Words by Smiley Team
After a rocky time during the lockdowns, conservation charity the National Trust has announced some positive news. Thanks to rising membership, the organisation plans to spend half a billion on “nature, beauty and history”.
While part of this sum will go to houses, collections and gardens, the rest will help support coastlines and areas of countryside.
The charity’s post-lockdown recovery is helped by an influx of members this year: their latest figures reveal that, on average, a new person joins every 23 seconds.
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In her speech to members, director-general Hilary McGrady said: “Every house, every castle, every beach, chapel and hill we care for is thanks to you, our members, and generations of members that have gone before. Thank you for staying with us during a difficult year.
“I am grateful too for my extraordinary team of staff, who have worked to keep our gates and doors open in the most difficult circumstances.
“Last, but not least, I am indebted to our incredible volunteers for staying with us when times were uncertain, and for returning with all your love and passion.”
Following this difficult year, during which the trust saw every property forced to close for the first time in its 126-year history, Hilary is optimistic for the year to come.
She said: “After the last 18 months, I think we deserve an opportunity to celebrate. 2022 is set to be an extraordinary year of national events, and I’m pleased to say the Trust will be proudly joining in.
“The pandemic has given us all cause to reflect. At 126 years old, thanks to your support, we’ve endured World Wars, economic crises and now a pandemic, and we’re still here. Together we are still working for nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.”
To further their efforts donate to the National Trust here.
