We are delighted to share that the Royal Artillery Museum has received a conditional grant award of £1,500,000 from the Army Central Fund to support welfare-focused facilities within our Guns on the Plain project. This comes just a few weeks after news that The National Lottery Heritage Fund would support the project, which aims to bring together military, veteran and civilian communities at a dynamic, accessible and sustainable museum and collections centre at Larkhill, the home of the Royal Artillery.
The Army Central Fund grant, which is conditional on the remaining match funding being raised, has been awarded to support the wellbeing of serving Army personnel and their families at Larkhill, through dedicated welfare and community facilities within the wider project. In particular it will fund the education and community space and a free to access café and children’s play area, all designed to provide accessible, day-to-day support for serving personnel and families. With external landscaped areas providing room for families’ events and gatherings, the project will create a much-needed hub for serving personnel and their families, while also enabling wider community engagement.
The Royal Artillery Museum holds one of the oldest and most significant of all military collections. While the Army Central Fund’s grant is focused on welfare facilities, the wider project will also improve access to this nationally important collection. The project will see us reach more diverse audiences in a place where 125 years of artillery training has shaped lives, communities and the remarkable landscape of Salisbury Plain.
Major General Nick Eeles, Chair of the Royal Artillery Museum, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this grant from the Army Central Fund. It represents a major step forward for our plans to enhance the current provision for families in Larkhill Garrison, while engaging new audiences with our unique museum collection. We very much look forward to working with the Army Central Fund trustees as we take this important project forward.”
Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the Army Central Fund, said:
“The Army Central Fund exists to improve the quality of life for serving soldiers and their families. Our support for this project is specifically focused on the facilities that will provide meaningful, day-to-day benefit to those living and working at Larkhill, creating space for families to come together, strengthening community connections, and supporting wellbeing. We are pleased to be working with the Royal Artillery Museum to ensure these elements are delivered in a way that remains accessible and relevant to serving personnel over the long term.”
