Newtown’s Robert Owen Museum has regained financial backing from the Co-Operative Group.
The museum celebrates the work and life of Newtown born social reformer and businessman Robert Owen, who set up the first co-operative in the UK.
The museum, located at The Cross in Newtown’s town centre, receives funding from a number of sources and had received assistance from the Co-Operative Group until it hit financially difficulties a couple of years ago.
Today it was revealed that the group had now reinstated its financial support as a result of new group chief executive, Richard Pennycook.
It is not known how much money has been committed for the next three years.
Robert Owen is seen as the father of the international co-operative movement.
Mr Pennycook stated in a recent speech that the organisation is making a series of charitable commitments, adding: "We want to become well-known both locally and nationally for this work and restore our reputation for leadership in social issues."
Museum Curator, Pat Brandwood said: "I am thrilled that the important work the museum does in keeping Robert Owen's legacy alive and safeguarding the collection has been recognised by The Co-op at the highest level.
"We are also delighted that a historic partnership between The Co-op and the Robert Owen Museum has been reinstated.
“The funding gives us a more secure future and will contribute towards the day-to-day running of the museum."
More good news for the museum came recently when the Davies Sisters Trust doubled its contribution and the Co-op Heritage Trust have offered advice and are seeking to strengthen their partnership with the Robert Owen Museum in a number of practical and financial ways.
Pat added: "It is lovely to see that this historic connections between Robert Owen and Newtown is being strengthened through this donation and we are so grateful to the Davies Sisters Trust for providing us with this grant.
“And we must also thank Mid Counties Co-op at Churchstoke who are giving us a grant for three years and supporting us in organising events.
“Our partnerships and the co-operation they bring expand the reach of the museum and its work far beyond Newtown."
The Robert Owen Memorial Museum is open Monday to Friday between 11am and 3pm, on Saturdays between 12pm and 3pm during the summer and at other times by appointment.
The public can contact the museum if they would like to become involved or for a guided tour with the curator.
The website at http://robert-owen-museum.org.uk/ has further information about the museum and the life of Robert Owen.
