Save Cogges Museum
Hundreds sign to save farm museum
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| Cherished: Cogges Farm Museum |
THE campaign for Cogges Museum is rolling ahead, with 1,600 people signing petitions to save the historic farm attraction at Witney.
Museum manager Francesca Jones has spoken for the first time about the museum's uncertain future, saying that without the overwhelming public support, Cogges "would now be scheduled for closure".
Ideas to expand its attractions and bring in more visitors have also been coming in to the museum trustees and the owners, Oxfordshire County Council.
The council's social and community services scrutiny committee has urged a rethink on Cogges and the decision-making cabinet on January 15 will be asked to declare a "one year's grace" while a formal business plan is prepared.
Ms Jones said: "There is no doubt that without the support of the press comment, and all the individual letters and petitions, Cogges itself would now be scheduled for closure.
"Staff and the trust have been overwhelmed by the response. The messages of support and appreciation for the museum have made a very difficult time bearable."
More than 100 comments have been posted in support of the museum on the Witney Gazette website, which is running an online petition.
A free colour Save Cogges Museum poster is being given away with every copy of the Witney Gazette published on January 2.
A paper petition and another online one - at www.ipetitions.com - have collected 1,600 signatures.
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| Supporter: David Cameron |
Trust chairman David Freeman said: "It is amazing how much support has come in, from the ground upwards. Things are moving forward. Suggestions have been coming in, which the council should look into, to take the process forward."
The council put a cloud over the museum's future when it revealed it could not sustain £250,000 a year losses in next year's budget. Closure has not been ruled out.
8:18pm Monday 24th December 2007
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CommentPosted by: D Cameroon, oxford on 9:17pm Mon 24 Dec 07
Don't let the British way of life go down the drain.
Your Kids will need to know what it used to be like.
(by the way i'm only half British)
Don't let the British way of life go down the drain.
Your Kids will need to know what it used to be like.
(by the way i'm only half British)
Posted by: Harlow, Florida on 12:47pm Tue 25 Dec 07
It would be very sad if the museum were to close. I took my daughter there several times when she was young and it was always a "special" day. Is there somewhere that donations/pledges are being collected?
It would be very sad if the museum were to close. I took my daughter there several times when she was young and it was always a "special" day. Is there somewhere that donations/pledges are being collected?
Posted by: L Fry, Oxford on 10:23am Wed 2 Jan 08
Of all the school visits my children have been on the trip to Cogges was the one they most enthused about - please find a way to keep it going.
Of all the school visits my children have been on the trip to Cogges was the one they most enthused about - please find a way to keep it going.
Posted by: veronica astley, Stourbridge, west midlands on 4:48pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Don't tell me. - some councilor wants to build yet more houses on the site - what a disgrace. When will they realise what they are doing to this lovely old market town. Please don't let these memories of a British way of life disappear. Keeps Cogges open.
An old Witneyite!
Don't tell me. - some councilor wants to build yet more houses on the site - what a disgrace. When will they realise what they are doing to this lovely old market town. Please don't let these memories of a British way of life disappear. Keeps Cogges open.
An old Witneyite!
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