WHEAL MARTYN AND SOUTH WEST LAKES TRUST ARE WORKING TOGETHER

The Country Park and Museum at Wheal Martyn, St Austell, is facing a positive future, following an innovative merger of its parent charity, St Austell China Clay Museum Limited, with the region’s largest combined conservation and recreational charity, South West Lakes Trust, which is based at Launceston, Cornwall and numbers Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Lady Mary Holborow, as one of its Trustees.

Speaking today, Wheal Martyn’s chairman, Roger Preston, former Director of china clay giant, Imerys, said, “I am delighted to confirm that this friendly merger has taken place, providing Wheal Martyn with the stability and support of a larger and highly successful charity which shares our commitment to heritage and community education and access.  It is no secret that small charities have found it increasingly difficult to operate independently in the harsh financial climate we all face.”

Director of South West Lakes Trust, Evelyn Stacey, said, “I have long been an admirer of Wheal Martyn.  It’s splendid facilities are one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, and it contains so much information about the history of this area.   It has a lot to offer local people of all ages as well as visitors to the County and we feel particularly privileged to take over the stewardship of the museum and park.

Neil Burden, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, congratulated the two organisations on finding an innovative solution designed to inject new life into a long-standing and important historical collection, ‘This is good news for the museum at Wheal Martyn which we regard as one of the top three museums in the County.  The Lakes Trust has made a commitment to involving the community in all aspects of the site and this will be critical in securing its long term future.’

Jacqui Edwards, Trustee of Wheal Martyn, Director of Wheal Martyn’s Trading Arm, Wheal Martyn Enterprises, is excited at the challenge and is confident that Wheal Martyn will once again become a firm favourite for those seeking a day out ‘We are very keen to talk with anyone who wants to help; there are opportunities to volunteer in the visitor centre, museum, giving guided tours and generally helping visitors get the best out of their visit to the country park. Please feel free to contact us on 01726 850362 where you will be assured of a warm welcome!’

Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and Discovery Centre is located just two miles off St Austell on the B3274. The appointed General Manager of Wheal Martyn is Colin Vallance.

For more information about Wheal Martyn – China Clay Country Park please visit our website www.wheal-martyn.com and the web site of the China Clay History Society, the museum’s related organisation www.chinaclayhistory.org.uk