'The Last Hurrah' - Museum of Cannock Chase hosts a poignant final event before closing doors for the final time

The closure of the museum was announced earlier in 2024 as part of Cannock Chase Council's attempts to close a  £1.3 million budget gap for the 2025/26 period. 

Following the announcement, community groups came together to oppose the move, however, it was finally revealed that the museum would be near the end of April.

Now, the museum has held an 'emotional' final event, with bosses saying it was a 'great opportunity' to show their appreciation for their loyal visitors over the years.

Lee Bellingham, service manager at the Museum of Cannock Chase, said: "It's gone really well so far. It's bittersweet, people are really enjoying themselves, the staff are having a really good time, but it is emotional really.

"I think all the staff are upset about it. But they have been totally professional as always. We pride ourselves on our customer service. We have always given our best welcomes right up until the very end."

This event marks the 'last hurrah' for the museum, with Ms Bellingham saying that her staff will forever miss their regular visitors.

Ms Bellingham said: "This is sort of our last hurrah. We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported us either as visitors or in the campaign to save the museum.

"The visitors that we see every day are the people we will really miss. Over the years we have come to know them by face and by name. We want to say a special thank you to them."

While today marks the final event of the museum, the group's last day will be on Friday, when the doors will close for one last time at 4pm.

She said: "We close at 4pm on Friday officially but people can visit up until then to say their goodbyes, we will mostly be packing stuff away, so it might be a bit empty.

"We have around 20 people who will be made redundant because of the closure, but a few people will remain so they can take care of the collections. It would be lovely for people to stop by.

Councillor Tony Johnson, the leader of Cannock Chase Council, said he is 'extremely saddened' the museum is closing, however, that 'all hope is not lost'.

Councillor Johnson said: "With both the museum and the Prince of Wales Theatre, I'm extremely saddened that they are closing. Both sites are assets that we are very proud of, but we are hopeful for the future.

"We are extremely grateful for all the efforts the staff have put in over the years. However, I want to say that all is not lost, we will be looking to assist community groups who have shown interest in taking over both venues in the future."

The closure comes as the Prince of Wales Theatre, on Church Street, Cannock, also enters into it's final week of operating, after the council announced plans to also close the venue alongside the museum.

Speaking about a potential future reopening of the theatre, Councillor Johnson said: "While the theater was due to close anyway due to the redevelopment plans.

"But we are very hopeful that in 12 to 18 months time, that we will come to an agreement with one of the community interest groups that are looking to take the venue over. All is not lost."

The museum will close its doors for the final time at 4pm on Friday, with everyone invited to visit to say their farewells up until that time.