Temple Newsam House Plays Host To Historic Training Day (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Temple Newsam House Plays Host To Historic Training Day

December 3, 2004 1:26 PM

Cllr Javaid Akhtar (Lib Dem Lead Member for Leisure Services) has hailed the success of an event held at the recently refurbished Temple Newsam House. The event, organised to improve knowledge of country houses across the region proved a great way to showcase the merits of the Grade 1 listed property.

Speaking after opening the event, Cllr Akhtar (Lib Dem Gipton & Harehills) said, "The event proved a massive success, with people travelling from all over the region to be there. By attracting organisations such as the Yorkshire and Humberside Federation of Museums and Art Galleries to Temple Newsam we are underlining the importance of preserving our local heritage. The great public response to the re-opening of Temple Newsam House further goes to show that public interest in our region's history is stronger than ever."

Notes to the Editor:

· The Federation is a membership organisation of museum, gallery and heritage professionals for all over Yorkshire and the Humber. Normally 30-40 people attend such meetings. They are mainly curators, education officers and some Heads of Service too.

· The purpose of the meeting is essentially a training event to improve members' knowledge about professional issues of interpreting country houses. There are therefore likely to be professionals from other country/historic houses at the event. The event is also a chance for us to promote the wonderful room interpretations at Temple Newsam because everyone will get a special guided tour as part of the event.

· Temple Newsam was re-opened in September 2003 after almost £2 million of Heritage Lottery grant being spent on refurbishing the fabric (including the roof) to ensure that the Grade 1 Listed building and its precious contents are preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Audio guides for adults and a special one for children were created, stunning new room settings were restored and innovative projects set up to involve the community and school groups. Since we re-opened we have had 36, 500 visitors, which is already well over 5,000 more visitors than we had in the year before we closed. Our Visitor's Book is full of positive comments from visitors from Leeds and all over the world.