CHESHIRE Military Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary this week with a reception presenting new displays and offering visitors a chance to meet new sponsor, CityFibre.

Personnel from the museum and its trustees were on hand to guide guests through the displays, exhibits and the museum's work in education with links to local schools and colleges, in archives and restoration and in providing an important hub for veterans, serving and future military personnel.

Colonel Martyn Forgrave OBE, Chairman of the Trustees at the Cheshire Military Museum said: "We’ve invited friends and supporters to celebrate the past and look to the future for the museum. The reception allows us to express our gratitude to the civil authorities, salute our veterans and cadets, and showcase the Museum and what’s new."

The reception coincided with the launch of a new more visitor-friendly web site and new benefits for friends of Cheshire Military Museum. Guests were also informed about the enhanced educational and outreach provision in partnership with local schools.

Colonel Forgrave added: "The Museum’s golden anniversary this year comes at a time of financial pressures for every visitor attraction. We have the added pressure of a decision by the Ministry of Defence to cease funding to many county museums in 2030. Whilst this is some years away, we have to be prepared for this loss of income and we are exceptionally grateful to CityFibre for their generosity and support this year and hopefully in years to come."

New sponsor CityFibre says it is investing over £23M into Chester, with the city set to benefit from a full fibre network which will future-proof the area’s digital connectivity, fit for the city’s future needs and drive economic benefits for the region.

Julie Derbyshire, Area Manager for CityFibre in Chester, said: "At CityFibre we understand the importance of working with the local community whilst we build our full fibre network. Initiatives such as this with the Cheshire Military Museum helps us celebrate local history and the good work and amazing legacy the museum promotes.

"We’re delighted that our Build Manager for Chester, Mark Williams, who previously worked within the Cheshire Regiment, could join us today. This close connection between CityFibre and Cheshire Military Museum is a real asset to our business."

The county of Cheshire and the city of Chester have a long and distinguished military history dating back to Roman times. For over three hundred years, the region has had close ties with the Royal Navy, British Army and latterly the Royal Air Force.

Earlier this month His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited the Cheshire Military Museum to lend his support to what he called an important asset ‘for country and county’.