Sockburn Hall Project

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 42

2011-12-05T18:37:00.001Z

Hello!

A wonderful Christmas-y Working Day
Saturday morning started grey and showery so we were surprised to find we had a good number of enthusiastic volunteers turning up and the day brighten and dry up! Perfect! As it is getting so close to Christmas we are very grateful that you gave up your day to come and help and get involved. Thank you all!

[A fantastic local brass band joined volunteers for carols around the bonfire.]

As it was such a short day, we didn't start any big tasks but did some late autumn clearing and tidying. Anxious not to lose the crazy paving paths (which took so much hard work to uncover) under a year's leaf fall - that's all that it takes - we got them cleared again, along with the ornamental water way through the once formal garden. Leaves were also cleared from areas where they would block water reaching drains once the winter weather sets in. Further clearance of fallen trees was done in the field and a rival bonfire was lit down there to compete with our normal one - such an important feature of Project Days!

Activities also extended beyond the warmth of the bonfire... Some considerable work was done in the house to support and prevent further collapse of window frames and to continue checking the concealed gutters, renowned for causing us trouble! Willow cuttings were planted on the river bank to help stop erosion, using twisted, orange stemmed and green stemmed willow slips, which we hope will take and provide stabilisation of the bank itself. Planting in the church yard last in October was checked, and some re-planting was carried out, along with the inevitable weeding. We look forward to the spring to see what has taken and survives the winter; under the care of the designated team, the look of the church yard is much improved.

[Young volunteers take a quick break from carefully
supervised work brushing stones and sweeping in the chapel]

The Chair of Friends of Teeside Archives visited and with two - strictly supervised - young helpers (pictured left), this diligent team carefully used soft brushes to brush off the stones in the Chapel and generally do some tidying and sweeping in there. And much better it looks for their attentions.

We had a real treat on Saturday afternoon - a local brass band came and played carols for us round the bonfire - this added a lovely festive atmosphere to our day, which we always wanted to be a more 'social' than 'hard work' event!

Huge, huge thanks to all our volunteers - we've said it before - you are a wonderful bunch and we would not be where we are today, without your amazing efforts. The Sockburn Hall Project team is so grateful and feel very strongly that this work is contributing the possibility of the securing of a very interesting and historically significant site.

Feedback on work done previously: after the work done on the roof of the Coach House in the summer and autumn, most of the interior of the building has stayed dry - result! Well done to all those working inside and out earlier in the year.

A Spring Working Day to start our 2012 Working Weekends

We are giving the worst of the winter time to get out of the way before we have another Working Day! Please put Sunday 1 April, 2012 in your diaries - we are hoping by then that the daffodils will be out, so it should be quite special. We'll be on site 9.30am until 5.00pm and look forward to seeing you then. Please let us know, nearer the time, by phoning Sarah 07933 320242, or emailing sockburn@gmail.com if you expect to come. If you would like to visit to see us and how we are getting on please come around 11.30am as this will coincide with our coffee/tea break. If you wish to visit with a group, it is important to let Sarah know so that we can arrange the best time for you to come. Further dates for 2012 will be confirmed soon. We'll try to get them up on the blog before too long!

Thank you again to everyone who has helped and supported us, in any way, throughout 2011. We really appreciate your input and look forward to seeing you in 2012.

All the very best for Christmas, and a happy new year to you all and your families!

Sarah, Laura and Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: December Working Day Reminder

2011-11-27T17:19:00.001Z

Hello!

Visit Sockburn for a festive Working Day
Next Saturday, 3 December, we’ll be on site from 10am–4pm. This volunteer day will have an early festive feel and not too much hard work! But as always, strong shoes or boots are essential; be prepared for any weather conditions! Email sockburn@gmail.com, sign up via our page on Facebook, or call Sarah 07933 320242 to let us know you can come!

[Sockburn, late Dec 2009. We can't
promise snow this Saturday though!]

If you would like to visit, to see how we are getting on, or to buy any of our books (helping accomplish some Christmas shopping perhaps?!), please try and make it around coffee time (11.30am) and if possible, let us know by phoning Sarah 07933 320242 that you hope to come so that we know to look out for you.

