As some our readers may know there have been quite a few changes behind the scenes at Cosmeston Medieval Village over the past year:
In Easter [2012] the Vale of Glamorgan Council will open the village to the public for free. As part of this it is believed the site will no longer have living actors. The animals have already been rehomed. Instead visitors will be offered audio guides and the site will lose two full-time members of staff.
These changes sparked a vocal response from the local community. Many of these passionate campaigners have now got together to form the Cosmeston Medieval Village Trust, a new group who will be working in partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Council to secure the future of the site:
Cuts in the Council budgets led in the spring of 2012 to the decision to reduce staffing levels and the decision that the Council would no longer organise events at the village.
There was considerable concern in the Vale about the potential loss of this unique asset, leading to the setting up of a campaign group and a 2,000 plus signed petition.
A decision was taken by the group to try and find a way of working in partnership with the Vale Council, to support the future development of the village and safeguard it for the future.
This led to the decision to establish the Cosmeston Medieval Village Trust Ltd which was incorporated as a not for profit limited company in November 2012.
The Trust are actively seeking new members and volunteers to help create a Cosmeston for current and future generations. If you would like to get involved, either physically or just to support their work, please consider joining!
While I understand we are in a financial situation and cuts need to be made in order to save money.It is such a pity that Cosmeston Medieval Village cannot be saved from these cuts. As a Re enactor myself at the Living History venue’s Cosmeston proved an extremely popular site bringing the village to life in medieval times everyone enjoyed this and came constantly each year. Video’s do not create the same atmosphere. Maybe funds could be raised if a small charge was asked for at the entrance. I certainly hope that the Trust can somehow save Cosmeston from becoming a ghost town.
Posted by ritaroberts | February 11, 2013, 12:50 pm