8:40am Saturday 28th August 2010
By Adrian Mullen
MANY of the region’s finest buildings are taking part in a national celebration of architecture, history and culture.
The Armitt at Ambleside; Appleby’s Moot Hall; Dalton Castle; Rydal Hall; Hill Top, Near Sawrey; Sizergh Castle; Farfield Mill, at Sedbergh; Beetham’s Heron Corn Mill and Townend at Troutbeck, are among the many opening for free on at least one of the days during the Heritage Open Days four-day spree.
Heritage Open Days - which was established in 1994 by English Heritage as the country’s contribution to European Heritage Days - focuses on architectural and cultural gems offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.
Buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors - from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples, art galleries and museums.
The once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures offers the chance to enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.
Lakeland Arts Trust’s four venues come under the heritage banner for the first time, offering free entry to its Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, Windermere Steamboat Museum and Abbot Hall Art Gallery on September 10, and Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry the day after.
The trust’s communications director Jeanette Edgar she was delighted that they were able to be involved in the Heritage Open Day scheme.
She added: “I believe the trust used the scheme to launch the original fund-raising project for Blackwell back in 1997 but not since, so as regional organiser Barbara Colley so correctly pointed out to me 'it's high time that the trust joined in!'
"So we have thrown ourselves into it and are opening all our venues.
"We hope in doing so we will introduce the trust’s work to a wider audience.
"Anyone visiting us over the weekend will see a couple of the most popular exhibitions in the North West as well as some outstanding collections.”
Events linked to Open Days also include a guided historical walk around Kendal on September 12, and free trips on the Waterwitch narrowboat down the Lancaster Canal, from Crooklands Bridge, Kendal, also on the Sunday.
Last year was the biggest and best so far with more than 1,400 organisers staging 4,100 property openings and events across England, attracting more than £1 million visitors over four days.
* Heritage Open Days run from Thursday, September 9, until Sunday, September 12. For full details of all participating venues visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or call in at a tourist information centre.
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