It is two and a half years since the Museum launched the Development Appeal and we are delighted to report that we have finally reached our fundraising target of £2.3 million. We could not have done this without the very generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, numerous charitable trusts and foundations, the Ditchling Museum Friends’ Association and a large number of individual donors in both the UK and overseas. We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.
Charitable Trusts and Foundations who have supported us include:
The work which is now well underway on the Museum site will:
In addition to the physical changes to the building, the Museum has redefined its focus in recognition of the unique heritage of arts and crafts which distinguishes it from so many other small local history museums. The Museum will in future concentrate on the story and historical context of the artists and craftworkers who lived and worked in Ditchling and its surrounding communities since 1900. To reflect the focus of the re-opened Museum the name will be changed to DITCHLING MUSEUM OF ART AND CRAFT.
In February 2012, Westridge Construction was appointed as main contractors and work began on site at the beginning of April. Despite 2012 being the wettest summer for 100 years work has continued steadily, though with inevitable delays, and at present we are hoping to re-open in late spring 2013.
November 2012
All donors will be kept up to date with developments and their donation will be acknowledged in the newly opened Museum. We hope that you will agree to make your payment under Gift Aid which would allow the Museum to reclaim a further 22% from the Inland Revenue. If you wished to spread your donation over a period of up to two years, you could do so by completing a Bank Standing Order. Gifts of $500 or over from US donors can be tax-deductible, if sent via CAFAmerica.
BECOME A SUPPORTER – If you contribute £100 or more to the Appeal, you will be kept up to date with developments and your donation will be acknowledged in the newly opened Museum. You and a guest will be invited to attend the celebrations when the Museum re-opens.
BECOME A BENEFACTOR - If you contribute £500 or more to the Appeal, you will be kept up to date with developments and your donation will be acknowledged in the newly opened Museum. You will receive Life Membership of the Friends of the Museum and will be invited to the Private View of all Museum exhibitions. You and a guest will be invited to attend the celebrations when the Museum re-opens.
BECOME A VICE-PATRON – Those who contribute £1,000 and above will be enrolled in our Vice Patrons Scheme. All Vice-Patrons will receive the benefits listed above and, in addition, your donation will be prominently acknowledged in the newly opened Museum on a panel commissioned from a leading contemporary lettering artist. You and a guest will be invited to a special reception and to the celebrations when the Museum re-opens.