Hug the hall 700 children and families converged on the hall in a sponsored walk from 5 local schools. They circled it as part of a big ‘hug’, then formed a huge heart in the central courtyard. Through sponsorship this raised a fantastic £2,300 for the appeal. Thanks to great aerial shots from a helicopter and cherry picker, we got lots of media coverage including a 5 min slot on BBC news – watch here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7680319.stm
Blythe Spartans The National Trust joined forces with local football team the Blyth Spartans, who faced a 'David and Goliath' challenge when they played Blackburn Rovers in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. The hall hosted a press conference and photo shoot for the club.
Scouts Ever resourceful and enthusiastic, local Scout packs in Seaton Delaval and Cramlington raised almost £1,500 to save Seaton Delaval Hall through a sponsored 'Hike for the Hall', bucket-rattling and tombolas.
Pete Donegan Band 'Electric skiffle that will rock your soul!' Peter (“King of Skiffle”, Lonnie Donegan’s son) and the band have appeared at The Albert Hall, alongside Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison, Roger Daltrey and many more. Their guitarist, local man, Michael Bailey organised for them to play at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre in aid of the SDH campaign, raising over £1,000.
Christmas party Several thousand families from neighbouring towns enjoyed a festive celebration at the Hall, after the Seaton Valley Community Assembly donated £10,000 to the appeal. There was a Santa's grotto, mulled wine for parents, and lots of Christmassy performances and crafts.
Those Delavals theatre performance The cast of 'Those Delavals' performing at Seaton Delaval Hall - over £1,000 was raised in one day by showing Roger Burgess's historic play.
Fundraising dinner The central hall was transformed with flowers and candles as it hosted a fundraising dinner for major donors. The event, which brought back the glamour of an 18th century Delaval party, encouraged several large donations to the appeal.
Family fun day We held the biggest event that Seaton Delaval Hall has ever seen with 3,000 local people coming to support the fundraising cause, and for many, visit the hall and gardens for the first time. Over 120 volunteers ran stalls and activities, from bric-a-brac to splat the rat, from a cycle smoothie maker to a ‘buy a brick’ stand, or stewarded in the house, garden and car park – all this raised £10,000.
Heritage open day Conservation in action - local people have a go at lime plastering as our buildings team demonstrate their skills.
Songs of Praise Local people wrapped up warm and sang out loud as Seaton Delaval's churches and chapels came together to enjoy the hall's fantastic acoustics and support the appeal with an Advent service and seasonal hymns at the hall. The collection raised over £600 for the appeal.
Sustrans cycle ride Sustrans, the UK's largest sustainable transport charity helped the National Trust run a sponsored cycle ride from Souter Lighthouse near South Shields, across the Tyne, to Seaton Delaval Hall. About 80 riders and one dog took part, raising hundreds of pounds for the campaign.
Art auction A local artist, Elaine Paige approached the National Trust to organise an art auction to help raise funds for the appeal. The Artworks Gallery in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, offered to host an exhibition and the auction for free. Over 100 North East artists donated their work and 100 people turned up to bid, raising almost £13,000 on the night.
