Beard backs the bid to transform the Science Museum Swindon
 
In recent years Beard has supported the fundraising work of staff who have given their own time to charitable causes. In 2007 we shall be doing something totally different: Beard will be supporting the bid for lottery funding to regenerate the Science Museum Swindon.
 
The Science Museum Swindon is part of the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) and provides a storage facility for its sister museums — the Science Museum in London, the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford, and the National Railway Museum in York.
 
The origins of the NMSI date back to the Great Exhibition of 1851, and its collection is vast. The Swindon site alone houses 18,000 objects recording developments in industry, medicine, transport, communication, media and culture — from the Channel Tunnel boring machine to artefacts of scientific importance. Regrettably, only six per cent of this fascinating collection is on display for public viewing.
 
The Science Museum is embarking on an ambitious and imaginative project called ‘Inspired!’, which will regenerate the Swindon site so that this history of human invention, innovation and creativity can be conserved and made accessible to everyone. The project is partly dependent upon a National Lottery grant that will be decided by a televised vote. Local and national support will be crucial to the success of this major capital project, which will benefit the Swindon area and create a regional and national resource for the study and appreciation of science.
 
Beard has donated some money that will enable the Science Museum Swindon to claim a £22,500 grant from Entrust. We will also be supporting the museum with fundraising events throughout the year, telling our partners about the project and providing the development team with opportunities to broadcast their message more widely.
 
To help us help the museum, please spread the word and ask your family and friends to 'Back the Bid'.