Cheshire Military Museum celebrated its golden anniversary recently by holding a reception for guests to see the museum and meet new museum sponsors, CityFibre.
Personnel from the museum and its Trustees were on hand to guide guests through the displays, exhibits and work of the museum in education with its links to local schools and colleges, in archives and restoration and in providing an important hub for veterans, serving and future military personnel.
The reception coincided with the launch of a new more visitor-friendly web site and new benefits for friends of Cheshire Military Museum. Guests were also informed about the enhanced educational and outreach provision in partnership with local schools.
Colonel Martyn Forgrave OBE, Chairman of the Trustees at the Cheshire Military Museum said; “The Museum’s golden anniversary this year comes at a time of financial pressures for every visitor attraction. We have the added pressure of a decision by the Ministry of Defence to cease funding to many county museums in 2030. Whilst this is some years away, we have to be prepared for this loss of income and we are exceptionally grateful to CityFibre for their generosity and support this year and hopefully in years to come.”
CityFibre is investing over £23M into Chester where the city will benefit from a full fibre network which will futureproof the area’s digital connectivity, fit for the City’s future needs, driving economic benefits for the region.
Julie Derbyshire, Area Manager for CityFibre in Chester, said; “At CityFibre we understand the importance of working with the local community whilst we build our full fibre network. Initiatives such as this with the Cheshire Military Museum helps us celebrate local history and the good work and amazing legacy the museum promotes. We’re delighted that our Build Manager for Chester, Mark Williams, who previously worked within the Cheshire Regiment, could join us today. This close connection between CityFibre and Cheshire Military Museum is a real asset to our business.”
Sir Phil Redmond MBE and Lady Alexis Redmond Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire with Trustee Professor Helen O’Sullivan.
Bede Etherington with the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral Carol, and Cllr Jeff Green.
Sponsors CityFibre, Jason Jones, Build Assurance Engineer (and ex Cheshire Regiment), Tony Blackshaw, Build Assurance Engineer (and ex Cheshire Regiment), Gavin Buchan, Head of Area Build (and ex submariner Royal Navy), Colonel Martyn Forgrave, Trustee Chair of Cheshire Military Museum, Craig McNamara, City Planner (and ex Mercian Regiment), Mark Williams, City Build Manager Chester (and ex Cheshire Regiment) and Jonathan Hunter, Head of Area Build.