Since we announced our plans to save Seaton Delaval Hall, we have received dozens of comments from people across the country.

You've been letting us know why the Hall is special to you, and many people have pledged their support - either through donations or the offer to run a fundraising event.

In addition to the emails that you have sent us, people have been debating the Hall's future on the Newcastle Journal's forums.

• Join the debate

Here is just a snapshot of the emails that we've received:

'Yes please help save Seaton Delaval Hall. Am delighted that this is being considered, and as a member even moreso. I remember many happy childhood bike rides to it - it's had a chequered history and deserves saving as an integral part of North Tyneside history.'
F Coulson

'As a National Trust member who lives near Seaton Delaval Hall, I think it would be an excellent acquisition for the Trust. I’m sure all the local people from the whole of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland will support your effort.

I really hope you manage to raise the funds to acquire the estate, so that my family can enjoy it for years to come.'
Paul Younger

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'It was with absolute delight that we learned that the National Trust are in negotiations to purchase our beloved Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland. We really need to preserve this unique and beautiful building and grounds for the enjoyment of not only the local community but also the many visitors who would benefit from having the Hall added to the National Trust's portfolio.

I have been on the Journal site and left a vote that the Hall should be used for Health and Wellbeing, but I could not vote for any of the other proposed uses - and they are many - as well as for the well being of the local community.

I am one of the founder members of the Seaton Healing Centre. For some time now we have had a dream of becoming part of life at Seaton Delaval Hall and our ever-increasing membership is showing us that what we do is very much needed in the local community.'
Kathleen Woollen (Mrs)

''The National Trust talks about its focus on acquiring green spaces, so isn’t Seaton Delaval Hall rather an old-fashioned acquisition?'

Whilst I fully support the work the NT is doing to focus attention on the erosion of green spaces, I am seriously disturbed that the National trust could suggest that the important role it plays in conserving our heritage could be "old fashioned" or otherwise misplaced... The Trust should be proud of its achievements and promote its work - not suggest that the conservation and preservation of old houses is (or could ever be) out moded.

'For the avoidance of doubt, I support the Trust's appeal to acquire Seaton Delaval hall and shall give a donation'
Julia Blackwood

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'Seaton Delaval Hall and the surrounding countryside is a magnificent asset in an area that could benefit massively from the expert management of the Hall and grounds by the National Trust. It is disappointing but completely understandable that the family have decided to sell as their passion for their home and their preparedness to share it with the public has been outstanding....

I have also been a member of the National Trust for a number of years and have shared many happy hours with my three children at National Trust properties in the North East and across the country. The National Trust always work to a very high standard and for them to be able to bring their expertise and dedication to Seaton Delaval Hall would undoubtedly develop this outstanding gem.

To see the Hall become a year round attraction, giving leisure, employment and volunteer opportunities for the local community and a superb place for visitors drawing much into the local economy, is an excellent prospect. The uses I am sure could be shared and I believe the National Trust supports using their properties in ways that benefit all whilst maintaining to the highest standard the fabric and ethos....'
Duncan Dunce

'As NT members who live a 2 mile walk across the fields from Seaton Delaval Hall, we feel strongly that the NT should do all it can to secure the Hall. My family and I are regular visitors to the Hall and its grounds, and we love its quirks and its character. We have always been envious of my in-laws who live in Surrey who seem to have a bewildering choice of NT properties to choose from on their doorstep, whereas in Northumberland, once you've been to Wallington and Cragside a few times, what else is there?

NT ownership of Seaton Delaval Hall would be fantastic for the twin communities of Seaton Delaval and Seaton Sluice, and would ensure that the Hall, its grounds and maybe also the Norman chapel, were conserved and made more accessible.

We wish you every success with the campaign'
Mr & Mrs C Alexander

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I'm a member of the Trust and have been brought up on visiting stately homes/historical places...very few, if any, give me the same feeling that Seaton Delaval Hall does. I am not just saying that because I am local, for me it does have a mystical splendour, something that I can't infact put into words. I have been to places that would be classed as more luxurious and grand... but for me SDH wins every time. I don't know why?

It is such a lovely, wonderfully designed building, has stunning gardens - which are a very nice suprise on your first visit. Also the little Norman Church out the back. Destroyed by fire, yet 2 rooms survived in the main building. It has such a character. And perhaps it is for these reasons why I keep going back. The fact that it is not overly commercialised, adds to to the whole experience.

• Opening the Hall and Gardens to the public more often. I don't know if this will include opening the the wings of the building to the public as well?
• The main part of the building would obviously cost vast sums to refurb and in fact I wouldn't want to see that. As it wouldn't be SDH anymore (if that makes sense). There is some vandalism and I would like to see this rectified.
• The Gardens are wonderful and should be promoted. Perhaps some plant sales?
• Tea -room open more regularly in conjunction with the Hall opening times.
• I would like to see things like vintage car shows.
• A strong focus on local Northumbrian traditions, music, food etc.
• Bring back the banquets.
• It would be nice to see the Mausoleum refurbed and opened to the public.
• I would also be in favour of perhaps a couple of open air concerts, it would be such a stunning back drop.
• SDH has always had good links with local schools, (I went there on a school trip), I think this should be maintained if not improved/extended. Education wise there are limitless possibilities - local history, practical things like gardening. Even perhaps building a small educational centre somewhere in the grounds.

I could go on forever as I am so passionate about SDH.
Richard Brooks

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'As a local resident and visitor to Seaton Delaval Hall, I fully support the National Trust's campaign to purchase this building and its grounds. I would like to see the hall and gardens open on a more regular basis and all year round. There are so many ways that the hall and gardens could be used to support the local community and to promote the region to visitors from further afield.

'I would like to see the hall used to support and promote local artists and local businesses. This could be achieved in a variety of ways such as the provision of exhibition rooms, workshops, classes (eg cookery) and food/craft markets.The gardens would make a great setting for presentations on gardening/horticulture and plant sales.

'The hall and gardens have a rich history which deserves to be saved and shared, and in addition the hall could be used to promote its surrounding environment including the beautiful coastline - it provides a great educational opportunity for school parties, youth groups and others. It would also make a wonderful setting for theatre or music concerts.

'Whilst I would be in favour of some refurbishment and redevelopment of the site to restore some of the original features and provide the infrastucture to support events and activities, I feel as much of the hall and gardens should be preserved as possible. They provide a wonderful 'green space' in an ever expanding urban area.'
A. Eggett

• Email us at seatondelavalhall@nationaltrust.org.uk