Museum hits fundraising target

The museum is located in one of Earby's finest and most historically significant buildings, the Old Grammar School, on School Lane.

But the grade two listed building needs a considerable amount of work, and the trustees have been trying hard for the past few years to raise funds.

Almost a year ago they were dismayed and bewildered after learning that a bid to English Heritage had been unsuccessful.

For several months they had been given strong indications that it would succeed, but were then told there was no money in that financial year and it was unlikely a fresh application would be successful in the 2001/2002 budget.

Bruised but not beaten, the trustees picked themselves up and pressed ahead, but there was a growing possibility that they would have to relocate to new premises and see the Old Grammar School fall into ruin.

It was founded in 1591 by the will of Robert Windle, and is still owned by the Robert Windle Foundation, an administrative body with no money to maintain or repair the building.

However, the continued efforts of the museum trustees were finally rewarded in February this year with a welcome change of heart from English Heritage.

It agreed to give a £75,000 grant, provided the trustees could raise £30,000 themselves towards the £105,000 estimated cost of the work by the end of 2001.

Even that was a lot for a small band of volunteers, but they set about contacting local organisations, funding bodies and businesses looking for help, as well as organising their own fundraising events.

Gradually the fund built up, with £4,000 from Pendle's tourism development budget, a hefty £3,000 donation from Earby Parish Council and £2,000 from Pendle Council's West Craven committee.

More money came in donations from local businesses and even individuals giving whatever they could spare, while various jumble sales, garden parties and other events added to the total.

Then this week came the news the trustees had been waiting for.

They received a letter from Pendle Council promising £16,500 from its central capital programme for the current year - enough for the trustees to hit their £30,000 target.

"We're absolutely over the moon about it," said museum trustee Morris Horsfield. "This means we can finally make a start on bringing that building up to scratch and hopefully securing our future there for many years to come."

Mr Horsfield thanked everyone who had helped with the fundraising effort, saying the trustees hoped to have a board inside the museum listing all the people who had made the refurbishment possible. Special thanks go to Pendle councillor for Earby, Rosemary Carroll, and other West Craven councillors who have worked hard for the museum.

The lead mining museum has been at the Old Grammar School since May 1971 and boasts one of the best collections of mining artefacts in the UK. It includes mine tubs, tools and small implements, mining machinery, miners' personal belongings, models, photographs and mine plans.

The museum was born out of the Earby Mines Research Group, founded in 1945 from within the Earby Pothole Club to explore lead and other mines in Yorkshire.

Many of the artefacts on display were recovered from disused mines by members of the research group. One of the highlights of the museum is the lead crushing mill, sited near the entrance.

Several improvements have already been carried out at the museum, including improved access, provision of a car park, a tea-room and putting in a telephone. Now the much-needed improvements to the fabric of the building can be carried out, including repairs to the roof, the floor, windows and repointing the whole building.

In the longer term the trustees hope to restore the building still further by putting in a second floor, as there used to be. They hope to win National Lottery Funding for that project.

The Museum of Yorkshire Dales Lead Mining is open every day except Monday and Tuesday throughout the summer from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children and OAPs and group visits can be arranged at other times by phoning 01282 841422.