Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust celebrate 10 successful years

Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust (BMHT) celebrated its 10th anniversary this November and marked it with a dazzling special celebration event at Barnsley College.

A year of celebrations was kick-started with an event for supporters and partners of the trust in the Open Kitchen at Barnsley College, one of the partners that the Trust is very proud to work with.

The Trust is an independent voluntary board of nine community champions which was founded to help generate funds and support from individuals, businesses and organisations to safeguard the future of Barnsley Museums as a source of learning, curiosity, inspiration and enjoyment for all.

Since its inception, the Trust has raised more than £2.6 million which has supported 9 Barnsley Museums staff posts, 73 community projects, improved 6 community buildings and conserved or acquired 56 items for the museum collection.

Over the past decade, BMHT has helped safeguard Barnsley’s rich history, whilst also creating inspiring exhibitions and learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

David Exley, Chair of Trustees said “‘I am immensely proud to be the Chair of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust which is this year celebrating 10 years since the charity was founded. Over the past decade, our organisation has grown from a hopeful vision into a powerful force for protecting the stories, places and traditions that make our borough so distinctive.

“Together we have raised more than £2.5 million, a remarkable achievement made possible only through the dedication, generosity and belief of my fellow trustees, past and present, our supporters, partners and volunteers.”

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It was a privilege to have attended the celebration event to mark 10 years of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust. There’s no denying the impact BMHT has on culture and heritage in Barnsley and it’s amazing to have their constant support and backing. Congratulations to them on a brilliant decade and here’s to another 10 successful years of BMHT supporting Barnsley’s rich history.”