Charity Bid by Museum Group

Transcript

Charity bid by museum group

By Inderdeep Bains

CAMPAIGNERS are to apply for charity status and change their name in a bid to step up the fight to get a museum for the Royal Borough.

The group formerly known as Friends of the Royal Borough Museum Collection is now called Friends of the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum.

The decision to register as a charity was taken on Wednesday night as members celebrated the pressure group’s 15th anniversary at the United Reform Church, in William Street, Windsor.

Members are currently considering the Caley’s Store building in Windsor as a prime location for the museum.

Secretary, Birgitte Mitchell, said: “Caleys is the ideal building. It’s just across the road from the Castle and the Guildhall. Its the perfect location.”

However, Mayor Eric Wiles, who also attended the meeting, was unconvinced it was a feasible target; he said: “They are being totally unrealistic. Who is going to pay for it and who is going to fund the running costs?

“They have to be realistic because they won’t be able to find the money.”

However, the group was undeterred by the comments. Mrs Mitchell said: “We know we can’t afford the building and don’t expect the council to pay for it.

“That is why we are registering as a charity so we can fundraise and also apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“We are hoping to raise part of the money and get an organisation or charity to meet the rest.

“It is a completely feasible objective.”

The group hope to acquire 300 square metres of exhibition space with room for other facilities to display the Royal Collection and other exhibitions.

Images

---