The runaway success of a series of books about the pubs of Wisbech has brought a generous donation of £5,000 to Wisbech and Fenland Museum. Fans have been snapping up each new copy of Wisbech Inns, Taverns and Beer-Houses Past and Present, published by the Museum Friends, since Volume One appeared in 2021.
Author Andrew Ketley, treasurer of the Friends and a museum volunteer, said: “One of the objects of the Museum Friends is to support our town’s museum however we can and from the beginning of our publishing venture we announced that it would benefit from any proceeds after publishing costs.
“It’s very gratifying that we’re able to make such a good donation this year, especially as the Refounders Scheme, which had supplied £35,000 annually towards the museum’s running costs, ended in April. New donations and ongoing pledges are needed more than ever.”
Andrew has been researching the series through old photographs, newspaper stories, maps, and other local records for more than 20 years.
And he hasn’t finished yet – the fifth volume came out this summer telling fascinating stories of pubs initialled O to R, and the sixth is expected in 2024.
The books (One and Two cost £10 each, Three, Four and Five £14) can be bought from the Museum Shop at the new entrance opposite St Peter’s Church, at the new Magwitch pub in Hill Street and at the Community Hub in Octavia Hill House, South Brink.
