Cash to be raised for Seaton Delaval Hall in online bids

Feb 4 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

TEN special experiences at National Trust attractions are up for grabs to raise money for Seaton Delaval Hall.

Online bidding starts today after the trust was given more time by its board of trustees to acquire the Northumberland hall.

Emily Bryce, National Trust Seaton Delaval project officer, said: “We are offering people the chance to experience some of their favourite trust properties in a very special way.

“None of the items on offer are available to buy or book normally and the staff at participating properties have put a lot of thought into making the experiences really special for the winners.”

The funds raised from the auction will go towards the Trust’s £6.3m fundraising appeal to save Seaton Delaval Hall, £2.5m of which has already been raised through individual donations, community activities and charitable sources.

The charity is now awaiting the outcome of a number of public sector funding applications and processes.

Emily said: “We can’t guarantee the outcome of these applications and processes, so we are continuing our fund- raising efforts and offering new ways for our supporters to donate.”

On offer are:

:: A “behind the scenes” tour of the Farne Islands with the National Trust’s head warden and resident ornithologist, David Steel.

The islands off the Northumberland coast are home to 100,000 pairs of nesting seabirds and one of Europe’s largest grey seal colonies.

The winner and a friend will be met at Seahouses harbour by David for a boat trip around the islands before arriving at the largest island, Inner Farne, for a tour of areas not usually open to the public.

This includes the 15th Century pele tower, where the wardens live during the season, and inside the Victorian lighthouse keeper’s cottage, now the wardens’ office.

:: A Victorian wilderness walk at Allen Banks and its spectacular gorge in Northumberland with warden Scott Dixon.

:: A private guided evening walk with warden Ian Swinney to listen to nightingales at Bookham Commons, Surrey in May.

This countryside property has 452 acres of ancient oak woodlands, ponds and wetlands, species-rich grassland and scrub.

:: Before Christmas the National Trust launched a Men at Work calendar featuring 13 of the trust’s staff to raise funds for Seaton Delaval Hall. Three – Mr March, Mr May and Mr November – are from the North East, and will meet a group for a private tour of Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland.

:: Mick Wilkes, property manager at the Trust’s Gibside estate near Rowlands Gill will lead a private tour before the winner and a friend spend the night in the newly- refurbished Georgian stable block.

:: Lloyd Langley, house manager at Wallington in Northumberland will give a private tour for a group of up to 10 of the hall, including the cellars which are not normally open to visitors.

:: A weekend at Lanhydrock in Cornwall, with a private tour of the Lanhydrock estate.

Lanhydrock is a magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive servants’ quarters, gardens and wooded estate.

:: A day with Andrew Poad, property manager at Housesteads Roman fort in Northumberland,

:: A wine and dine experience at The Red House, London, which was the home of Arts and Crafts movement leader William Morris.

:: Northumberland coast warden Chuck Cuthbert will lead a private tour of attractions like Newton Haven, Newton Pool and Embleton Bay.

Bidders should log on to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ebay