Plans to safeguard the fascinating history of Burford, from medieval times to the present day, are well underway thanks to £50,000 grant funding awarded to the Falkland Hall Charity.
The charity has purchased an 18th century barn in the centre of town to house the Burford Community Archive. The restoration will also include a one bedroom garden flat to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project for years to come.
John Yeatman, Treasurer of Falkland Hall Charity, said: “We have a thriving community in Burford and it’s important that we provide a facility that will benefit the people of our great town for generations to come.
“We’re delighted to have been awarded £50,000 from the councils community facilities grant scheme. It’s fantastic that the council is behind us and we thank them for endorsing our project.
“The next phase requires support from the local community and businesses to bring the project into fruition. I would like to encourage anyone wishing to donate to reach out to us.”
Falkland Hall Charity has now covered the cost of purchasing the barn, planning consents, legal and architect fees. The charity is now exploring new funding streams to enable the restoration and conversion of the building to house the archive.
The community archive will help preserve Burford’s wealth of historic and contemporary material that is currently in the hands of private collectors.
The archive will include medieval documents from 1350, photographs, postcards, personal memorabilia, and records of Burford’s many societies, plans, maps and newspaper cuttings from significant events in the town.
In time, the charity intends to digitise the entire collection to ensure future generations will have access to the town’s rich history. Once the project is completed, the charity plans to make Burford Community Archive free and accessible to all except for commercial use.
The archive will also run historical and educational courses and assist with genealogical research.
WODC Communications
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