The Garden

By the early 1990s the building required extensive renovations and the OCC, facing cuts in government funding, proposed closing the Museum and selling the site.  This led to strong local opposition, and the proposal was withdrawn.  It was clear, however, that the threat of closure would remain and the fight to retain the Museum in Woodstock would continue.  It was from this protest movement that the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum was formed to support the activities of the Museum. For the time being the Museum was safe, National Lottery funding was obtained to renovate the building and in 2004 the OCC redesigned and planted the garden you see today.

In 2015 following a deep recession, the Museum faced major staff and funding cuts, and once again its future looked uncertain. To cover staff shortages, the Friends and Museum Director created a formal volunteer scheme to assist initially with front of house and café duties.  This was extended to recruit a team of volunteer gardeners when the OCC also relinquished responsibility for garden maintenance other than grass cutting and health and safety risks.  For the past ten years, the Friends have been instrumental in ensuring the garden is cared for on a regular basis, and continue to make an annual grant to cover the cost of plants and garden materials.  

This historic garden, lying at the heart of Woodstock, not only provides a green haven for visitors, local residents and wildlife, but also enables the Museum to develop an exciting outdoor programme of educational and recreational activities.