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Welsh museum bridging gaps in the nation’s history secures vital sponsorship12th Dec 2024
A leading civil engineering firm has sponsored an Anglesey museum in a bid to help preserve Welsh heritage and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has donated £2,500 to Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust, providing critical financial support towards the charity’s annual £5,000 target needed to remain in operation.
The museum, which has been open for 25 years, promotes the history of the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge, two feats of engineering that revolutionised UK travel in the 19th century.
In addition, the building is a space for local community group gatherings and offers pupils on school visits the opportunity to construct a mini suspension and tubular bridge, showcasing the creative side of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
However, despite welcoming more than 200 visitors in 2024 during its limited opening hours, the volunteer-led company is in danger of permanent closure due to a lack of funds.
Hosting a range of artefacts – most notably the painting of John Hemingway, stonemason and contractor on the Britannia Bridge – means the temperature must be regulated to prevent erosion making large energy bills unsustainable.
A member of the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust, said: “The depth of knowledge we have of the region simply can’t be replicated, and so we’re reliant on generous donations like that from Jones Bros.
“Should we exceed our yearly target, we would love to transform our facilities to become net zero and have already completed a green assessment to understand what the next steps would be.
“The changes would include implementing underfloor heating, photovoltaic panels, double glazing, and a disabled access ramp allowing us to reduce our bills to nought whilst improving accessibility in the long-term.
“With the Menai Suspension Bridge’s 200th anniversary in 2026, it would truly be fantastic if we were still running in order to celebrate the occasion.”
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK chairman Huw Jones MBE said: “We are always passionate about improving and enriching local communities, and with the museum playing a key role in educating people about Welsh history, we were more than happy to lend our support.
“Through a combination of its STEM activities and expert insight, we recognise the value the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust brings in inspiring future engineers, and long may it continue to stimulate and engage visitors.”
Anyone interested in supporting the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust can visit: https://menaibridges.co.uk/
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.