Museum handed cash grant (From Borehamwood Times)

Elstree and Boreham Wood museum handed cash grant

2:52pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Elstree and Boreham Wood museum is one step closer to moving into a village hall after receiving a £70,000 council grant.

The historical museum is set to move from its current home at Drayton Road to the new community hall in Shenley Road next year.

But it will cost the team £171,000 to move in.

Alan Lawrence, honorary curator at the museum, said the group were “extremely grateful” for the cash.

He added: “This will go towards the overall cost of fitting out the museum.

“We want to make the town’s history come alive so will be installing interactive features for museum’s younger visitors, and listening posts so people can access oral histories.

“We also want to digitise the museum’s current collection and make it available online.”

As well as the £70,000 grant from Hertsmere Borough Council, the museum has already set aside £6,000 to help with the move.

They are also due to apply for a further £95,000 in grants to Your Heritage Lottery later this year.

The new community hall, due to be opened next autumn at 96 Shenley Road, will also have a kitchen, youth connexions base, meeting rooms and a library.

Councillor Brenda Batten, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and health, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to help preserve this area's heritage for future generations.

"The new museum will be a facility for everyone.”