HALSWAY Manor, the charity-run National Centre for Folk Art, based near Crowcombe, is one of 445 heritage organisations set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced this week.

The charity will get up to £154,000 to support it while it is unable to operate its folk heritage learning programme at full capacity. Halsway employs up to 300 artists every year and puts over £500,000 into the local economy.

“This grant will help us get through this difficult time”, said Crispian Cook, Halsway’s chief executive. “It will ensure that this unique and important part of our heritage is looked after and available for many more generations in the future.

“Halsway Manor had been the national centre for folk arts since 1965 and welcomes thousands of people to learn about the varied song, dance, music and craft traditions in the UK and wider world.

“Housed in a beautiful grade II listed manor house, the charity also runs many education projects with local schools and communities.”

Full story in tomorrow’s Free Press