Quick note on travel: Neasham Bridge is still undergoing maintenance work, and so the village is inaccessible from Neasham Road or Croft/Hurworth. Plan to arrive via Middleton-St-George, but if you're not confident on the route, don't hesitate to call Mary Gatheral on 07871 594495 to check.

Hope that you can make it, and that you are having a wonderful start to Advent!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 41

2011-11-04T12:32:00.000Z

Hello!

Pleased to bring you an - albeit belated - update from the most recent Sockburn Hall Project Working Weekend. Out photos have made their way onto Flickr. You can see the pictures on www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

Sockburn Hall Project's 29th Working Weekend

Another weekend with wonderful weather – thenorth-east is very good to us! Ahuge thank you to all our volunteers, regular and new who turned out to help usat Sockburn and, as always, made it a very productive and most important, afun weekend.

[Some of Sockburn Hall Project's volunteers in the field]

Many of us had the Neasham road closure tocontend with – fortunately, we managed to get the word out to everyone and nowwe are all much better acquainted with Middleton St George and the location ofsupermarkets and DIY stores on the edge of Darlington!

It was primarily a maintenance weekend – grasswas cut and tidied on the river bank, in the area that was seeded earlier inthe year – whatever that grass seed was it grows well! Nettles and weeds aren’t getting a lookin!

Crazy paving in the former ornamental gardenwere cleared, it’s a shame that there are still a lot of leaves to come downbecause it looked so neat and tidy. We had a couple of good fire raisers in ourmidst, the bonfire was taken care of and as always, at Sockburn, was a constantsource of attention. In addition, a group headed off down the field to finish someclearing that had been started in the summer, of fallen trees. Great progress and another bonfire wasmade down there and it’s all looking a lot better now.

[Test area ground cover in the churchyard]

A couple of our volunteers, under the guidanceof English Heritage, have taken on the responsibility of the grounds of AllSaints’ Church. A test area,around the Blackett Memorial, was fenced off in the summer, to see what wouldgrow there, amongst the plants that did grow was Pellitory-of-the–Wall (Parietaria) commonly seen around churches and old walls, and which we have regularly seen on the walls of the church atSockburn. Plants that arenon-invasive, that will create ground cover and are appropriate to thesurroundings are being encouraged and replanted from other areas along with WildStrawberries and Feverfew and other low growing plants. We hope to establish low maintenanceground cover to enhance the appearance of that lovely church yard. Further trimming of the fruit trees andclearing of scrub type growth was carried out and some material has been leftto form wildlife habitats.

[Dusk at the Coach House: roof strengthened and weather-
proofed at the end of the Working Weekend. Original tiles
were secured in place, or saved where possible for future re-use.]

A couple of our volunteers carried on with theirwork of making the Coach House roof more weather proof – impressive results andvery useful work as it is hoped it will also contribute towards saving the roofof the building. And otherschecked our concealed gutters around the house for leaves and debris – of whichthere is always plenty.

The driveway was also cleared of leaves toenable surface water – we know rain will come – to flow towards the drains andperhaps prevent pooling on the drive – well, there’s no harm in hoping!

We also had visitors to see the Church,including a Danish lady who asked us to be careful about what we said about theVikings! We were particularlypleased to welcome the Chair of The Friends of Teesside Archives and herhusband on an informal visit.

[Side view of glass tubes]

[Some of the hundreds of glass tubes
found in the Coach House roof space]

Lastly, another obscure Sockburn find... The glass tubes, pictured right, were found in the Coach House roof space, wrapped in newspaper dated 1921. Do you know what use they might have been intended for? Have you seen something like them before? Do email sockburn@gmail.com us to let us know!

Come visit Sockburn for a festive Working Day

Our next Working Weekend is for a day only, Saturday 3 December. We’ll be on site from 10am – 4pm. We hope to have an early festive feel and not too much hard work! But as always, strong shoes or bootsare essential and be prepared for any weather conditions.

