Exciting times ahead for Dean Heritage Centre with Lottery Funding!
Dean Heritage Centre Plans for the Future
The Dean Heritage Centre has recently received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help shape its future.
The current museum is in need of upgrades to inspire future generations with the distinctive and surprising stories of the Forest of Dean.
Mark George, Centre Manager, explains,
"The museum currently holds a fascinating collection of artefacts and documents which tell the stories of the past and present heritage of the Forest of Dean. We want to be able to engage our local communities with more of the collection in an exciting and entertaining way, as well as link with more local schools to help children learn about their heritage.”
The Dean Heritage Centre is managed by the Dean Heritage Museum Trust, a charity reliant on volunteers to support its operations. The charity was established in 1983 following the donation of the current site by the Joiner family to the Forest of Dean District Council as a museum for the region.
Like many charities, the Dean Heritage Museum Trust covers its running costs through various revenue streams, including admission tickets, the gift shop, and the coffee shop. However, all those associated with the centre understand the need to develop the museum to meet the expectations of a 21st-century audience.
Iain Baird, Chair of the Trust, leads a team of dedicated volunteer trustees and is actively seeking additional members to join the team.
“We have a dedicated group of trustees who give up their valuable time to help develop the museum. The lottery grant will help us plan this development; however, we also need support from members of the Forest community who have knowledge of construction project management, fund-raising or human resources to join the board of trustees. The commitment is a few hours a month, although some of our trustees provide additional time, for which we are very grateful.”
If you can help support the exciting development of the museum, please contact Iain at chair@deanheritagecentre.com.
About the Dean Heritage Centre
The Dean Heritage Centre, located in Soudley, Forest of Dean, is dedicated to recording and preserving the area's rich history and cultural heritage. With five acres to explore, the centre is a must-visit attraction in the Forest of Dean. As an accredited museum, the centre shares artefacts and stories, creating an interactive and educational experience while safeguarding valuable collections for future generations.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to ensure that heritage is valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. Under its strategic plan, Heritage 2033, the fund will invest £3.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players over the next ten years, benefiting people, places, and the natural environment.
The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform, and share heritage, including museums, historic sites, natural environments, and cultural traditions. Passionate about heritage and innovation, the fund is committed to making a lasting impact on people’s lives and leaving a legacy for future generations.
Explore Gloucestershire
19 March 2025
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