URGENTLY Reestablish and reopen the Derwent Valley Museum to tell the story of the area. This was located in the western tower of the Derwent Reservoir dam wall and run privately by the late Vic Hallam. It unfortunately closed , but is a missed asset we cannot afford to lose.

We need  the  Derwent Valley Museum to be reopened.  This was located in the western tower of the Derwent Reservoir dam wall and run privately by the late Vic Hallam.

It told the history of the Derwent valley and of Derwent and Ashopton as well as the tale of RAF Squadron 617 and its training for Operation Chastise during the Second World War.

Following the death of Vic and safety concerns the museum was closed, but would be an amazing legacy to Vic Hallam, (as well as Harry Gill,   Professor Brian Robinson and others )  who has done so much to bring the area alive, as well as a memorial to the  brave pilots and the creation of the bouncing bomb.

It is a much  needed resource, in conjunction with the Fairholmes visitors centre, to tell the story of the lost villages, the story of Birchinlee and the war effort to those millions of visits who desire more information. This is currently sadly lacking since its closure. 

I have been advised by Southern Trent Water that the exhibits are safely stored. They applied to have a new museum at the Fairholmes site, but unfortunately to date this had not been forthcoming.

Here is a clip showing this top-rated museum when it was open to give ypu some idea of the void left by its closure.   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eOkRX99EedM

Primarily I am trying to raise awareness of what an amazing resource this unique museum was and table a discussion with Severn Trent Water regarding the story being told of the area.

I was so pleased to receive support from Trekking Exploration who does many informative and investigative videos on this beautiful area of the country.

Please check out his  video  regarding the lost Derwent Dam museum, which encapsulates everything which I am try to say about this wonderful, closed museum . Check it out here: https://youtu.be/6RVzcW9OJ3M

Ant has also done some excellent videos on Derwent and Birchinlee which was also  covered by Vics museums and can be seen here: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCL6BAVDccOWUt16LFzdv0LA?cbrd=1

I don’t profess to have all the answers, but want to keep the conversation going with Severn Trent Water who are key, and hopefully this museum can tell its story once again.

Thank you for your time and hopefully your support.