Culture is given £64,700 lift

A RECOVERY grant of almost £65,000 should prove good news for both fans of ancient history and the latest blockbuster films.

Macclesfield’s Silk Heritage Trust has been given £64,748 from the Government’s culture recovery fund – aimed at getting attractions back on their feet in a Covid safe way. It will be used to support the Silk Museum, on Park Lane, home to the renowned Ancient Egyptian collection, and

Paradise Mill.

The money will also be used to reopen the Old Sunday School, which as well as being a heritage attraction contains Cinemac – the town’s only cinema.

After a year since Coronavirus lockdown first hit, owner Jordan Wilson cannot wait to reopen.

He said: “We will definitely reopen on May 17 and we have a lot of films in the pipeline, we’ll have two or three different ones a day with something for everyone. To have customers coming in again will be fantastic.”

It is hoped that the Silk Museum will reopen on May 20 although no date has been put on when the public will be back at Paradise Mill as yet.

The money is part of the second round of culture recovery funding from an overall pot of £1.57bn.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley and town councillor Janet Jackson wrote in support of the Silk Heritage Trust’s funding bid.

Mr Rutley said: “The trust is widely respected in the community for its hard work in not only preserving Macclesfield’s rich history, but also lovingly promoting it among local residents and beyond.”

Coun Jackson said: “The museums are a cornerstone of our community providing opportunities for residents of all ages to learn more about their collections.”