From Cheshire to Cumbria, Merseyside to Manchester, Lancashire to the Lake District, groups of people are working tirelessly behind the scenes to raise money for National Trust projects across the North West.
A mobility scooter at Sizergh Castle; new wheelchairs at Speke Hall; children's Tudor costumes at Little Moreton Hall; seating for the new 18th-century garden at Quarry Bank Mill, and conservation of an embroidered silk wedding dress at Townend in Cumbria are just some of the projects which National Trust Centres and Associations have provided funding for over the last 12 months.
© National Trust
John Sebastianelli, the Trust's Community, Learning and Volunteering Manager - who liaises with the groups on behalf of the Trust says:
'Our Centres and Associations are the unsung heroes of the Trust's fundraising work at a regional level. They are members of the Trust who work tremendously hard throughout the year to generate money which is put towards the smaller, but vitally important projects at properties.'
'Between March 2007 and Feburary this year, our groups raised a staggering £52,000, which has enabled and enhanced several key areas of work across the region.
'For example, funds helped purchase pine trees for planting at Formby on Merseyside to help regenerate the coastal pine woods - the habitat of the increasingly rare red squirrel; at Dunham Massey in Cheshire, several associations gave money towards the development of Dunham's new Winter Garden - due to open in November 2009.
© National Trust
'In Cumbria, important painting conservation work was able to take place thanks to funds raised by local groups, and at Sandscale Hawes on the Lancashire coast, the Trust was able to purchase several microscopes to help children visiting the reserve to understand and take a closer look at the area's natural history and wildlife.
'Meanwhile at Speke Hall, help was given in the development of a new Sensory Trail around the Hall in conjunction with MENCAP, which will enable visitors with visual and sensory impairments to understand and enjoy the history of this wonderful Tudor building.
'The work of our Centres and Associations enriches and enhances the experience that the National Trust is able to offer its visitors and supporters. I would recommend anyone who has some time to spare, to think about joining their local group.'
National Trust Centres and Associations offer members a wide programme of social events - including theatre visits, lectures, concerts and visits to places of interest locally and further afield, as well as holidays and other activities. If you are a National Trust member and would like to find out more about your local group, please contact John Sebastianelli: 0161 925 4346 or via e-mail.
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