Best feet forward for hall

Sep 13 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

WALKER Jill Henderson is banking on her local beauty spot to raise money to save Seaton Delaval Hall.

Jill, a research nurse at Newcastle University, lives in Seaton Sluice, near the Northumberland mansion.

Her favourite walk is through picturesque Holywell Dene near her home.

And tomorrow she will lead a guided walk in the dene, pointing out its natural and historical attractions, to raise funds for the National Trust’s bid to buy the hall.

The trust has pledged £6.9m to the bid, if £6.3m can be raised by Christmas.

The five-mile walk will pass the 18th Century hall after emerging from the dene.

Jill will also lead a series of “welly walks” in the dene for all ages, on September 28, covering either two, three or four miles.

Both walks will start at 11am from behind the Melton Constable pub at Seaton Sluice.

The cost is £3 for Sunday and £1 for the welly walks. Book on 0752 8674041.

Jill decided that the walks were the best way she could contribute to the hall fund.

“The dene is one of the places I know best, and it is a lovely walk.

“It is absolutely gorgeous in autumn, and takes on a different character in winter and again in spring when the wild flowers come out,” said Jill, who has also placed collection containers in local shops.

She is hoping that children can be sponsored for the welly walk.

“If everybody does their little bit for the hall fund, it all helps. I hope the walks encourage others to organise their own events.

“I live near the hall and it will be a great shame if the trust is not able to acquire it. It is a fantastic place with a great history and it would be wonderful if everyone could enjoy what is very much a hidden secret of a place.”

Holywell Dene, a steep sided wooded ravine through which Seaton Burn flows, is a local nature reserve with areas of ancient semi natural woodland, salt marsh and wetland.

The majority of the area also has a special nature conservation interest designation.

Yesterday Seaton Delaval Hall was open for free as part of the Heritage Open Days programme.

To make a donation to the fundraising appeal, log on to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelavalhall or email seatondelavalhall@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0844 800 1895.

Donations by cheque should be made payable to The National Trust and sent to Seaton Delaval Hall Campaign, The National Trust, PO Box 39, Warrington, WA5 7BR.