Public Meeting

Hi just seen a tweet about saving Petworth Chapel, as place of contemplation or museum of children in wartime?... I would ask why does one exclude the other?

But am really writing to offer a word of caution as a museum professional, that starting up and maintaining a museum is not an easy undertaking. I have no knowledge off the professional backgrounds or experience of the people involved in setting this forum up, and you may already have a raft of people with relevant skills on board but I would suggest that if this idea is looked on favourably at your public meeting I would first talk to some local museum professionals who maybe able to advise you before you finally decide to go down that route. As you may saddle yourselves with more concerns than answers. Also check out that no other museum locally or perhaps nationally already caters for the theme or collection you wish to display and see whether they already do it better, as you maybe creating a museum no-one will actually visit.

I would also recommend discussing the building with relevant bodies such as English Heritage at an early stage, and more locally staff from the Weald & Downland Museum should be able to advise on large scale restoration projects like this and maybe useful contacts.

As you will be looking for funding, the Heritage Lottery Funding maybe a good source for this type of project. In general they especially like to fund restoration projects which have a very strong community need or drive, and the restoration project and whatever the final outcome is you will need to demonstrated clear learning and engagement outcomes for participants and/ or visitors.

Hope that is helpful and Good Luck!