RESIDENTS are stepping up to the mark to support Dorset County Museum in a major fundraising appeal.

The county town museum has launched its development appeal to support plans for a new Collections Discovery Centre that will house its three million artefacts and give the public better access.

The first phase of the fundraising offers people the chance to put a personalised plaque on the museum’s main staircase to anyone who donates £100 to the appeal.

Donors will also receive free entry to the museum for 12 months and have their name added to the development appeal donation register.

The campaign was launched by Antiques Roadshow star Paul Atterbury, who made a donation to secure the first plaque, upon which he had the name of his great uncle Lewis – who died at the Battle of the Somme – inscribed.

Dorchester town councillor David Taylor is heading the team of volunteer fundraisers for the scheme and said interest in the first couple of weeks since the launch had been strong, with at least a dozen plaques already acquired.

He said: “The local support for Dorset County Museum is very strong.

“We are looking for this development fund to start moving us forward where we can, with things like architect plans and designs for the new building.

“We are aiming to put the first spade in the ground in three years’ time.”

Coun Taylor said with Christmas approaching securing a plaque for someone could make a unique gift.

He said: “If anybody is interested it could make for a great gift for a friend or loved one or as a memento.”

Coun Taylor added: “We want to thank everyone for helping so far, after all this is a major appeal for Dorset County Museum which is the main museum for the county.”

Anyone who is interested in supporting the appeal and securing a plaque can contact the museum on 01305 262735 or email enquiries@dorsetcountymuseum.org Information is also available online at dorsetcountymuseum.org

 

MUSEUM director Dr Jon Murden urged people to get behind the appeal.

He said: “We are hoping for a good response to this new appeal – the money raised will be used to kick-start the project and we will then be seeking financial support from major trusts and fundraising bodies like the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“We want to get local people involved because the project will include new galleries and archives which will be accessible to the public.

“Ultimately everyone will benefit because we will be able to display many more objects from our unique collections.”