TRUSTEES at Redditch Local History Museum are appealing for help from the community to find a new home for the museum after being served notice on their current lease.
In October last year, the museum moved out of their base on Market Place after a devastating flood in the flat above.
The Kingfisher Centre stepped in and offered a vacant unit to set up some of the more popular exhibits and temporary storage for all of the artefacts, but they cannot continue to afford to remain in the unit.
Peter Brough, chairman of the Trustees, told the Standard that unless they find affordable premises that they can move all their artefacts to by July, they will be forced to close.
Peter added: “For the museum to close would be a great loss to the town.
“Redditch is applying to be recognised as a Town of culture in 2028, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate our rich history, how ironic could it be that we lose our museum just as the town is recognised for its cultural heritage.”
The Trustees have said they are determined to keep the museum alive and so are embarking upon a campaign to find alternative premises.
They are asking people of Redditch to come forward with ideas for new premises, and to rally councillors and town MP Chris Bloore to help find a home for Redditch’s History.
Dave Handley, who has worked with the museum on his Remembering Istel project and is a volunteer said it is dark days ahead for the museum.
“Like many others in Redditch I was horrified by the news that our wonderful Local History Museum have been served notice on their premises.
“The news is particularly devastating for everyone involved in the museum. We had a flood last autumn and much effort was spent both moving the thousands of historical artefacts to a temporary store, setting up a temporary site in Kingfisher and arranging repairs to the flood damaged site in market place.
“Having seen how hard everyone worked to complete the above and then to be served notice by our new landlords has been hugely demoralising .
“It would be a tragedy if Redditch was to lose the museum.”
Redditch Local History Museum was founded in 2020, and aimed to show the achievements of the town and its residents.
It is run entirely by volunteers and relies on public donations, local business sponsorships and grants to fund its operation.
Email trustee June Strong on [email protected] with any information about a premise that would suit the museum.
