A LEEK-BASED historical society has joined the fight to keep the Staffordshire Hoard in the county.
Leek and District Historical Society is in the final planning stages of organising a fund-raising event in the hope of contributing to £3.3 million needed to keep the treasure on permanent display in the West Midlands.
In an unprecedented move, the society’s committee decided to run the event after being challenged to do so by a fellow member.
Ray Poole, president of the society, said: “The society is not a charitable organisation or a fund-raising organisation, we’re not like other groups, we weren’t set up to raise money so we don’t normally have fundraising events.
“But this is really important and we decided to do it.
“It’s not only of national importance, it is of great local importance.
“It was found in the county, it belongs to the county, if it is to be put on permanent display it should be in the county of Staffordshire.” The hoard, 1,800 pieces of Anglo-Saxon treasure, was unearthed on a farm near Lichfield last July and a recent display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, in Hanley, attracted more than 50,000 visitors.
The Art Fund is currently spearheading the campaign to save the haul for the West Midlands and, along with the Staffordshire Hoard partnership, is working to raise £3.3m by April 17, to save the treasure for the county.
The Leek and District Historical Society’s event will feature music from Piva, the celebrated “early music” performers, a talk from Dr Philip Morgan, a Keele University expert, as well as ample opportunity for those attending to donate what they can.
Committee member Paul Anderton said the event was one not to be missed.
He said: “Philip Morgan is an expert in the field, he’s particularly involved in the organisation of all sorts of courses on Staffordshire history.
“It should be a great night, donations can be made over and above ticket sales. Every penny counts, there will be plenty of opportunities to make contributions on the night.”
The fund-raiser is set to take place on Tuesday, March 30, starting at 7.30pm, at The Swan, St Edward Street, Leek.
Tickets are priced £5 and are available from Leek Library and committee members, or cost £6 on the door.