Last week the development project concerned with moving the Fusiliers' Museum from Wellington Barracks and redeveloping it in Bury town centre received fantastic news.

Bury Council had agreed to support up to £250,000 of the costs of refurbishing the Arts and Crafts Centre, if they could not be met by the fundraising team.

The news was a huge boost to morale as the project had been put on hold due to receiving larger tenders for construction work than were expected. A substantial sum of £600,000 still needed to be raised - but based on the project's success to date in raising £2.9 million, the team felt that this was an achievable target.

"It's been a bit of roller coaster ride from the beginning," said museum curator Mike Glover, "But on the whole there's been a lot more up than down, and we are sure we will make it in the end."

Mike's confidence was justified this week when the Pilsworth Environmental Company agreed to sponsor the capital costs of the museum's multi-purpose space and awarded the project a grant of £50,000 on its own tenth anniversary. The large and flexible space will be used for lectures, demonstrations, school group and family activities and will also be available for use by community groups.

The grant is another huge step forward and is additional to the award made by the same funder two years ago to assist with the refurbishment of the historic porch area of the Arts and Crafts Centre.

Director Elaine Shirt, who is a longstanding supporter of both the Fusiliers' Museum collection and the buildings spoke warmly in support of the project at the meeting, which took place two weeks ago.

This is another significant success but the Fusiliers cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Please continue to support the project. Current fundraising activities include: a Musical Extravaganza which will take place on Saturday September 29 at 7.30 in the Victoria Hall in Knowsley Street, Bolton (tickets are still available and cost £10); and the ongoing Buy-a brick' scheme. The brick certificates make original presents, and the bricks themselves make fine memorials to people or events. Every brick will be represented in the new displays with its owner's name as a record of the wonderful written dedications people have made.

With a total of 10,000 bricks involved, the Brick Sale Scheme alone can add £100,000 to the project. More information about both can be obtained by calling 0161 764 2208. Learn more about the museum project or make a donation on our website www.fusiliersmuseum-lancashire.org.uk.