Would you like to become a friend of the district's museum?

West Berkshire Council is hoping to redevelop the district’s flagship museum in Wharf Street, Newbury, but is first waiting to hear whether its application for £1.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been successful.
The district council has already allocated £815,500 in its capital programme towards the £2.26 million development, with the Headley Trust committing £40,000 to the project, which involves restoration of the historic Cloth Hall and Corn Stores, creation of a new link building and visitor facilities, and complete refurbishment of all display and activity spaces.
Now the museum’s management is looking to form a ‘friends of the museum’ group to help make the final push to secure the £200,000 necessary to complete the development, plans of which are pictured.
An open meeting is being held at the museum tonight (April 24) starting at 7.30pm for anyone wishing to find out more about the group.
West Berkshire executive councillor for culture, Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley), who will be guest speaker at the meeting, said: "This is a really exciting time in the redevelopment of the museum.
“I hope as many people as possible will come along with a view to becoming a 'friend'.
“The friends will play a vital role in the future of our local museum and we really need their help in making the project the best possible success.”
For further information contact the museum’s manager, Steph Gillett, on 01635 519231.