AN IMPASSIONED plea to safeguard a museum has been made amid grant funding being "cut to the bone".

Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum, an independent charity that relies on grant funding and commercial activity for income, has set up campaign 'Keep the Lights on'.

The heartfelt appeal, to raise a massive £80,000, has been made to the public and supporters to allow the venue to keep operating at "full capacity" and to continue their aims of preserving history.

Mary Oliver, chairman of trustees, said: “We have a large building with high utility costs. These costs have risen significantly for reasons we all know. We are working with partners at reducing these.

"Our other significant costs are to do with conserving our collection and maintaining the building.

"We don't have major staff costs, and rely heavily on our excellent volunteers for day-to-day support.”

In common with many other museums and heritage organisations, grant funding for the forthcoming year for the charity has either been cut to the bone or has failed to keep pace with inflation.

The museum reopened in 2022, after a £1.6m redevelopment scheme which was partly funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, with the remainder of the money coming mainly in grants from other charitable bodies, and an annual grant from Llandudno Town Council.

There is more than 55 volunteers at the charitable institution, run by Chardon Trust, who perform seven roles within the organisation.

Mrs Oliver said: “Unfortunately visitor numbers were impacted by the ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic, but these are now increasing on a month to month basis, and the trustees are constantly working to improve income. Guided heritage walks around the town are proving very popular.

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"The building has a well equipped meeting room which is available for hire, plus a retail shop selling a wide range of gifts, and a comprehensive selection of local history books."

Mrs Oliver stressed that the museum is a valuable community resource. The charity works with Llandrillo College to give life skills students work experience, and bodies including Conwy Connect, Adferiad, and Blind Veterans UK and offers tailored programmes that promote well being and inclusivity.

It’s hoped the 'Keep The Lights On' campaign will enable the museum to continue offering these services all year round.

More details can be found at www.llandudnomuseum.co.uk