A NEW group has formed in Evesham to support one of the town’s most significant heritage building.
The Friends of the Almonry Museum is an independent body which seeks to raise the profile of the building and its collections, generate funds to support its ongoing development and encourage volunteering and interest in the town’s history.
It also wants to raise awareness and knowledge of traditional building craft skills.
The Grade 1-listed building, which has been home to a museum exploring Evesham and the Vale’s history since 1957 is about to undergo a major two-part restoration and refurbishment project.
Heritage roofing specialist, Richard Jordan, Madeline Tetchner, Carmel Langridge from the Vale of Evesham Historical Society and Linda Jayes are some of the new Friends of the Almonry Museum. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3025003MMR
It will close on September 20 for approximately two years for one phase one which will include a complete re-slating of stone roof tiles, window repairs, repointing and masonry repairs and other works.
This is being paid for by a grant of £2,175,500 given to the museum by the Arts Council England through Museum and Estate Development Fund.
Phase two will include a complete reimagining of its eclectic displays which range from prehistory to the Second World War. Its success, however, will be dependent on the outcome of an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Friends’ group wants to make sure the community gets involved in this important stage which will determine how the finished museum will look.
Co-founder Linda Jayes said: “We just want as many people from Evesham to be part of the group and play a part in supporting the museum’s future development.
“Once the phase one work is completed we will have a blank canvas so this is a great opportunity.
“We want people to join in and be part of the action.”
She told the Observer that the group felt is was important for the museum to maintain a public profile during the time it will be closed and is planning a number of events from September onward. “We don’t want people to forget us,” she added.
Membership costs £10 per year and in return people will receive regular news and updates from the project and participate in Friends’ activities such as talks and events.
This Saturday, July 26, Carmel Langridge and Ian Lloyd-Oswald from the Vale of Evesham Historical Society will give a free talk about the building’s fascinating history at 2pm.
The Almonry Museum is housed in a 14th-century building, and has a rich history as both a monastic structure and heritage centre.
Initially serving as the home for the almoner, a monk responsible for distributing alms at Evesham Abbey, it later became the residence of the last Abbot after the Abbey’s closure during the Dissolution.
It was acquired in 1929 by the then Evesham Borough Council after being used as an ale house, tea rooms and a private residence.
Visit https://www.almonryevesham.org/the-friends-of-the-almonry-museum/ to join.
