At the recent Glastonbury Town Council meeting, Sam Astill, the Chief Executive of the Somerset Rural Life Museum, detailed the museum's pressing need for financial support.

With a significant reduction in core funding from Somerset Council, the museum faces potential cuts to its operating hours and public programs.

Sam emphasised the museum's importance to the local economy and community, noting its role in attracting over 30,000 visitors annually and contributing more than £1 million to the local economy.

"Without support, we may have to reduce our opening days, which would severely impact accessibility and our ability to offer diverse programs," he stated.

The museum has been a hub for cultural and educational activities, offering workshops for thousands of young people and engaging in ambitious social prescribing projects.

The potential reduction in funding threatens these initiatives, which have been instrumental in promoting well-being and community engagement.

Councillor Lili Osbourne expressed the council's appreciation for the museum's contributions and the challenges it faces. "We understand the critical role the Somerset Rural Life Museum plays in our community and are committed to exploring ways to support its continued operation," she said.

A working group has been formed to consider the museum's request and explore possible funding options.

The council is also looking into collaborating with other town councils in the region to ensure broader support for the museum.

Sam also highlighted ongoing efforts to make the museum more financially sustainable, including plans to increase revenue through enhanced use of the museum's facilities for events and more efficient management of the museum's car park.

The council plans to revisit this issue in their next meeting, with the aim of finding a viable solution that ensures the museum can continue its valuable work in the community.