Visitor
numbers from opening in April 2003 are up to the end of August have
reached almost 24,000 against around 10,000 for all of the previous
season.
Looking
forward to the launch of the latest exhibition "Hell for Leather"
to be held in the Quayle Gallery at the Museum, Vice
Chair of the Friends Penny Griffiths said "the increased visitor
numbers are a wonderful endorsement of the decision by Wyre Forest
District Council to offer free admission to the museum.
"It
is so good to see that visitors to our area, and locals alike, are
all using and enjoying Bewdley Museum".
Donation
levels are up too which is good news as the Friends, the Council
and the Museum staff are all working together to form a sustainable
business plan for the future.
Membership
of the Friends is also reaching an all time high with new names
currently joining every week.
Volunteers
and Museum staff have also worked together to run a limited catering
facility within the saw mill area of the gardens.
"As
well as helping to provide some income the real worth of the refreshment
area is the added value we can give to visitors to the museum.
"People
can relax and enjoy the area with a cup of tea or coffee and talk
to the Friends about the museum".
The
Leather exhibition runs from Friday 12th September until 31st October
and co-insides with the launch of the latest book from the Bewdley
Historical Research Group – "From Hide to Leather".
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