1950

COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE LIMASSOL January [handwritten: 26th Feb.]16th January,1950.

Dear Sir,

You will be aware that work has been going on at the Castle over the past two years in order to restore the ancient character of this important monument and to adapt it for use as a District Museum. Much progress has already been made and I feel sure that, if you can find time to visit the Castle, you will be very favourably impressed with what has been done. However, before the building can be regarded as ready for use as a Museum, further work to the value of £630 is required. This work is described in the attached note which has been prepared by the Director of Antiquities and which in addition explains the historical associations of the Castle with the town of Limassol and the improvements and adaptations already carried out. You will see from this note that, so far, £1,000 has been provided by Government for this work and £100 have been contributed by the Limassol Municipal Council. Contributions in material and free labour have also been given by a number of citizens of Limassol.

2. It is the hope of the District Antiquities Committee, whose Chairman I have the honour to be, that you and the other citizens of Limassol town to whom this appeal is being addressed, will be prepared to contribute towards the completion of the work at the Castle, on which the opening of the District Museum depends. I know that frequent calls have been made recently on the generosity of the people of Limassol and, if it were not for the fact that the Museum should, if possible, be opened in time for the annual influx of visitors next summer, I should have deferred this appeal until some more reasonable time. The establishment of the District Museum is, however, a project of special interest and value to the people of Limassol and I venture to hope that, even in present circumstances, you will feel able to give generously and promptly for this purpose. Contributions should be sent to the Commissioner, Limassol, and will, of course, be publicly acknowledged.

3. Mr. John Pericleous, to whose advice and assistance the Director of Antiquities pays tribute in the attached note, has kindly consented to conduct visitors round the Castle on the afternoon of Saturday, the 18th February, and I very much hope that you will be able to visit the Castle then and hear about the work from one who has the project so very much at heart.

Yours sincerely,

Handwritten: signature

Commissioner Chairman Limassol District Antiquities Committee.

Mr. G. McFadden, EPISCOPI.