THE Fusiliers' Museum Development Project was awarded a £2 million grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund last summer and has until the end of September this year to raise the £1.3 million required to match-fund the grant, and reach the target of £3.3 million.

This is the cost of re-developing the museum in the Arts and Crafts Centre in Broad Street, Bury and includes extensive repairs to the historic building and a small extension to its rear to create a new entrance on Moss Street. At the same time as crucial fundraising activities, detailed design work is being carried out on the architectural proposals and the exhibition fit-out.

I would like to introduce you to some of the work that goes on behind the scenes and some of the specialist teams. This week, please meet Derek, Stuart and Sara from Headland Design Associates a company which has been specialising in heritage interpretation for nearly 15 years, is based in the North West and works all over the UK. The term interpretation' is perhaps a bit of an odd one outside of the world of museums and heritage centres. It stems from moves over the last 25 years or so to bring museums up to date and literally interpret' the old fashioned academic approach that they used to take into something that is lively, interactive and accessible to everybody in the community.

Stuart is currently selecting finishes for all of the surfaces in the museum and drawing up specifications for the showcases. Sara is working on planning the programme of detailed work that will include script writing, picture research, recording memories and putting together film synopses while Derek is developing computer interactives and graphic designs.

It's a dream come true for Stuart Green whose dad is a major in the TA and is interested in military history. Stuart has always loved museums and has been working as a museum designer for 5 years said "I'm fascinated by the stories associated with the Fusiliers' Museum and the way it's so strongly related to Bury and illustrates so much about what has happened in the wider world. We are going to really focus on the people involved, not just the soldiers but their families and the community as a whole. We hope to break new ground for a regimental museum"

Buy a brick or name the antelope! Don't forget to carry on buying bricks in your own name or that of a loved one! Buying bricks is a great way to help the museum project become a reality and to leave a message for posterity! it's open to the whole community, not just Fusiliers and just £10 buys a little place in history. Please have a go at naming Bobby's friend the toy antelope too. You can make donations and join in with these activities at the Campaign Office or the Museum on Bolton Road or watch out for the Fusiliers' stand in the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.-lancashire.org.uk