|
| | Save the
Willis Musuem back
to index
In what could be one of the
most controversial moves in years,
plans are announced to change Basingstoke's museums, which include the possible splitting
of Willis Museum
exhibits between struggling Milestones Museum and a proposed new Discovery Centre in Basingstoke Library.
Your Labour Councillors remain
resolutely opposed to any idea of closing the Willis Museum.
For
an open letter from Andy McCormick, grandson of the late town historian Arthur
Attwood, click here.
| How events unfurled...
Monday April 7th
news of the possible closure of the Willis Museum
is announced in the Basingstoke Gazette, by Liberal Council Leader Brian Gurden,
who discusses moving the exhibits to Milestones and a proposed new Discovery
Centre in the town library. The news is greeted with shock by residents and local
historians including
Labour's Jo Kelly.
Wednesday April 9th Tory County Councillor Phil Heath weighs in with ideas
about turning the Willis Museum into an Art Gallery and Milestones into a Night
Club.
Yinnon Ezra of the Hampshire Museums Service says leaving things as they are
is "not an option".
Friday April 11th The letters page of the Basingstoke Gazette is full of
letters from residents.
Monday April 14th Backpedalling Brian Gurden announces in the Gazette
there is
"no question of the Willis Museum being closed".
Friday April 18th The letters page of the Basingstoke Gazette is full for
the 2nd week running.
Friday April 23rd an exasperated Phil Heath claims "opposition
to plans for the Willis Museum in Basingstoke has been misguided and
mischievous".
The letters page is full for the 3rd week running. |
|
