Our pop-up refreshments fundraiser has proved a big hit.
We ran the shed for five weeks between 12 April and 16 May whilst the museum remained closed due to the ongoing Covid regulations.
Serving up teas, coffees, cakes and bakes, the outside garden-themed café attracted visitors and locals alike and quickly built up a loyal group of regulars, who enjoyed the suntrap setting of Trinity Church Square at the rear of the museum.
“The shed has helped raise vital funds for our museum,” explains Director Lynda Powell. “It was a slightly mad idea that we had, but it’s been a great morale boost for our whole team to have had the support that we did. We baked, barista-d and waitered until we thought our feet would drop off, but with no income from admissions for 11 of the last 14 months, it was great to be proactive and get out there and actually do something. It all worked out better than we could ever have imagined.”
The museum team were helped at the shed by staff from nearby Cross View Tea Rooms.
“We were really pleased to be involved with such a creative fundraiser,” says owner, Barry Divers, who took over Cross View just as lockdown started last year. “Everyone needs a boost and enjoying coffee and cake certainly helps. Knowing that we were all helping the museum, such a key part of Richmond’s heritage, made it even better.
Setting up the shed would not have been possible without the support of Richmond Town Council, Cross View Tea Rooms and the Friends of the Green Howards Museum. Thanks also to Hunter’s Landscapes, Pinz n Needles, and the marvellous museum volunteers.
The museum reopens on Wednesday 19 May. Admission includes entry to the special exhibition, Treasures in Store. Book online now.