Generous donation to fund initiatives for young people at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

The Trustees of Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings decided to close in September 2022 after many years of tireless work, with over a hundred volunteers, to help bring the Flaxmill Maltings back to life at the heart of the community.

The Friends’ achievements in engaging people with the story of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings through tours, talks, community open days, the arts and many other activities were a vital to the project gaining National Lottery funding, leading to its groundbreaking restoration.

Since closing, the Friends generously decided to transfer their remaining funds to the Historic England Foundation, so that it can continue the Friends’ support of children and young people up to the age of 25 who would not otherwise be able to engage with heritage, and in particular Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.

The funds will be used to support organisations such as schools, colleges and youth clubs to build initiatives that will allow young people from all socio-economic backgrounds to travel to and engage with the unique story of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.

A key focus is on supporting those young people not in employment, education, or training and those leaving care. Young people living in Shropshire, particularly north of Shrewsbury and close to the site, or those with additional needs will be prioritised. Any groups or organisations that wish to apply under this scheme should write to info@historicenglandfoundation.org.

Alan Mosley, local councillor and Chair of Trustees of the Friends said: “We are proud of our work with Historic England and Shropshire Council in saving, promoting and eventually restoring this internationally important site. Our role was crucial but could not have been achieved without so many volunteers and supporters throughout the local community. This funding is part of our legacy which I am sure will be managed effectively and according to our criteria, by the Foundation.”

Fabian Richter, Chair of the Historic England Foundation said: “I feel very privileged that the Foundation has been entrusted with the charitable funds of the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings. We will all work hard to ensure these funds are spent on the clear, admirable objectives for which they were donated and continue to introduce young people from Shrewsbury and Shropshire to the amazing heritage of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.”

About the Historic England Foundation

The Historic England Foundation is a separate charity to Historic England, with an independent board of trustees, which makes grants to activities and programmes that support Historic England’s objectives (although the programmes do not necessarily have to be run by Historic England itself). It funds projects that improve people's lives and protect the historic environment, but can't be funded by government alone, from small and innovative pilot schemes to major national interventions.

The Foundation helped to secure over £1 million in donations towards the restoration of the Flaxmill and is still accepting donations to support public activities on site and further restoration of the wider site.