Cash lifelines handed to castle and theatre
ONE of Staffordshire’s most valuable heritage sites has been given a crucial financial lifeline thanks to a Government scheme.
Tutbury Castle has been awarded £58,000 after successfully applying to the Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) for Heritage, set up by the Government to help the country’s cultural gems survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Elsewhere in the county, the Lichfield Garrick theatre was awarded £279,446 from the fund.
Burton MP Kate Griffiths, who paid a visit to the castle as the financial assistance was announced, said she was delighted at the award, adding that the money would protect a vital part of the area’s heritage and protect local jobs
Ms Griffiths said: “Tutbury Castle is such a major part of the heritage of our local area and the country. From the historic home of the Duchy of Lancaster and the de Ferrers family to the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots and a stronghold for Charles I in the Civil War, Tutbury Castle’s history is our nation’s history and is rightly being protected for future generations to visit.”
“I was delighted to visit the castle and its curator Lesley Smith and thrilled that this money will help the castle weather the Covid storm.
“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 Tutbury Castle 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.”
The package of support is the first round of funding from the £1.57bn
CRF. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past.
“This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid. I’m so pleased that we have been able to help save Tutbury Castle.”
Bosses at Lichfield Garrick were delighted at receiving the financial lifeline, which will help the venue reopen for the winter season in a safe, socially distanced space.
Chief executive Karen Foster said:
“This is the best news we could have had at this time.
“As a small, independent arts charity which has been closed for live shows since March, this award will help to sustain us whilst social distancing measures are necessary.
“Christmas came early to the Lichfield Garrick with this wonderful news enabling us to look forward to the real Christmas with Jack and the Beanstalk, Freddy the Teddy’s Christmas Feast and our Santa’s Grotto all benefiting from the financial sustainability which this grant brings.”