Wilko in a scrum pushing to save the Hall
Aug 15 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
NEWCASTLE rugby star Jonny Wilkinson has backed The Journal’s bid to help save Seaton Delaval Hall.
The stately home, near Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, could be sold to private owners after Lord Hastings, the current owner, decided to sell-up.
National Trust bosses have pledged £6.9m of the charity’s money to save the hall, but desperately need to raise a further £6.3 million before Christmas, with £1m coming from the people of the North East.
And in a push to raise funds, the fly-half donated a signed photograph of himself, along with a signed copy of his book which the Trust intends to put under the hammer.
Last night Jonny said: “Seaton Delaval Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the North of England. It is part of our heritage and its incredible architecture makes it a piece of history which deserves to be retained and maintained.
“That needs to be in its current state for everyone to be able to relish and enjoy now and for the future.”
If the Trust is able to raise the funds needed, it would enable it to not only buy the property, but to maintain the building and its 500-acre setting.
Jonny said: “I would urge everyone to take pride in this building and support the National Trust in their campaign to save and protect this truly remarkable site.”
Specialist teams within the trust are applying for funding and a national appeal will soon go out to all 3.5 million National Trust members.
Fundraising events are also taking place, organised by members of the local community.
Liz Fisher, National Trust Area Manager, said: “We can’t thank people enough for the support they have shown to the campaign and we hope that it keeps coming.
“Our appeal is time critical, if we can’t raise the funds by Christmas there is a chance we won’t be able to buy the Hall.
“It is great to see everybody in the region rallying together to save the Hall. The gift from Jonny was very generous and we thank him and all of the members of the community who have come forward to fundraise so far. However, we still have a long way to go.
“I want to urge everyone in the North East to help us raise funds to save Seaton Delaval Hall.
“Are there more celebrities living in the region who could donate or give something to the cause?”
