National Trust Herts & Essex Border Centre group closes after 55 years supporting the area’s historic estates
The National Trust’s local supporters’ group has folded after 55 years.
The decision by members of the Herts & Essex Border Centre to close at the end of December was this week described by chairman Linda Ketteridge as “very, very sad”, but dwindling membership and difficulties filling committee roles – in particular that of honorary treasurer – left them with no option.
Linda criticised the National Trust (NT) for its lack of support in raising awareness of the group’s work. “It doesn’t really do enough to help support groups, and a lot of people in Bishop’s Stortford would not even know the existence of our group,” she said.
“It’s very, very sad that it’s closing and I particularly feel sad for a lot of our older members because the day trips we used to run were very often the only time these people could get out to visit National Trust properties.”
In its lifetime, the group, which at one time had more than 400 members, raised £140,000 for NT properties and estates in the area, including Hatfield Forest and Cambridgeshire attractions Wimpole Hall and Anglesey Abbey.
It helped to fund tree-planting projects, provided equipment for chopping branches into logs, statue covers, bulbs and, most recently, donated money for restoration of a grandfather clock at Georgian Peckover House in Wisbech.
The supporters’ group was founded in 1969 and met at Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church in South Street once a month.
It raised money to support NT properties from day trips, coffee mornings and an annual ‘holiday’ outing.
“We used to do four day trips in the summer – mainly to National Trust properties, but not exclusively – anywhere between a 60- and 70-mile radius of Stortford,” said Linda.
“We’ve donated for all sorts of things over the years, things that are hopefully still being used, like equipment and benches, and for many school projects too.
“We donated to Wimpole Hall, Anglesey Abbey, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – which does a lot with schools – and Melton Hall in Long Melford [Suffolk].”
Linda added: “The name of our group lives on, however, in the oak tree which was planted in Hatfield Forest in 2019 to commemorate our 50th anniversary, and I am pleased to report it is thriving.”
A spokesperson for the National Trust told the Indie: “We're incredibly grateful for the support of the Herts and Essex Border Centre. We have been working with them over recent months in an effort to help them continue and were saddened to hear of their decision to close.
“There are a number of other local groups in the area that their members may wish to consider joining. Supporter groups offer a great opportunity for National Trust supporters to share unique experiences, help with conservation work and fundraise for our charity, especially places that are on their doorstep. We value their support and there's a fantastic social element too.”