Wisbech museum to charge for first time in 100 years
The Wisbech and Fenland Museum is in 'financial crisis'
The Wisbech and Fenland Museum will now charge for adult entry and has launched an urgent appeal to people, businesses and organisations.
It holds numerous historical items, including a hand written manuscript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
The Museum, which is an independent charity, is facing a ÂŁ60,00 a year shortfall on income in order to pay estimated running costs of ÂŁ90,000 from next April.
From May 1st adults will have to pay ÂŁ5 per entry, which will also get them access to unlimited visits from the subsequent year.
Under-16s and anyone in full-time education will still be able to visit for free.
Museum chairman Steve McGregor said: “Quite simply, even with admission charges, we can't survive in our present form beyond this financial year.
"We have won one-off grants for capital projects like the recent magnificent refurbishment, but we can't use a penny of that money to keep the lights on, our collections curated or staff paid.
"We need businesses with local customers and employees, charities and individuals ... to join our new Patrons' Scheme."
"To keep going after April 2024 we need businesses with local customers and employees, charities and individuals who recognise the treasure we have and what damage its loss would do to the town to join our new Patrons' Scheme by pledging ÂŁ1200 or ÂŁ600 a year, paid monthly or annually.
"And for most people who can't spare that much but could afford to commit £5, £10 or £20 per month to keep a precious resource for the whole community, please join our Supporters Circle.”
Five years ago the Museum lost its annual Fenland District Council grant.
It was then saved from closure by small generous band of supporters, mainly individuals and local charities, who gave a total of ÂŁ35,00 each year for five years through its Refounders Scheme.
The Scheme's time is now up, and the new subscription schemes will need to almost double what it produced.