An exciting opportunity has presented itself to Blandford Museum. The opportunity does not come without risks and challenges, but we are hopeful that we will be able to overcome these.
The charity that owns Bere’s Yard, William Williams, is planning to try to sell the property by public auction on the 23rd July. While this presents a risk to the museum, we do have a 20-year lease. It does pose a long-term risk to the museum and an immediate risk to the Garden and Gravel areas. It also offers some potential benefits, particularly if we were able to raise money to either buy the property or lease or build other properties on the yard.
Since the museum’s Trustees became aware of the possibility of a future sale, they have been considering the possible ramifications and making plans to respond, including looking at funding routes, procuring community support, and addressing many other issues that we expect to arise.
One thing that is clear is that we will need all the help and support we can get, from our members and the wider community. If you have skills or experience you think might be useful, for example fundraising, planning, and commercial and legal advice, and are willing to give some time to help us, please contact the Director, Sylvia Hixson Andrews, at the museum or by emailing sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com. Or come along to join the discussion at the Museum AGM on Friday May 29 at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion.