Thank you so much to everyone who has contacted us and offered to help us with the clean-up process or offering to donate money. We REALLY appreciate your support, it means a huge amount to us.

We're in a bit of a strange situation, compounded by Covid! In terms of coming here to help in person, the Covid guidelines limit the way in which we can have people help us. We even limit our volunteers to 2 or 3 people at a time and ensure they keep a distance! And although there is quite a bit of damage, there isn't actually that much we can do right now. We've got rid of the water in the main gallery and foyer and today we pull up all the carpet tiles in the classroom and start to dry the floor in there. There is also a company coming in with industrial dryers to dry out the damp walls etc.

We're waiting for the loss adjusters to come and assess the damage (which will take 2 weeks apparently because they're busy!) and until then, there is not really a great deal we can do.

All of the collection was stored off the floor so is all unaffected. We're actually quite proud of that fact. It's a good practice guideline that museums try to follow but it's not always that easy. 

So in terms of hands-on help, there honestly isn't much that we can ask you to do. Rest assured, when there is, we will ask!! ;)

But we thank you for your kind offers. As I say, it means a lot to us.

Regarding financial help, it feels dishonest for us to say 'please support the museum, we've had a flood' when the reality is that the insurance should cover the cost of all damages. 

Yes, there are lots of intangible costs that will add up I'm sure and if you want to support us in that way we REALLY appreciate it! Some people on social media just seem a little put out by the fact we are not promoting our JustGiving page as a reaction to the flood, but we don't want to push the fundraising page hard when we know (we hope!) this will be covered by our insurance.

Let's face it, we're not out of the woods regarding Covid and we REALLY might need your support as we head into 2021 and face limited or no schools and probably very low visitor figures.

That said, for those who want to donate, we salute you! :)

Our JustGiving link, links to our online shop, and details of other ways you can support us are all in the purple banner at the top of this page. It's titled "We Hate 2020" :)

THANK YOU

Jason Fitzpatrick

Date : 08-10-2020