The Friends of Risca Museum

Following an increase of about £3000 in the charge to the Museum for the use of the building, the Friends of Risca Museum was launched. People who wished to support the continuing existence of this unique institution agreed to an annual donation of £10, not much more than a couple of pints of real ale. Some Friends have arranged standing orders and we hope our other Friends will renew their contribution for 2020 but we also need many more to join to guarantee the long term future of the Museum.

From 2023, we will be keeping contact with our Friends, informing them what is happening in the Museum and any exciting new acquisitions or special events. Please help if you can, what about making someone a Friend as a Christmas present? Further details are available on our Facebook page or our website www.riscamuseum.org.uk or just call in to the Museum on a Saturday.

The old Risca Colliers Institute building was purchased by the local authority in 1995 using European Heritage funding and volunteers from the Oxford House Industrial History Society were invited to establish and run the Risca Museum on the ground floor.

The Museum has enjoyed a supportive relationship with the local authority, originally Islwyn Borough Council and, more recently, Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC), via the Oxford House Adult Education Centre. However, in order to make financial savings, CCBC decided to dispose of the building and, after many months, they found an organisation which was prepared to acquire the building under a Capital Asset Transfer agreement. Unfortunately, this agreement did not include any protection for the continued existence of the museum.

Whilst open to any other ideas, initially it has been decided to form a Friends of Risca Museum for those who wish to ensure that this local amenity continues to exist. This will commence immediately with an annual donation of £10 registering you as a Friend of Risca Museum for the subsequent calendar year.

To become a Friend of Risca Museum just complete the application form below or visit the museum any Saturday between 10am and 12.30pm. Also, contact us via either of the above methods or our Facebook page if you would like any further information.

Membership Application Form

Click to open the membership application form in a new window. Please print the form, complete all the details and post it to :-
The Membership Secretary
Friends of Risca Museum
c/o 20 Mendip Close
Trenewydd Park
Risca
Gwent
NP11 6QZ

Alternatively bring it along to the museum any Saturday between 10am and 12.30pm.