Villagers rally to save their history
Jul 24 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal
THE latest move in the campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall for the nation was last night hailed a huge success.
More than 150 people crowded into the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre for Monday night’s meeting of the Blyth Valley Community Assembly to discuss the future of the famous house.
Concerned members of the community joined forces to back the National Trust and The Journal campaign, which aims to raise £1m towards the cost of preventing the house being sold to a private buyer.
National Trust area manager Liz Fisher was among the people at the meeting. And she was delighted at the attendance.
She said: “I was overwhelmed by the turnout, feedback and support I received at the Seaton Delaval community meeting.
“As the consultation process moves forward, I hope this continues.
“It just goes to show that Seaton Delaval Hall is as important to the local community as it is to the National Trust.”
Architectural historian and broadcaster John Grundy was also among the people gathered at the centre. He pledged to support the campaign and said he might feature the hall on his TV programme Grundy’s Wonders, which explores the cultural heritage of the North East.
Built by architect Sir John Vanbrugh in the 1720s, Seaton Delaval Hall is one of Northumberland’s most well-known houses and has a magnificent history.
But the site, which holds memories for many people in the region, will be sold privately if the National Trust cannot raise the necessary money.
The trustees of the National Trust have promised £6.9m to provide an endowment to care for the hall and parkland in perpetuity, but a further £6.3m is still needed.
The Journal is backing the campaign and is asking its readers to pledge £1m of the total needed to save one of the region’s finest historical buildings.
If the campaign is successful, it will mean exciting opportunities to make the most of the hall and its surrounding landscape, including Seaton Sluice harbour and beach, the early 12th Century Church of Our Lady, nearby Holywell Dene and the regeneration planned for Whitley Bay’s seafront.
The National Trust is keen to hear views on how Seaton Delaval Hall can best meet the wishes and priorities of the region and is relying on the support of the community in both fundraising and volunteering.
For more information on how you could help with the appeal, visit The Journal’s special website at www.journallive.co.uk/seatondelavalhall
