Townsfolk can help save historic house
FRIENDS SOUGHT AS TRUST SEEKS TO TRANSFORM LISTED PROPERTY
PEOPLE from Burton are being urged to help save one of the town’s most historic buildings from ruin and turn it into a visitor attraction.
The 15th-century Grade Ii-listed Sinai Park House, off Shobnall Road, Burton, was once a respite for monks and home of the famous Paget family, but is crumbling away, having been neglected for many years.
Work has already started on restoring the striking building to its former glory after planning approval was recently given to create outdoor classrooms and repair its outdoor plunge pool which is said to have healing waters.
Bosses at the house have said further funding from the National Lottery will help restore the best preserved wing at Sinai and preserve what remains of the central wing to create a great hall.
However, the house recently lost out on being part of a bid which could have seen part of to £25 million in Government cash poured into the site as part of the Towns Fund Deal.
It did not make the top eight proposals put forward by the board submitting the bid to get up the £25m to spending on improvements around the town.
Now, Sinai Park House Trust, the charity coordinating plans to rescue the house, has launched a Friends of Sinai scheme whereby members of the public can get involved with the project.
Sinai Park House is among the top seven per cent of important heritage buildings in England, but it is also on Historic England’s At Risk Register.
Wh i le plans are in place for its future which include greater public access, and a programme of wellbeing and educational activities using the buildings and grounds, support is needed to secure the future of Burton’s oldest heritage asset to enable it to deliver its potential for the town and surrounding area, say bosses there.
Sinai Park House Trust’s fundraising manager, Laura Wigg-bailey, said: “The support of the public in projects such as this is invaluable and becoming a Friend of the Trust allows you to contribute to a positive outcome for the whole community.
“The Heritage Open Day event at Sinai Park House demonstrated the passion shared by visitors in securing the future of this incredible site. “One guest commented, ‘it’s really important for Burton that it is fully restored’, while another added, ‘the plans for restoration have real potential to provide opportunities and enjoyment for local people.’
“The enthusiasm for the project is there and now we have the Friends of Sinai scheme, there is a real opportunity to get involved in a practical way. “As a Friend you will be invited to special events, as well as having access to the latest developments through our private Facebook group and newsletter.
“For those that like hands-on involvement, we are always looking for volunteers – to be tour guides, or to offer their expertise and skills to assist the project.
“Thanks to the Trust’s work with The National Forest Company, we will even have some Forest School training opportunities in 2021.
“By becoming a Friend of Sinai Park House, you will be a part of this movement and be able to offer your contribution, as little or as much as you can. This may be in the form of spreading the word about the collective goal, volunteering or simply making a small, monthly donation of £3.”
Work on the site is already under way. This includes the construction of access to a picnic area, creating an outdoor learning facility for young people and restoring the house’s 250-year-old plunge pool.
Laura added: “Sinai has been enjoyed for its qualities of relaxation and recuperation for centuries. The reconstruction of this pool would allow the people of Burton to benefit from these historic healing properties once again.”
Further information about becoming a Friend of Sinai Park House is available by emailing friends@sinaiparkhouse.co.uk, or sending a member request on the Friends of SPHT Facebook group.
The support of the public in projects such as this is invaluable
Laura Wigg-bailey