This Charitable Trust in Aberdare has taken over the management of the museum – a lovely old building with huge potential. With a 25-year lease signed in June 2016, the Trust has big plans and already a committed team of volunteers is working hard to make the most of this local asset. This Charitable Trust in Aberdare has taken over the management of the museum – a lovely old building with huge potential. With a 25-year lease signed in June 2016, the Trust has big plans and already a committed team of volunteers is working hard to make the most of this local asset.
With the support of RCT County Borough Council, the Trust is starting off with a 2-year rent free period which will be followed by £12,000 per annum market rent. They have secured in the region of £103,000 match funding package from Heritage Lottery Fund, RCT Community Enabling Fund, Welsh Church Act and Coalfields Regeneration Trust to employ a part time Development Manager and contribute towards the museums running costs for the next 2 years. There is a programme of events aimed at all ages, offering visitors the chance to discover what life was like in the county borough in years gone by. Visitors are invited to take a nostalgic stroll among all the exhibits, including an old-fashioned corner shop – complete with its bell above the front door to tell the shopkeeper that customers have arrived.