Ilkley Toy Museum has received £12,000 funding thanks to the government Culture Recovery Fund, part of over 400 heritage organisations across the country set to receive funding.
On their Facebook page owners said: "We are pleased to announce we have been awarded a £12000 grant from the Culture Recovery Fund This funding will be used for a new website with an area designed for schools to download and access information to complement the curriculum. We will also be investing in portable display cases and handling boxes to loan to schools. The museum reopens w/c 12th October by appointment- please see our website for booking details."
Appointments are available on the hour from 10am to 3pm for any number of people up to 6. The cost is £10 for the hour for your group - you will have the museum to yourselves for the hour.
The Ilkley Toy Museum website is www.ilkleytoymuseum.co.uk
The CRF is funded by the Government and delivered by heritage experts - the Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund - to support organisations in England across the heritage ecosystem that are local and national treasures but have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic.
Along with Ilkley Toy Museum locally, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society has been awarded £231,600.
MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore, said he was delighted at the award and how the money would protect a vital part of the area’s heritage and protect local jobs.
Robbie said: “These sites are such a major part of the heritage of the Keighley and Ilkley community and I am thrilled this money will help them weather the covid storm and be there for future generations to enjoy.
“Not only can we learn so much and gain so much insight from our heritage, but it also provides jobs and a boost for the local economy in many ways.
“And as we get through this unprecedented pandemic, places like The Worth Valley railway and the Ilkley Toy Museum and the tremendous work done there can undoubtedly play a part in our recovery. Huge credit must go to the Government for this invaluable support.”