A group set up 20 years ago to increase awareness of Keswick Museum and its collections is in danger of being disbanded because it does not have a ‘viable’ committee.
The Association of the Friends of Keswick Museum was also formed to encourage, support and promote the attraction’s activities and to financially assist the museum with conservation and acquiring new collections and other projects.
But a statement released this week said: “After consulting with all stakeholders and calling for new committee members, we now find ourselves in a position where we do not have a viable committee.
“We have had, therefore, to currently suspend our activities, including renewing, or taking new, subscriptions.”
A deadline of December 1 has been set for the situation to be reversed and more committee members to come forward but if they do not then the only course of action would be to disband.
“We are asking members to complete a membership form so that we can keep people informed with our newsletters and other mailings,” said committee member Susan Hinde. “Interestingly our finances are OK and our numbers, although dropping, do not dictate this action.
“These were often reasons for voluntary groups to struggle in the past, but our current situation is not unique in recent times. We have all read and heard of other similar groups having to take similar action.
“Many thanks for your support in the past and please continue to support the museum – there is loads of stuff going on.”
Anyone who would like to help reverse the fortunes of the group can leave a message or contact details at the museum.
This year the group has been celebrating the 125th anniversary of the museum along with its own 20th birthday.
Clare Poulter, chair of Keswick Museum Trustees, said: “The Friends have been an immense support to the museum over the last 20 years, especially when they were established to play a key role in preventing the closure of the museum.
“We are very grateful to current and past members and especially committee members for everything they have done up until now.
“The Friends is a separate organisation from the museum itself, so the decision about their future is theirs alone. Whatever is decided, the museum will continue to need the support of the local community and others further afield who value what we do.”
