The grounds of an historic home and church will be opened to the public to raise money for a restoration project.
Children from Staunton’s Montessori Nursery, from the left, Archie Player, 3, Finlay Shaw, 4, and James Diamond, 4, look at the snowdrops in the grounds of Staunton Hall. (020212MW1-13)
Proceeds from Snowdrop Sunday at Staunton Hall will go towards a fund to repair the church tower at St Mary’s Church, Staunton, which dates from the 14th Century.
It needs stone replacing and repointing, work that will cost £36,000.
Mrs Elizabeth Staunton, of Staunton Hall, said: “We are a small village and to raise that sort of money is a difficult task.
“The church does not have endowment money stowed away in the bank like some others so this will clear us out.”
She said the cost of the work had gone up from £30,000 after a change in the company doing the work. About £15,000 has been raised so far.
The last Snowdrop Sunday event three years ago raised more than £4,000 and was attended by thousands of people.
Mrs Staunton said: “Last time we were completely blown away by the number of people that came.”
This year’s event will feature walks through the grounds of the hall and church, which are blooming with snowdrops and aconites.
There will also be exhibitions, including one called The Last Crew Of Lancaster W4270.
The second world war bomber crashed in the grounds of the hall in 1943, killing all seven crew members.
An information board has been installed with the names and brief details of the men.
The Summer Of 44 Living History Group will display military uniforms and vehicles and there will be displays about the history of Staunton itself.
Mrs Staunton’s son, Mr Robert Staunton, said generations of the family had lived in the village, dating back to the Domesday Book.
He said: “The house is not usually open so this is a rare opportunity to look round the historic grounds.”
The event is on Sunday, February 19, from 11am to 4pm and costs £3.50. Under-12s can enter free.
There will be hot and cold refreshments.
