The heat is on at the Harwich Museum
26th February 2024
Visitors to Harwich Museum are set for a warm welcome thanks to a funding boost that will enable them to buy six eco-friendly heaters.
The funding comes from the Milsom Charitable Fund which is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Paul Milsom, Managing Director of the Milsoms Group said, “We have a strong presence in Harwich through our business at The Pier and we are committed to supporting local charities in the area through our fund with ECF.
“We know how valuable the museum is to the local community and we are pleased to help make it a warm and welcoming place where for people of all ages can visit and learn about the history of Harwich.”
Harwich Museum was established in 2020 and is dedicated to preserving the history of events, and the celebration of lives and businesses of people living in the local area of Harwich and Dovercourt spanning different generations.
Events and talks on different historical subjects and a range of topics are organised throughout the year and, as well as being open to the public, the museum also serves as a place of learning for local primary schools and a hub for clubs including the Scouts, Beavers and Cubs. The museum is run by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers and is open to the public five days a week so that people can access the exhibition area, galleries, library, lecture room, and archives.
Steve Delves is a trustee of the museum. He said, “We are extremely grateful for this funding that will enable us to buy some heaters. It will make such a difference for our volunteers and visitors.
“Being located near to the sea front, we are susceptible to very cold offshore winds which makes it difficult to keep the building warm, especially in the Winter. We have been using some plug-in heaters, but they are expensive to run and not very effective.”.
Steve hopes that having the new heaters will encourage more people to come into the Museum to enjoy the exhibits and help generate some much-needed funding.
“We have some great exhibits and local history information available. Having additional heaters in our reception and public areas will hopefully create a warm and welcoming space that will encourage more people to visit, stay for a chat, a look around the gift shop and enjoy a drink in the Lighthouse tea bar.”
The Milsom Charitable Fund was set up in 2005 by Paul and Geraldine Milsom after Paul’s father Gerald died. Gerald was a larger-than-life character and he was a great supporter of charitable activity. Paul and Geraldine are carrying on his legacy through their Fund with ECF, supporting voluntary and community organisations in Essex, with a preference for supporting projects in Harwich. Since the Fund was set up it has given grants to charities totalling nearly £34,000.
To find out more about setting up a charitable fund in your name or, if you are a charity or voluntary group, how to apply for a grant, visit essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call us on 01245 355947.