The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The esteemed Spalding Gentlemen’s Society museum is likely to move – but not anytime soon.
The Broad Street premises – which was purpose-built in 1910 – is in a poor state, is too small and has limited disabled access.
Chairman Nick Casswell said the society is looking into alternative premises but it would need a lot of grant support.
He said: “We are talking years, but not decades.”
St Mary and St Nicolas vicar John Bennett has said publicly that he would like to see the museum be part of redevelopment plans at The Vista.
Mr Casswell said: “It’s very nice to feel wanted!
“There are no plans but we are discussing what to do going forward.
“The current building is small and cramped but there are sensitivities. Some people would like to see it retained in some way.”
The news comes in light of the museum receiving full accreditation from Arts Council England.
The society said: “Achieving accreditation represents the beginning of our ambitions for an even better museum, with greater public access, improved library and archive resources, and better management of our collections, bringing Spalding’s best kept secret out into the open to be shared with the world at large.”
It added: “It is no exaggeration to say that accreditation provides the initial stepping stone for exciting future possibilities for the society’s development.
“Our purpose is to foster among the public knowledge, appreciation and study of the arts, humanities and sciences, and we look forward to working with local, national, and international interests to further our goals for the future.”
Founded in 1710, the establishment is one of the oldest learned societies in the country. Among its many notable members were Sir Isaac Newton and his biographer and antiquarian William Stukeley.
The museum is open twice a week to members and so far this year has held four open days for the public. More will follow in the autumn.
