A huge army of volunteers will be descending on the much-loved Erewash Museum just like on the television show - DIY SOS Big Build – after officials entered it into a major contest to win the boost when it came top in a public vote.
The prize of two days of volunteering by around 30 staff – plus £2,500 towards materials – was put up for grabs by water giant Severn Trent.
The competition was open to community projects – so the museum submitted a video showing how it aims to transform its grounds. Part of the garden will be restored to the Victorian glory of its heyday – when the building that houses exhibits was the grand residence of a well-to-do Ilkeston family.
The plan to create an idyll for everyone to enjoy was among project ideas that had to first get the OK from a judging panel that included independent figures and journalists.
Finalists for the Severn Trent NeighbourGOOD award were then subject to an online vote.
Deputy Leader of Erewash Borough Council and Lead Member for Community Engagement, Councillor Becca Everett said: “Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those who took the time to vote online for our treasured museum to win this fantastic boost.
“It speaks volumes for what a fabulous community asset the heritage hub is. We look forward to seeing the results of the Path to the Past project as the Erewash Museum garden recaptures the Victorian splendour of its heyday. It will be a peaceful urban haven for the entire community.”
A gardening club will be created to maintain the Victorian idyll. Severn Trent said the museum “clearly won the hearts of the public”.
Elizabeth Heath, who works as Social Impact Lead for the company, said: “We are thrilled to see Erewash Museum crowned Derbyshire winners.
“Thousands of people took to our website to have their say. We are looking forward to working with Erewash Museum and providing them with the funding and volunteer support they need to complete their project.”
Entry to the award-winning museum and its Dalby House Café near Ilkeston Market Place is free. It is normally open three days a week from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It will be closed over Christmas and New Year – reopening on January 9th.
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