The Almonry, Evesham NHB Bid 2018

Stuart Carter, Town Clerk

Almonry History

• This 14th Century building was once home to the Almoner of the Benedictine Abbey that was founded at Evesham in the 8th Century.

• Following the closure of the Abbey by Henry VIII, the Almonry became the personal home of the last Abbot

• Today, the Almonry, two churches, bell tower and cloister arch are all that remain of what was reportedly the third largest abbey in England.

• The Almonry has had a varied career: ale house, offices, tea rooms, private home, until it was finally purchased by Evesham Borough Council in 1929, opening as a heritage centre in 1957. Today, the Almonry is still owned and funded by Evesham Town Council.

• Houses an eclectic collection that spans the prehistoric to the 20th Century. Displayed over 12 rooms and a garden, the emphasis is on how Evesham has developed and grown during this time.

Visitors

• 11821 enquiries & visits last year

• 3838 visitors to the museum last year

• To date our enquiries and visits are 4364 (1.9% down on same period last year)

• Visitor figures to museum to date 1542 (up 33% on the same period last year)

• Major visitor attraction in the town

• Only TIC in the town

New Homes Bonus (NHB)

• The Almonry is seeking up to £25,000 from NHB fund for essential work.

What will we spend the NHB on? • Access leaking chimney area above Lecture Hall and carry out

works to correct leaks

• Check any other concealed gutter and roof areas

What will we spend the NHB on? • Remove loose cement infill panels. It is essential that any

exposed soft substrates are protected.

What will we spend the NHB on? • Patch any missing slates to roof.

What will we spend the NHB on? • Unblock foul drains

• New electrical wiring throughout the building

Future plans

• Go for HLF Funding for the whole building

• Reinterpret the collection

• New presentation cases

• Ever changing exhibitions

Questions

• Thank you and any questions?