MP hails ‘excellent progress’ on new Fusilier’s Museum in Bury

Paul Rowen with Major Edmund Gartside, Director of the museum and President of the Rochdale Branch of the Fusiliers with Gary Wilson, the site Manager.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has welcomed the ‘excellent progress’ on the new National Museum of the Royal Regiment of Fusilier’s Museum in Bury.

Mr Rowen met with Major Edmund Gartside, Director of the museum and President of the Rochdale Branch of the Fusiliers and Gary Wilson, the site Manager, to receive a progress report on the museum, which is set to open in late April 2009.

Paul Rowen said: “The progress at the museum is excellent and testament to the hard work and commitment of people like Major Edmund Gartside to make this project a reality.

"I was delighted last year when our Council was able to contribute £20,000. As a long time supporter of the Fusilier’s Museum, I was pleased to see this money being put to good use. I would encourage people to continue to contribute to this ongoing project.

"The Lancashire Fusiliers’ history goes back to 1668 and it’s vital that we remember our heritage and this museum will ensure that future generations of people from Greater Manchester can learn about their proud history. I look forward to visiting our new museum when it opens in April.”

The Fusiliers were awarded the Freedom of the Rochdale Borough in 1947 in recognition of the courage and bravery shown by the Rochdale Fusilier Battalions who fought in the two world wars. The Fusiliers recruited largely from East Lancashire and specifically from towns like Rochdale, Bury and Salford. It was awarded more Victoria Crosses than any other regiment in the British Army during the First World War.

Major Edmund Gartside said: “We were pleased to show Paul our exciting progress and things are going very well.

"It’s important that our MP familiarises himself with our new museum. Paul has been a big supporter of our ongoing project and we look forward to finishing the job.

"A great deal of money still has to be raised before the museum opens its doors though and we have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The rest will have to come from donations.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Museum can write to: The Fusiliers’ Museum Appeal, Wellington Barracks, Bury, BL8 2PL.

Major Edmund Gartside said finally: “Without your help – an important part of your heritage will disappear."