Ashby-de-la-Zouch Museum

Roof goes on the new extension, January 2007

In 2006, Ashby de la Zouch Museum was awarded a grant of £425,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The funding was granted for the building of an extension which was completed by Easter 2007. Also included in the programme was a complete redesign of the Exhibition Galleries.

The additional space now allows the museum’s full collection to be displayed for the first time, enabling the museum to tell the story of the history and development of Ashby-de-la-Zouch and its surrounding villages.  Displays examine locally important personalities, stories associated with the town and an overview of important episodes in the town’s history.  Temporary exhibitions will also be put on in the Loudoun Gallery.

The old facilities meant that school groups could only be accommodated in the foyer causing huge disruption to the museum’s other visitors and staff.   Space limitations also meant that the museum could not cope with a whole class of school children at one time.  The new Ferrers Community Room provides the children with a dedicated learning space big enough for a full class and allows evening classes and lectures to take place.

Explaining the importance of the award HLF’s regional manager Sheila Stone said, “Ashby-de-la-Zouch museum is much loved and well used.  I’m delighted that we were able to offer our assistance to help the museum move into the 21^st century and provide an improved service to the local community.”

Commenting on the award, Chairman of Trustees Kenneth Hillier said, “The Trustees were delighted that all their hard work on behalf of Ashbeians led to this success and we look forward to 2007 with renewed vigour.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage.  From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. Since its conception, HLF have supported 16,000 projects allocating over £3.3 billion across the UK. In the East Midlands we have awarded almost £150.7 million to over 1,250 projects  

For further information, please contact:

Nicky Price, Heritage Lottery Fund – Tel: 020 7591 6046, email: nickyp@hlf.org.uk

Website: www.hlf.org.uk

We will continue to seek funding to improve our exhibitions and services still further.

If you would like to help, please send your donation to: