Nothe Fort launches Dorset LEP backed crowdfunding campaign to support reopening
“We need to reopen. We need to be safe.”
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/nothe-fort-we-need-to-be-open
Nothe Fort in Weymouth has launched crowdfunding campaign at midday today. Its aim is to raise a total of £10,000 to pay for alterations that will ensure the Fort is a safe place to visit and enable it to reopen in July. Dorset LEP has agreed to match the money raised up to a maximum of £5,000 so the Fort is asking people in our community to chip in whatever they can to help raise £5,000.
Alterations will mainly be to the museum’s entrance and display areas:
- Alterations to the entrance area and ticket area to ensure two metre distancing
- Route and safety signage in Nothe Gardens and the Fort
- Portable hand-sanitizer stations
- Alterations to exhibition areas to allow social distancing
- Story boards around the grounds
Nothe Fort is a major historic landmark in Weymouth and its reopening is important to the town. It will send a clear message to potential visitors that Weymouth is an attractive and safe destination.
“Our income is 100% generated by our visitors. Since being unable to open this season due to Covid-19, we have worked very hard to reduce our costs. However, the Fort is an expensive building to maintain, even when closed. If we do not reopen this year our reserves may run out before next season. For the long-term future of the Fort, it’s vital that we put in place these safety measures and reopen this year.” – James Farquharson, Nothe Fort Chairman
Our contribution to Weymouth
- Nothe Fort is a registered charity and Weymouth’s No.1 heritage attraction
- Last year we had nearly 70,000 visitors
- We have an army of over 100 local volunteers who not only help run the Fort, but also contribute to the economic wellbeing of Weymouth
- Our school programme is over-subscribed, with over 3,330 children participating in our evacuee experience
- We are involved in numerous community partnerships, for example Museum of the Moon which had over 15,000 visitors in one weekend.
“Nothe Fort is a much-loved attraction and important reason for tourists to visit Weymouth. Weymouth BID also recognises Nothe Fort’s contribution to the local community, for example with successful ventures such as hosting 2019’s Museum of the Moon.” – Claudia Webb, Weymouth BID
Community support will make a massive impact
We would be delighted to receive any size of donation that people can make, as every pound moves us nearer towards our target of £5,000 and being able to double that amount thanks to Dorset LEP’s match-funding.
As a special thank you to anyone contributing £20 or more, an invitation will be made to a private opening of Nothe Fort, where we will thank you in person for supporting our crowd funding campaign.
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For further details please contact James Farquharson, Nothe Fort Chairman, on 07887 712472.
