Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum makes digital upgrades to improve its visitor experience

Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum makes digital upgrades to improve its visitor experience

Last updated: 12/12/2024

The Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington has made a series of digital upgrades as part of a project funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to improve its accessibility and enhance its visitor experience.

Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) granted over £10,000 of REPF funds, matched with over £6,000 from the museum towards the digital access improvements which include a brand-new website, improved wifi and virtual tours, to enhance the visitor experience.

The improvements follow an accessibility audit by Access & Inclusion UK where the museum explored additional ways to help improve their inclusivity for all visitors.

Museum volunteers have created new website content including access guides to help visitors plan their visit, to make the website and museum easier navigate. Virtual tours will also be introduced to provide viewers with an immersive experience, benefiting visitors with mobility limitations who may have difficulties accessing the steep stairs upstairs rooms.

Visitors can now explore the new website developed by Volute.

On Saturday December 14, the museum is hosting 'A Victorian Christmas' from midday to 6pm with carols in the mill yard, chestnuts roasting and costumed guides.

The museum is also hosting Ruddington's first popup cinema club for a festive showing of Gremlins on Wednesday December 18 from 7pm to 9.30pm. For more information about the event delivered by the Ruddington Village Community Partnership and to book, visit the Eventbrite page.

RBC's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan said: "Through our REPF funding we're pleased to support this project which will help to increase footfall to the historic site and enable visitors to enjoy 'virtual visits' to parts of the museum.

"The digital upgrades to the website will help to improve the user's online experience and with upgraded wifi visitors can enjoy the new virtual tours to parts of the museum that are less physically accessible, such as the upstairs rooms with steep stairs.

"Earlier this year we also supported museum through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help improve their outdoor space and accessibility with a new patio, accessible path for wheelchair users, and gazebo which local groups and businesses can hire.

"It's fantastic to see all the great work they are doing to become even more inclusive and welcome a wider audience."

Framework Knitters Museum Chair of Trustees Ian Rowson added: "Our aspiration is to significantly improve the accessibility of the museum and with support from RBC and REPF, we can offer a safer, accessible and more rounded visitor attraction.

"We're delighted with our digital upgrades and can't wait to introduce our new virtual tours where you can discover how the framework knitters lived and worked in Victorian times.

"Thank you to our volunteers who play a key role in running our award-winning museum, which showcases a unique surviving example of a 19th century framework knitters' yard.

"For further information about the Framework Knitters Museum please visit our website at www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk."

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