Out & About July 2017

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“As far as I am aware we are the only group that has
chosen to support education.”
One of the ideas the committee had was to offer to
pay the transport costs for schools wanting to take
children on educational trips to local sites
and properties.
One of the first schools to benefit was Falkland
Primary. “The school wanted to take some of the
children to Studland Bay, so we funded the cost of
the coach and off they went,” says Keith. Since then
Winchcombe and Brightwalton primary schools,
among others, have also been able to go on outings
because of the financial support offered.
Robert Sandilands School visited the Chedworth
Roman villa as part of their history curriculum.
“When we decided we wanted to put the money into
education, I contacted local organisations, such as
Greenham Common Trust and the Colefax Trust, to
see if they, too, would like to contribute. We had a
tremendous response and we are still able to offer
financial support to any local school looking to go on
an educational outing.”
There are many places for schools to visit as well. A
quick look at the NT website shows there are more
than 20 properties or other sites within a 30-mile
radius of Newbury, one of which is WInchester city
mill, which like many other NT-run centres, supports
school outings with talks and organises the day to
make sure the children get the most out of their
visit.
“We know how hard it is for schools to organise
these trips,” says Keith. “There are so many rules
and regulations, never mind the cost, which can be
prohibitive. We really believe in the value of these
visits and of the children being able to explore and
enjoy our heritage. It’s really lovely when we receive
thank yous from them – making the financial support
we can give worthwhile.”
The group also provides funding for other projects
that they consider of benefit to the local community.
Most notable was their involvement in the provision
of an information panel about the Falkland Memorial,
which was unveiled in 2015, at a ceremony attended
by director general of the National Trust, Dame Helen
Ghosh.
“Not many people know that the Falkland Memorial
site is owned by the National Trust,” explains Gerald.
“It is of particular historical significance to the people
of Newbury. The information panel gives an insight
into the First Battle of Newbury and tells people
about what took place during the conflict in which
Lord Falkland was killed.”
The group also strongly support Sandham Memorial
Chapel in Burghclere, as well as the Vyne, near
Basingstoke, which is currently undergoing
extensive renovation to the roof.
Although the average age of the Newbury group is
probably 60-plus, interest in this country’s heritage
has never been greater and a larger number of
families are visiting properties and landmarks each
year. This is good news for the support groups
across the country whose valuable service to the
local community, as well as the National Trust, looks
set to continue for a long time to come.
To find out more about the Newbury National Trust
Support Group visit
To find out more about the National Trust go to
Top and right: Setting off to see to
the Russian State Ballet in Dartford
Above right: Keith Spires and Gerald Orbell
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Some of the ‘thank you’ notes from
local children