Community embraces Seaton Delaval Hall campaign
Oct 21 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
A COMMUNITY yesterday embraced the bid to secure Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland for public enjoyment.
Around 750 pupils and parents from Seaton Delaval and Seaton Sluice walked from their school grounds to the 18th Century hall.
There they formed a human chain around the hall to show their support for the National Trust’s campaign to raise £6.3m to help acquire and shape the future of the hall, gardens and 450 acres of grounds. The gathering also created a heart shape in front of the hall to demonstrate their affection for a building which is a major part of their local heritage.
Taking part were Seaton Delaval First School, Whytrig Middle School, Seaton Terrace Nursery, Astley High School and Seaton Sluice Middle School.
The move to stage an event to back the campaign came from Linda Nicholls, head teacher of Seaton Delaval First School, and head of governors Terry Stewart.
They involved other local schools through the Seaton Valley Learning Partnership, with Whytrig thinking up the “hug the hall” idea.
“The hall is part of the children’s heritage and is a brilliant resource for them,” said Linda. “We have been talking to them about the hall, its history, what it means to the local community and why it is important that we help the National Trust to save it.
“When we get back to the school, the children will also do an activity about what they liked about the hall and what they would like to see happen to it.”
Emily Bryce, trust project officer for Seaton Delaval Hall, said: “When we were contacted by the schools with the suggestion of a ‘Hug the Hall’ event, we thought it was a great idea.
“This walk was an excellent opportunity for children and their families to show their support for our campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall.
“Some of the young people are also raising funds through getting sponsorship for their endeavours from family and friends.
“This was the local community showing how close they feel to the hall and it has been a fantastic turnout.”
Although it is too far for them to walk, youngsters from Seghill First School were keen to be involved and drew an outline of the hall on their school yard which they “hugged” with pennies.
The hall will be sold privately if the National Trust cannot step in and save it for the nation.
A fundraising appeal has been launched to raise £6.3m and everyone – in Northumberland and across the country – is being asked to help secure and shape the future of the Hall, gardens and grounds.
To help make a difference, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton delavalhall
A text donation line has been set up for donations to the campaign. Text HALL to 62233. Texts cost £2 plus standard rate.
