I am always surprised by how many local people I come across who have never been to Kiplin Hall, the historic house between Northallerton and Richmond.
I suspect it may be something to do with it not being a stately home in the style of and with the wow factor of, say, Castle Howard or Chatsworth. And as English country houses or halls go it is modestly proportioned.
Which is part of its charm I think. It is a little gem. If you are among those number who have never experienced it, can I recommend a visit this summer.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the hall’s Charter Day, an annual event marking the signing of the charter in 1632 granting George Calvert, the hall’s first owner, lands in what is now Maryland, USA.
It was an opportunity to thank the 200-plus volunteers who carry out a huge range of tasks at the hall to make the visitor experience what it is.
When I first became your MP ten years ago I discovered Kiplin Hall with my family. Since then we have returned countless times.
My daughters, when they were younger, loved the Easter egg hunts and the Hallowe’en events. As they have got older they have learned to appreciate the history of the place, as have my wife Akshata and I.
I have been keen to support Kiplin, not just as a regular visitor but, in my role as MP, formally backing the trust that runs the hall and garden in their applications to a wide variety of funding bodies. It has had some success in securing grants to help cover the essential repairs to a very old building and the exhibition programmes which are vital to maintaining the flow of visitors.
There is a constant programme of improvements in progress so if you have visited in the past now might be the time to have another look.
A major change in the last year has been the opening of the new visitor centre in what was the hall’s stables.
I saw the project in the construction phase last year and it was lovely to see the completed centre on my most recent visit. The café, shop, gallery and offices have been beautifully created in the old buildings.
Also this year the hall has introduced an attractive annual membership scheme which gives unlimited access to the hall and gardens during its normal opening hours.
So, if you haven’t visited this wonderful attraction on your doorstep, this summer would be a great time to go.
***
I was disappointed that the Government’s recent Spending Review made no mention of the A66 dual carriageway upgrading project which has been paused since last year’s General Election.
I have written to the Transport Secretary seeking clarification about when a decision about the project will be made. Almost a year has passed since the scheme was put on hold.
People who live near and use this important but often dangerous road, and the businesses for which it is vital east-west strategic route, deserve to know when the work will start.
