AWARD-WINNING MUSEUM CELEBRATES LOTTERY WIN

Heritage and cultural services in Newcastle-under-Lyme have received a major boost thanks to National Lottery players.

The award-winning Brampton Museum, run by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, has received a £99,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to increase access to the borough’s fascinating history and ensure that its precious heritage is preserved for future generations.

The two-year grant, awarded following a successful funding application, will help to establish a new supporter’s group – a successor to the popular Friends of the Museum – enable the museum to work with several community groups to host inclusive, family-friendly events and extend its popular talk and film show programme to include weekends.

In addition, the money will fund environmental improvements to the Brampton Park venue and establish a new fundraising campaign to restore the museum’s significant collection of locally made clocks. Open to residents, groups and businesses, every donation to the fundraiser will be matched by the Heritage Fund up to a maximum of £4,000.

Brampton Museum houses 11 long case clocks, and mechanisms, made between 1680 and 1870 when Newcastle-under-Lyme was a major clock-making town thanks to prominent figures including the Beech, Brindley, Nickisson and Redshaw families. Most don’t work and have never been conserved. Funding will enable a detailed condition survey, by an experienced horologist, to identify the repair work needed. It’s hoped to have some of the clocks in full working order by the end of the project in 2027.

Several local businesses and groups have already donated to the clock conservation fund.

Margaret Thompstone, chair of the Arts Society of North Staffordshire, added: “We are delighted to help Brampton Museum get their magnificent, locally made collection of grandfather clocks ticking again. These beautiful instruments deserve to be exhibited in working order.”

More information about becoming a museum supporter, or donating to the clock fund, is available on the borough council’s website. Alternatively, please contact 01782 619705