Cambridge Museum

The 128K Fundraising Campaign


 
It has been a long and arduous journey, but we are delighted to announce that The Centre for Computing History has now signed the lease on a 10,500 sq ft building in Cambridge.

This building, situated near the Beehive Centre, will provide a great first step for the Centre into the Cambridge community. The location is very convenient and affords multiple opportunities for visitors. There are two leading hotels currently under construction very close by, there is a bus stop on the main road, we have our own parking and the Beehive Shopping Centre also offers good facilities.

We remain deeply grateful to Red Gate Software, ARM Holdings PLC and Microsoft Research for their crucial financial support which has allowed us to move forward into Cambridge. We are now eager to set-up the exhibition space, create displays and establish an exciting new museum experience for the city.
 
 

 
However, there is still much to be done before we can open to the public. Whilst acquiring the building has been a monumental task, we now face the compound challenges of altering its interior to ensure it complies with modern building regulations and Health and Safety standards.

Progress So Far ...



Donations (> £100)
New Sponsor To Be Announced
£10,000
New Sponsor To Be Announced
£10,000
Just Giving (March)
£483
Business Activities (March)
£890
Just Giving (April)
£660
Business Activities (April)
£670
Billy Boyle (Owlstone Nanotech)
£300
Event (Gadget Show Live)
£500
Just Giving (May)
Business Activities (May) £1770
Sponsor (Cartridge Discount) £100
Money Raised So Far :
£23,503

360 Degree images of the new building : [ Click to View ]



There is Still More To Do ...

To open on a permanent basis, we need to install accessible toilets and ramps, emergency lighting, a fire alarm system, widen fire doors, make good escape routes, provide bike racks and disabled parking ... the list goes on ...

We must address these details BEFORE we even start to think about setting up displays and opening up to the general public!

From current competitive quotes we are looking at costs of around £131,072* made up of the following :

Widen fire doors
 
Install illuminated fire door signage


Install BS5389 fire alarm system


Improve ventilation for existing toilets
   
Undertake fire risk assessment
   
Install emergency background lighting


Provide disabled access ramps


Create proper pathways from each fire escape


Install accessible toilet


Engage PR campaign, flyers, promotion


Create kitchen area


Create disabled parking spaces and re-line parking


Install bike racks


Purchase and install fire extinguishers


Fit out display area


Create education area for school parties
   
Install reception area desk and fittings
 
Safety check for installed gas heating


Install CCTV system


Purchase first aid cabinet and supplies


Install Intruder Alarm System  

 

Yes, we know this is a substantial amount of money! The total has been based on supplied quotations and it's possible we may undertake some of the work ourselves, where practical, to minimise costs. But for the purpose of targets we have used these figures as a 'worst case scenario' until we determine whether we can embark on some of this work.

So How Can You Help?

Well, there's lots of ways. If you can't write us a cheque for £131,072* :-) perhaps you might consider one or more of these options?

Offer to Volunteer Your Skills and Labour
If you live in or around Cambridge, perhaps you might consider donating your time and helping us with any number of hands-on projects from painting and cleaning to installing security cameras, plumbing and fitting kitchen units!

Sponsor a Project
Are you a business? Would you be interested in sponsoring any of these projects? Maybe one of them is in your line of business and you'd be keen to sponsor the project by doing it at a reduced rate or even for free? In return, we would promote your company through a press release and high profile recognition at the museum.

Small Businesses
We understand that many businesses haven't got the financial resources to donate to our computer museum project, but perhaps you would be keen to help in return for a web link to your company website? Please visit our sponsors page to see how this works ...

Individuals
If you'd like donate a few quid to help us raise £131,072*, please do! Every pound counts and you can be sure we will spend the money carefully.
You can donate via JustGiving (Preferred, as we also get 25% extra via GiftAid) or PayPal. 
 

Alternatively, visit our online shop and buy a T-Shirt or something ...





Help Us Create Something Special

The museum was officially set-up nearly six years ago. We've come a long way, and this is due to the hardwork and dedication of our volunteers, the support of our sponsors and YOU. But we need your continued support to help us create something special - something that will engage, enlighten and enthuse the programmers and tech wizards of tomorrow - something that will demonstrate the sheer magic of computing and the way it has changed our lives forever ...

We have the exhibits, we have the building, we have the enthusiasm.

Please help us in whatever way you can.

email : jason@computinghistory.org.uk if you'd like to discuss how you might be able to help us.

 
Alternatively, if you just want to be kept in the loop please join our mailing list (the panel on the left hand side of this page) or like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter ...
 

Follow us on Twitter ...

 
 
* 128K was the amount of memory the later ZX Spectrum computer had. 1K of memory is 1024 bytes of memory. So 128K is 1024 x 128 = 131,072 bytes, or in our case £131,072 - If you're a geek... you'll know this ;-)
 
 

 

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Founding Sponsors
redgate Google ARM Real VNC Microsoft Research
Heritage Lottery Funded
Heritage Lottery Fund
Accredited Museum