The National Trust offers a powerful antidote to the miseries of looming recession, Dame Fiona Reynolds will tell our  AGM in Liverpool on Saturday 1 November 2008.

She will stress that at a time when people are worried about money and job security, there is all the more reason to seek experiences which improve quality of life – not least by getting away from the pressures of the day to day.

The Director-General’s keynote speech, which will seize on the economic downturn as an opportunity for society to rethink its priorities and consider a longer term and greener approach to the country’s economic future, will be a high point of the weekend.

Speaking ahead of the National Trust’s AGM, Fiona Reynolds said that the heritage and natural environment can play a key role in helping people meet these needs, in particular re-discovering the simple pleasures of life.

'There has been a pre-occupation in society with affluence, status and materialism for some years - but the looming threat of austerity appears to be giving new impetus to the search for the ‘real thing’.'

'With the economy in turmoil, it is no wonder that the simple pleasures of grow-your-own, downsizing, contact with nature and spending quality time with the family seem to be growing in importance over the more material experiences on offer. People want their children to climb trees, build dens and get mucky. They want local and seasonal food – because it tastes better – and they want green space on their doorstep so they can enjoy it when they want to.'

'The National Trust came into being 100 years ago through its radical influences to provide people with the opportunity for spiritual, intellectual and physical refreshment in a unique way – whether Octavia Hill’s open air sitting rooms for the poor, the great outdoors of our wild landscapes or the breathtaking beauty of our cultural heritage.'

'Although circumstances have changed dramatically, the need for opportunities to see, feel and have access to places that can touch people’s hearts remains as strong as ever.'

Also on the AGM agenda are the farewell of outgoing chairman, Sir William Proby, and the first remarks of Simon Jenkins, the distinguished journalist and conservationist named as Sir William’s successor last July.

Up to 1,000 Trust members attending the AGM will debate three motions including one centring on the importance of sustainability and two criticising Trust management for pressing ahead with a plan to develop housing on a greenfield site at Erddig near Wrexham in North Wales.

The occasion will also be used to promote the national appeal to save Seaton Delaval Hall and 500 acres of surrounding land. So far more than £1 million has been raised towards a public donations target of over £3 million. The Trust has promised to put up £6.9m from its own funds if around £6m can be found to save the house, gardens and surrounding land.

The Trust will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the successful appeal to save Snowdon for the nation.

In the afternoon, a panel of experts will discuss with the audience the future of urban heritage in what is nearing the end of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture.

Back to top

Members of the panel include:

• Joe Riley, arts editor, leader writer and columnist for the Liverpool Echo. (Chair of the panel)
• Tristram Hunt, lecturer in modern British history at Queen Mary, University of London and regular history broadcaster,having authored numerous radio and television series for the BBC and Channel 4.
• Kris Donaldson, Director of the Liverpool Culture Company.
• Jennifer Latto, a psychologist whose career spans teaching, research and university management. She is Chair of the Tate Liverpool Council.
• John Hinchliffe, World Heritage Officer for Liverpool City Council who helped to secure Liverpool’s inscription onto UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2004.
• Simon Osborne, the National Trust’s Property Manager for the Liverpool portfolio of properties.