If you would like to visit, to see how we aregetting on, or to buy any of our books, please try and make it around coffeetime (11.30am) and if possible, let us know by phoning Sarah 07933 320242 thatyou hope to come so that we know to look out for you. If you plan to bring a group of visitors, it is important thatyou let us know, in advance, by emailing sockburn@gmail.com or phoning Sarah,so we can be prepared and allocate time for you.

[Sockburn wellies, photo: Sheila Maclean]

Thank you again, to everyone who came to help, whether this was your first visit or your 'umpteenth', thank youfor giving up your weekend, or part of it and we very much hope that we will see you again, and well doneto the two intrepid volunteers who camped.

Look forward to seeing you next time – enjoy theautumn!

Sarah, Laura and Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: October Working Weekend Reminder

2011-10-19T03:14:00.000+01:00

Hello

Feel like some fresh air this weekend? Escape the house in support of Sockburn Hall Project!
Autumn is in full swing in the north-east, so this weekend - Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October - come prepared for any weather: probably blustery! Join volunteers for as much or as little of the weekend as you can spare - we will be on site from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday, with simple refreshments provided. It will be outdoor work so bring your work gloves and boots, and let us know when you're hoping to arrive by calling Sarah on 07933 320242, emailing sockburn@gmail.com or confirming via our Facebook page - join the Facebook group first! The Sockburn Hall Project Team is looking forward to seeing you!

If you would like to come along to visit, rather than get involved with activities, to see how we are getting on, please join us at around 11.30am on either day – to coincide with our ‘coffee break’. Please phone to let us know to expect you. (Larger groups need to contact the Project Team well in advance of Working Weekends to ensure that we have sufficient volunteers to manage volunteers and visitors!)

[Autumnal twisted Japanese Maple, in the once formal gardens
at Sockburn Hall, Photo taken October 2010.]

Quick note on travel: Neasham Bridge is currently undergoing maintenance work, and so the village is inaccessible from Neasham Road or Croft/Hurworth. Plan to arrive via Middleton-St-George, but if you're not confident on the route, don't hesitate to call Mary Gatheral on 07871 594495 to check.

And before the diary gets completely full for Christmas...
Our December Working Day is set for Saturday 3 December. This is a rejuvenating and festive opportunity for volunteers to gather for some less labour intensive maintenance work in the grounds, and perhaps enjoy a mince pie or two! More information will be available nearer the time.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with ideas or offers of help. Your support is hugely important!

Hope that October is treating you really well.

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 40 :: News of our recent Working Weekend

2011-08-16T02:00:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone!

Sockburn Hall Project's summer 2011 Working Weekend

Once again, the July weather was on our side – as the photos will show! We had a wonderful group of volunteers at our extended Working Weekend: many of our ‘regulars’ whose return we always welcome, and several great new volunteers, some local and some from further afield! A huge thank you to you all for a magnificent weekend’s work; what we all manage to achieve is quite remarkable! We had a lovely tent/marquee for the weekend, kindly donated by the owners of the site, which was a huge benefit for the large group that we turned out to be, and hosted some lively discussions at the end of working days before some of the hardiest turned in to their tents for the night.

As always, there was a variety of tasks... there are lots of photos on www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn or follow the links:

important and ongoing maintenance on the Lime Avenue – now looking very neat and tidy again
in the Coach House Yard and Kitchen Yard buildings were cleared of accumulated leaf and tree debris
the crazy paving in the ‘formal gardens’ had some much needed attention
great work was done in clearing away some collapsed wooden buildings at the side of the Coach House Yard and using the salvaged material to secure one unit of storage space
the attack on tree stumps, wherever they occur, was continued with amazing energy and patience – thank you!
under the direction of our Church contact, some clearing was done in the churchyard – really opening it up and giving clearer views across the ‘archaeology rich’ field beyond
further clearing and re-seeding of the river bank – along with building up and securing a footpath to extend the original, where there had been collapse
modern animal pens were demolished from within the Coach House, revealing a wonderful clear space – fantastic hard work went into this and the dedicated team were unstoppable!
as if that were not enough, they transferred their attentions to the Piggeries – more space revealed!
we had a team working diligently in the field cutting and sawing up fallen scrub trees – the difficulty we had was to get them to stop and come for refreshments!

