Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum receives £18k funding boost
Last updated: 8/8/2024
Rushcliffe Borough Council has awarded two grants totalling £18,000 to the award-winning Framework Knitters Museum through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to support vital improvements to enhance its visitor experience.
The funding for the museum in Ruddington has helped to improve their outdoor space and accessibility with a new patio, accessible path for wheelchair users, and gazebo which local groups and businesses can hire, as well as to improve digital accessibility.
The UKSPF project included adapting the museum’s summerhouse, to create an accessible and covered space in its garden which could be used by community groups and local businesses.
Since the work has been completed, the Framework Knitters Museum, which recently received the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, has hosted tea ceremonies for Lunar New Year and school children from the local Hermitage Pre-school.
A second project funded with REPF is helping to improve accessibility through website and wifi improvements, to increase footfall to the site and enable visitors to enjoy ‘virtual visits’ to parts of the museum.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan said: “Through UKSPF and REPF, we’re pleased to support this historic museum which has enabled vital improvements to both the outdoor space and online presence.
“The new accessible and sheltered space in the museum’s garden can be used all year round and it’s great to see it is now being used by community groups and local businesses for meetings and events.
“The museum is a fantastic landmark in the Borough the new garden shelter is a great asset to the site which has enabled the museum to accommodate demand for a community space.
“Digital upgrades to the website are also crucial to improve the user’s online experience and encourage more visits. Upgraded wifi will enable visitors to enjoy ‘virtual visits’ to parts of the museum that are less physically accessible, such as the upstairs rooms with steep stairs.
“I was delighted to attend the presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Framework Knitters’ Museum last month where the volunteers and trustees were recognised for their hard work and efforts running the site, as well as acknowledging the array of other volunteer groups based at the museum.”
Sarah Godfrey, creative and commercial manager at the museum added: “It’s truly an honour to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and we’re extremely proud of all the volunteers.
“We’re very grateful to Rushcliffe Borough Council and the UKSPF funding, not only has it improved our outside space, but it has allowed us to create a much more accessible area.
“Since works finished on the summerhouse, we have welcomed a variety of groups and organisations to use the space. Now our garden is fit for all weather types we have bookings throughout the year, which has helped to create another source of income for the museum.”
Visit the Framework Knitters Museum website for further details on opening times and ticket information.
