riot." Jeff Kingaby.

To see more about the Museum visit www.wincantonmuseum.org.uk.

Comments

Posts: 1

Can't wait
Reply #1 on : Sat March 03, 2012, 21:00:23

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I attended the meeting & was encouraged by the support, well done to all of those that have put in such much hard work. A very warm welcome to the couple who have just moved to the town, sorry I didn't get to chat but 'well done', for getting involved.

If you have the time read this week's letters page in the Blackmore Vale Magazine, there is an interesting letter about the developement of Frome & the comparision with Wincanton. I strongly believe that our town is crammed full of those who can make Wincanton a place where others want to visit, the Window, Business Together, Town Council & the people of the Town will make it happen. We need to get everyone involved, I'm plus 40 but would suggest I was the youngest at the meeting, this must be addressed.

Can't wait for the museum to re-open, watch this space & make sure you visit.

After the great Christmas Extravaganza the Town moved forward, lets get the Carnival back & find a way to fill all the empty shops, landlords take heed.

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