In addition, two of our skilled volunteers secured some sheeting over an exposed area of roof at the back of the Coach House, to prevent more ingress of water and further collapse of that section of roof.

Sockburn activities would not be complete without the bonfire – lots of volunteers had a go at tending it.

On Sunday Dr Sarah Semple, Durham University Archaeology Department, came to Sockburn to tell the volunteers about the archaeology on the site, their findings from a Ground Penetrating Radar survey earlier in the year and what that leads them to believe might be available for further research in due course. Thanks for your time and energy, Sarah and colleagues; it's all very exciting stuff!

We had some group visits over the weekend – from Brompton Heritage Group on Saturday, Northallerton History Group on Tuesday evening – both led by Erik Matthews.

Northumbria Gardens Trust with colleagues, led by Martin Roberts and Marcus Jecock carried out a survey of the layout of the former formal gardens. This is all such helpful information which adds to our overall knowledge of the site - we are excited to read and see the results of the work!

Date for your diaries
Our next Working Weekend will be Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October 2011: we’ll be on site between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.

There will be a Working Day on Saturday 3 December 2011: we will be on site 10am – 4pm, it will be more of a festive get together with a bit of normal activity thrown in.

If you would like to come along to visit, rather than get involved with activities, to see how we are getting on, please come around 11.30am on either day – to coincide with our ‘coffee break’. If you are able to phone to let us know you hope to come we will know to expect you. If you are planning to bring a group of visitors, then it is essential to let us know in advance and we can arrange the best time.

Our 2012 Working Weekend dates will be out to you as soon as we can.

As always, a huge thank you to everyone for their wonderful efforts over the most recent weekend. A quick thank you also to Dot and Mick at Darlington B&B Harewood Lodge for making Sockburn volunteers (including some who weren't actually staying!) so welcome. To all Sockburn Hall Project supporters, we’ve said it before and it is so accurate: we wouldn’t be where we are today without you!

Enjoy the rest of the summer... we'll be in touch in advance of our October activities!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: July Extended Working Weekend Reminder

2011-07-13T16:32:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone

A productive summer weekend planned for Sockburn Hall Project!
Sockburn Hall Project's July Working Weekend will be an extended edition, taking place from Saturday 23 July to Tuesday 26 July. The guideline times we will be on site are below. It will be outdoor work on each day so be prepared for any variety of English summer weather; sturdy footwear is essential (boots preferable).

Guideline extended Working Weekend times, join us...
on Saturday 23, Sunday 24, Monday 25 from 9.30am to 5pm
on Tuesday 26 from 9.30am to 4pm

[Sockburn Hall, January 2011 (photo: ReidunM)]

Volunteers are welcome to join us for as much or as little of this time as they would like to. For those coming to visit rather than volunteer (unless on a pre-arranged visit), please aim to be with us between 11am and 12pm so it will coincide with our refreshment break and we will have opportunity to talk to you!

Phone Sarah on 07933 320242, email sockburn@gmail.com or confirm via our Facebook page, to let us know that you can attend so that we can plan activities. Refreshments will be provided as usual - let us know if you have any dietary needs - we will do our best! Sarah, Laura and the Sockburn Hall Project team are looking forward to seeing you!

[Heading in for refreshments after a great day's work, August 2008]

In other exciting news...
Sockburn Hall Project sends warm congratulations to Sockburn's long-standing supporter and expert in Anglo-Saxon history, Prof. Rosemary Cramp on her recent award in the Queen's Birthday Honours list (see Main List, page 3, and a fantastic article, 'Digging Detective', in the Northern Echo). Well done, Prof. Cramp!

[Prof. Rosemary Cramp speaking about Sockburn's history, at All Saints', Sockburn, July 2010 (photo: Anson Photography)]

During this upcoming Working Weekend we are excited to hear from experts from Durham University's Archaeology Department about the investigative work they undertook at Sockburn earlier this year - this is likely to be on Saturday or Sunday and a highlight for our volunteers!

