Saturday, July 08, 2006

Save Lyme Hall!

[Excerpt from the Stockport Citizen]
Lyme Hall desperately needs the publics help to repair the roof of the Grade I listed hall, which is in a very poor state and needs extensive renovation. There are already several leaks, which threaten both the building and the art collection.
Lyme Hall is under going major renovations which will involve reproofing above the East Range and most importantly the Long Gallery, home to irreplaceable wood panelling and a selction of furniture and paitings. The estimated cost of the work on the roof is in excess of £1m, for which grants have been obtained from English Heritage and Stockport Council. However, the National Trust is hoping the public will lend their support by visiting to see the conservation work in action.
Visitor Services Manager at the Hall, Philip Burt said: "We are offering the public an unmissable opportunity to take a 'tower tour' up to roof level to see conservation work taking place and a breathtaking five-storey view of Manchester, Stockport and the Cheshire Plain. We are hoping the work will be completed by Spetember and the final scaffolding to be removed in October. The repair to the roof also gives the NT the opportunity to carry out necessary work to repair and protect the six lead sculptures on the roof.
"The tour to the roof costs an additional £3 and all the proceeds will go towards the work that needs to be done on the lead statues.
[Lyme Park website]