Key members of the steering group participated in a conference call this week so that Colonel Brian Gorski could be kept up to date with the cost-cutting exercise taking place with tenders for the construction work of the new Fusiliers' Museum.

The museum, which is programmed to open to the public in the Arts and Crafts Centre in Broad Street in late 2008, received tenders for the refurbishment and extension of the building which were well in excess of expectation. Colonel Gorski, who is on holiday in Cornwall, is being kept abreast of the negotiations with the preferred contractor and was told that considerable progress is being made.

The date of the next Steering Group meeting will take place on July 27, when a final price will have been agreed and the Fusiliers hope to be able to place the contract.

The Quantity Surveyor and architect hope to achieve a reduction of over 65 per cent in the overspend. Even if they achieve this there will be a significant increase in the fundraising target.

Meanwhile the Fusiliers at Wellington Barracks have been told to expect a visit from the new Colonel of the Regiment: Brigadier Trevor Minter, who has recently been appointed to replace Brigadier Roy Wilde who has retired. Although referred to as colonel', the person who holds this position is usually a higher ranking officer and, as in this case, is often a brigadier. The Regimental Council, which is made up of senior regimental officers, makes the selection from a shortlist of highly respected senior serving or retired officers.

It is a great honour to be appointed colonel' and the appointment normally lasts for five years, but can be extended if all parties agree. It is a difficult job which takes up a great deal of spare time and is unpaid. Throughout his tenure of office the colonel will have a significant effect on the regiment and lay the foundation for the future.

Naturally the new incumbent is keen to learn all about the museum project and lend it his support, so he will be visiting Wellington Barracks and the Arts and Crafts Centre in the near future to rally the campaign troops'. We hope that he will have some new ideas to add to the fundraising strategy.

Brigadier Minter's Army career spanned 30 years of active service, in 37 different countries. He resigned his commission to pursue a second career and he is now a senior director in local government. Brigadier Minter is also a director of a regeneration company, chairman of a work experience company and chairman of a board of school governors - so has plenty of relevant experience.

The campaign office is continuing its efforts to raise money for the re-facing of the wall that faces onto Sparrow Park through the sale of brick certificates as gifts and as an opportunity for local people to support the museum. Every brick will be represented in the new displays with its owner's name as a record of the wonderful written dedications people have made. With a total of 10,000 bricks involved, the Brick Sale Scheme can still make a significant contribution to the project. If you haven't already bought some, clip out the coupon here.

Learn more about this and the museum project or make a donation on our website www.fusiliersmuseum-lancashire.org.uk. For any other information call 0161 764 2208.