Stow Maries has its future decided by board of trustees

Stow Maries Great War Aerodome has seen rising costs and lower-than-usual visitor numbers in 2024, largely due to closures on their main access road.

This has resulted in the venue suffering financially and trying to find ways to best fund the historical aerodrome.

With no funding from any authority, the charity relies almost exclusively on visitors to cover the costs of operating.

Faced with ever-decreasing financial reserves, the Board of Trustees has met to discuss the future of the museum, located between Chelmsford and Maldon, specifically for 2025.

In doing so, the Trustees have remained conscious of the fact that they are accountable to the Charity Commission, a national body that is responsible for making sure that all charities operate competently.

Faced with the potential loss of the nationally important heritage site, the Trustees have voted unanimously to remain open, committing to "battle on and save the site".

Chair of trustees, Martyn Gill, said: “We have received some excellent advice from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s business consultant, as well as examined every possible expense we face.

"Following hours of work by the leadership team, the board was able to face some very difficult decisions with clarity and understanding.

"I am very happy indeed that the museum will remain open for the remainder of 2024, as well as reopening in Spring 2025.”

The trustees acknowledged there is "a lot of work to do to progress", but are "committed" to the future of the museum.

Mr Gill said: "We will be making more announcements in due course.

"These will give an overview of the steps we plan to take to secure the future of the museum.

"We have a great deal of work to do to get us out of the woods, but if we get the support we need, we believe it is achievable."

To grab tickets for any upcoming events at the museum, visit stowmaries.org.uk/events.

For details of how to visit the site, or to donate to their funds, go to stowmaries.org,uk.