Thank you for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page. It means a lot. I regularly help at the Richard Jefferies' museum near Coate Water, Swindon, as a volunteer for the Lazy Summer Sundays.

Born in 1848 at Coate Farm, Richard Jefferies wrote prolifically on rural life. Happily Swindon Corporation was able to purchase part of Jefferies' childhood home in 1926 and so this year we celebrate 100 years of Council ownership.

The museum is run by volunteers and hosts many activities on site for folk of all ages, but we are hampered by having very limited indoor space. This means that when it rains we either have to cancel activities or that there is liable to be a rapid exodus when the rain descends.

To meet this problem Mike Pringle, our Director (a volunteer himself), would like to build a small hall in the grounds with kitchen, cafe facilities and accessible toilets.

That could enable Nature Tots, a group for 0-5 year olds, to meet in all weather, and similarly make possible all sorts of events and concerts throughout the year.

Clearly this vision won't be achieved without finance! Planning consent is being sought and grant applications will be made, but we need to raise some of the money ourselves.

I'd like to use my forthcoming 75th birthday to assist this process. I absolutely do NOT want any gifts for myself but if anybody would like to mark this occasion by contributing towards this major project that would be wonderful. Our own extended family have enjoyed Nature Tots. It will be great if future generations can do so without having to experience limitations caused by mud, gales and cold.

More detailed information is available on the Richard Jefferies' museum website but I hope that this little introduction is helpful. Do come and see us on site to find out more. Thankyou, Francis