WORK to restore a historic but derelict 18th-century chapel in Malmesbury into an extension of the Athelstan Museum is well underway, with the building now being named.

The Friends of Athelstan Museum have been working since the beginning of the year on renovating the Old Moravian Church, a Grade II listed building built in 1770 which, until now, had remained unused since the mid-1990s.

The extension of the museum has been named after the benefactors who funded the purchase of the church in Oxford Street, the Julia and Hans Rausing Building.

Roger Griffin, former chairman and fundraiser of Friends of Athelstan Museum, said: “The Friends of Athelstan Museum have decided to call their new annex the Julia and Hans Rausing Building in honour of our benefactors who generously funded the purchase of the old and derelict Moravian church.

“With their aid we were able to start converting the building into a modern amenity for Malmesbury and the surrounding areas.”

They have also secured a £30,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which will be used to plant a garden, create disabled access and fund equipment and display materials.

Mr Griffin added: “The grant will help fund works around the Julia and Hans Rausing Building.

“The conversion work was to a very large degree paid for by the generous donations we received from so many organisations and individuals who supported us magnificently, and in particular the Vale Action Group.”

Grants also come from the Are Board, Community First and local charities.

Building work has also been funded by the generosity of members of Friends of Athelstan Museum, supporters of the museum, the Area Board, Community First and local organisations.

However, the Friends of Athelstan Museum have also launched a fundraising appeal to provide match funding.

As part of the appeal, they are asking supporters to dedicate a chair for use in the new building.

Each chair can have a small brass plaque with a commemoration on it.

An open day for the public to see all the hard work that has been put into the Moravian church is being held on September 16, 10.30am-4.30pm.

For more information, visit Athelstan Museum, in Cross Hayes Lane.