We look forward to seeing you over the weekend, for those who would like to purchase a copy of Tapestry of Time: Twelve Centuries at Sockburn, we will have copies available!

Best wishes, and happy July!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 39 :: News of recent and upcoming Working Weekends

2011-03-30T03:24:00.000+01:00

Hello!

We have uploaded lots of pictures of our most recent Working Weekend to Flickr, with some highlights below... also, scroll down for the Working Weekend dates for the rest of the year. Be sure to get the end of July dates in the diary before the summer takes over!

Bright weather for a great March weekend
The first Working Weekend 2011 and our experiment with a three day Working Weekend was very successful. Apart from the amazing volunteers, one of the most important things at Sockburn is the weather: it was lovely and sunny all weekend and that makes a huge difference to our lives – almost continuous blue sky!

[Blue sky over Sockburn's roof line... highly photo-worthy!]

We were pleased to welcome some new volunteers, including a formidable father and daughter team. As always a wide range of jobs were tackled; the deck which had been swept along the river bank during flooding in the winter was rescued and is now back in place. Several vitally important routine maintenance jobs were undertaken, such as clearing the leaves from the crazy paving, tidying fallen wood from around All Saints’ Church – these jobs make a big difference to the appearance of the site and we really appreciate the efforts of everyone who worked so hard. The Shed on Wheels had its share of maintenance, too. It remains a constant source of interest and is a very useful facility on the site.

[Crazy paving maintenance]

Tree stumps at various points around the site were tackled – this is such a worthwhile job as it removes hazards, and so contributes to the safety of visitors and volunteers on site. Spectacular hard work went into this activity, thank you to everyone who got stuck into it!

[Father and daughter team tackle stump]

The ongoing saga of crazy drains...
The fascination with Sockburn drains is undiminished! Anyone who has witnessed the pooling of water in front of the house during heavy rain will be pleased to learn that we hope that may now be at least partly resolved – an obscured drain has been opened up and renovated which we hope will make a difference. But we are not wishing for rain to test it out! The re-construction work was a source of great interest to all of us over the course of the weekend. Many thanks to the volunteer at the heart of that grubby and essential work. Other volunteers tidied the edge of the grass and put in stakes to delineate the edge of the drive and further protect the drains - thank you all!

[Drain work: starting, in progress and the (nearly) finished project]

On drains, a row of three manhole covers was found just under the water line at the river's edge, as well as some brickwork. All of this looks quite intentional rather than being there accidentally - quite how and why they are there we aren’t sure; has anyone got any suggestions, please?

[Trying to understand the three drain cover and brickwork conundrum on the river's edge]

Visitors and thank yous
We were very pleased to have a number of visitors over the three days. Our local ‘bridge’ expert came – it is great to have a local source of knowledge about this part of the site. We were also visited by a local history group with their tutor and a history group from Stockton U3A. The U3A visit coincided with the arrival of Erik Matthews, who has contributed much information about the site and who is the author of a chapter in Sockburn Hall Project’s book Tapestry of Time, so they benefited from a professional’s account of the history at Sockburn. We were also visited by our Project’s volunteer professional photographer, Lawrence Conyers, Anson Photography, who never fails to see artistic opportunities!

As always, thanks go to all the volunteers, and to those who send any form of contribution towards the Working Weekends and our activities in general. It all helps so much and is really appreciated.

Working Weekend dates for the diary
The next Working Weekend is an extended summer edition! Join us from 23–26 July (Saturday–Tuesday). We will, as usual, send more information out about this one nearer the time.

Following that, in autumn we'll get together on 22 and 23 October (Saturday and Sunday) and in early December we will have our pre-Christmas Working Day – the date isn’t yet confirmed – we will get it to you as soon as we can.

Thank you again to everyone who helps both directly and indirectly with the work of the Project – we wouldn’t be where we are without you.

[Scillas in bloom up the avenue]

Look forward to seeing you at a Working Weekend later in the year, in the meantime: enjoy Spring!

