Unique experiences raise cash for Hall project

Feb 17 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

AN online auction of National Trust experiences to raise funds to help save Seaton Delaval Hall has raised a total of £2,630.

Top of the regional attractions was a private tour of the Farne Islands went for £540, and a tour of Housesteads fort on Hadrian’s Wall fetched £310.

A wildlife tour of the Northumberland Coast made £170 while a night in the Georgian stable block at Gibside made £160.

A wildlife Tour of Allen Banks fetched £155, tea and tour with the National Trust calendar men at Lindisfarne Castle £102, and a private tour of Wallington Hall £58. Trish Roberts, project officer for the Seaton Delaval Hall appeal, said: “We are extremely pleased with the results of the auction. We were offering experiences that you can’t normally buy and the winners are sure to have a great time”.

The funds raised from the auction will go towards the Trust’s £6.3m appeal to acquire Seaton Delaval Hall and over 400 acres of surrounding gardens and green space.

Experiences outside the North East included dinner at the Red House, London, which made £600 and a private tour of Lanhydrock Estate, Cornwall which made £310.