Sir – A recent editorial in The Oxford Times opined that there is never any shortage of money for heritage-related expenditure in Oxfordshire.
It is certainly true that major institutions linked to the University of Oxford, such as the Ashmolean Museum or the Bodleian Library, are able relatively easily to obtain considerable financial support.
The situation elsewhere in the county is, however, much bleaker. Look at the market towns such as Bicester and Faringdon, that as yet have no local museum, despite their long and illustrious histories.
Consider the excellent museums in Wantage and Wallingford, run on a shoestring with enthusiastic volunteer input but always struggling for funding despite their low overheads.
Ponder the meagre financial support and cramped facilities provided for the Museum of Oxford; then visit Reading Museum and see how a town with pride in its history celebrates its heritage.
It is ironic that Cornwall, one of the UK’s poorest but proudest counties, is developing a £15m heritage centre, whereas the cash-strapped Oxfordshire History Centre has been shoe-horned into an old church in Cowley.
Tony Hadland, Chairman, Oxfordshire Local History Association
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