East Anglian Railway Museum
A statement from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, August 2020
The Board of Trustees are aware that many members are concerned about the future of the Museum and current projects during and onward from the current situation. Unfortunately, there have been rumours circulating which we hope we can dispel.
Firstly, we can categorically say that the Museum is not closing down. Whilst we have had to furlough some of our loyal staff, all being well we will continue to employ again as the museum gets fully on its feet again.
From the financial point of view, we received a £25,000 Government Grant, which has helped us through the early days of lockdown. This is now backed up by a fortunate windfall of a refund of Personal Protection Insurance monies, which had to be taken out on the loan we negotiated for the purchase of the orchard.
It is now time to advise you that we have the added protection of two substantial bequests from our deceased members Peter and Barry Clampin. These will enable us to go forward on projects, particularly the new Exhibition Hall, which has just been granted planning consent. We can also forge ahead with the work on the new running shed, and a new firebox for locomotive Lamport No.3. As many of you are aware, we have started work on dismantling the N7 for full assessment in preparation for restoration, which has its own specific bequest funds.
It must be remembered that funds are not available to fill a bottomless pit, we should not create the impression that we can blunderbuss money at everything. We find ourselves in a situation far from ideal, but one from which we can and will recover with your help.
We welcome financial support to conserve those reserves for as long as possible, so enabling the Museum to steer through challenging and uncertain times. There is still plenty to be done about the site, to keep it safe and tidy for visitors, so we will welcome your help, but also remembering to keep to social distancing for our own and others’ sakes.
Some changes to museum governance have taken place with Liz Larvor taking over from Mike Stanbury as Secretary of the Trading Company and a subsidiary company Eastern Counties Railways Limited. Liz has been with us for some time as Minutes Secretary, her assistance is really appreciated especially as she will also be dealing with project administration associated with the N7 restoration.
The Museum is pleased to announce that we will be launching train services again and details will be posted on the internet. In September we will have Diesel operation on all of the Saturdays, Steam Days on all Sundays. Your support in making these days a financial success would be greatly appreciated. Further operating days are planned in October, further details will be released in due course.
We look forward to your continued help and maintenance of good health.
Peter Martin, Chairman 10.08.20
