Friends of Athelstan Museum started life in 1981 as a supporters’ club for the museum. Very quickly we became known as FOAM or ‘froth’ or even ‘Bubbles’ to our more frivolous friends.
Right from the word go we had four main objectives; to enjoy ourselves; to learn more of history and especially local history; to publicise and support the museum and to raise funds to buy things for the collection. This we did by our own efforts and by finding grants – a lot easier process in those days!
The range of objects was enormous, like a drawing of the Market Cross here in Malmesbury by Tom Girtin who was a contemporary and friend of J M W Turner. Like the brass dog collar; like the Flying Monk pub sign; like oh do come and see for yourselves.
In 2007 FOAM took over the running of the museum and did so very successfully for 12 years.
In 2019/20 Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, or CIO, to better reflect the additional roles taken on, especially with the acquisition of the old Moravian church (now the Julia and Hans Rausing Building).
Athelstan Museum Council 2020/21
- Sharon Nolan – Chairman: chairman@athelstanmuseum.org.uk
- Angela Sykes – Secretary
- Ken Binstead – Treasurer
- Bridget Robison – Volunteer co-ordinator
- Marie-Clare Brind – Membership
- Janet Casseleden – Education and Outreach
- Maria Marsh – Coin Hoard
- Deborah Clogg – Collections
- Carolyn Brothwood
Please feel free to contact us if you want to volunteer, make a donation or just ask a question.
