3/11/2009 - Archive staff sent packing as move to new record office edges closer

The move to a new state of the art archive centre for Cumbria is gathering pace. 

Staff and volunteers at the record office based in Carlisle are now carrying out essential packing work involving millions of documents, ahead of the move to the new £8.2 million premises at Petteril Bank in the city. As a result, opening times at the existing record office at Carlisle Castle are subject to change. 

The office will no longer be open on a Friday, with effect from 20th November 2009. Facilities will be available from Monday to Thursday at the usual time of 9am to 5pm. Analysis of current visitor and enquiry figures highlighted Friday as the day that will affect fewest people as preparations for the move progress.

County archivist Anne Rowe said: "We hope for your understanding for the mammoth task we have in hand. Please remember that moving house is said to be one of the most stressful things you do in life. Moving the Carlisle archive collections is the equivalent of moving 85 houses simultaneously! To compensate, we will be in a position to provide you with much better services and facilities once we are operating from our new premises."

Before the opening of the new facilities at Petteril Bank late next year, four miles of documents will have been transported from the current archives office.

Over the last two years, fifty regular volunteers have helped to prepare for the move by repackaging over 21,000 archive documents and provided the value of £72,000 of part funding towards the Heritage Lottery grant to build the new archives centre. Cumbria Archive Service welcomes offers from new volunteers and anyone with time to spare and an interest in volunteering for a sociable, fun and stimulating learning experience, can contact Tom Robson on 01228 227285.

Website enquiry facilities remain available at www.cumbria.gov.uk/archives and an expert research service will carry out your research for a reasonable fee (01228 227285). Anyone with urgent need to consult records on a Friday for official reasons (eg magistrates court records) can contact David Bowcock or Anne Rowe (01228 227285.)

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332