Sarah (on-site reporter!), Laura and the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: March Working Weekend Reminder

2011-03-15T01:11:00.000Z

Hello!

We have our first volunteer Working Weekend of 2011 coming up, but it's been a busy three months at Sockburn. Hear a little about the visits and work on site below, but first...

Come and help this weekend!
Sockburn Hall Project's March Working Weekend will take place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 18, 19 and 20 March. The guideline times we will be on site are below. It will be outdoor work on each day so be prepared for any weather, sturdy footwear is essential (boots preferable).

[Keep an eye out for the beautiful snowdrops and spring flowers at Sockburn]

Phone Sarah on 07933320242 to let us know that you can attend so that we can plan activities. Refreshments will be provided as usual - let us know if you have any dietary needs, we will do our best! Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project team are looking forward to seeing you!

Guideline Working Weekend times, join us...
    On Friday 18 from 10.30am to 5pm
    On Saturday 19 from 9.30am to 5pm
    On Sunday 20 from 9.30am to 4pm

A big THANK YOU to all our visitors
In mid-February we were visited by our wonderful Darlington Scouts who worked their magic on scrub land, now a path, along the riverside field edge. Intrepid Scouts started the (damp!) day with compass and orienteering work in the field and, as is a Sockburn-Scouts standard, ended it with a bonfire in the rain! (Scouts photos on Flickr.)

[Scouts orienteering in the field at Sockburn.. in the rain again!]

[Path along field edge cleared by Darlington Scouts]

A group from Jorvik Viking Festival came to Sockburn tracing the area's Viking heritage. Dave Went (English Heritage) and David Petts (Department of Archaeology, Durham University) led a tour which the site's history through the landscape. (Jorvik photos on Flickr.)

[Dave Went, English Heritage, talks to a group from Jorvik Viking Festival]

We are excited to see the progress made the entrance to All Saints' Church, Sockburn. The Diocese of Durham, English Heritage, and Church Commissioners jointly funded the work which improves the safety of the roofed chapel and, with improved lighting, makes interpretation of the stones easier. Well done to all involved! (All Saints', Sockburn photos on Flickr.)

[Improved entrance of the roofed chapel of Sockburn's ruined All Saints' Church]

Photos
We have a great new posting of photos at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn/pool, including pictures of the visits above, and look out for more photos after the weekend...

Have a great weekend, wherever you are, and happy March!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: December Working Day Update

2010-12-08T22:43:00.000Z

Hello

Unfortunately due to the very inclement weather in the north east, and specifically at Sockburn, we have decided to cancel the Working Day which we had scheduled for this coming Saturday, 11 December. We are very sorry to miss this festive and fun day, and are grateful to all those who had hoped to attend.

Our first Working Weekend of 2011 will be March 18-20 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday); we hope that the worst of the winter weather will be well and truly over by then!

Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: December Working Day Reminder & All Saints Update

2010-12-02T18:51:00.003Z

Hello!

Festive Working Day
We very much hope to proceed with our planned Working Day on Saturday 11 December from 10am-4pm as weather should be milder then, but we will have to confirm final plans with a brief email late next week as currently weather conditions are appalling at Sockburn and throughout the region! The snow on the lane means Sockburn Hall is at present not easily accessible but we're hoping for a speedy melt. If you are planning on coming from further afield, then please call Sarah on 07933 320242 or email sockburn@gmail.com to get an update of likely plans sooner. Warm clothes, sturdy boots, or wellies if possible, will be essential for all! We hope you (and we!) can come for this great festive day. Good wishes and crossed fingers for weather much appreciated!

If rather than volunteering, you are coming to visit, offer moral support, or to buy one of our books, we would be very grateful if you came between 10.30 and 11.30am so that volunteers working in the grounds can get best use of the time - and light! - available. Should you be able to bring snacks for the day, mince pies or similar festive fare will be most gratefully received by all workers!

[Sockburn Hall in late December 2009]

Former Church of Sockburn All Saints
An update from Bill Heslop, Diocese of Durham

On Monday 17 November Swaledale Stonemasonry began work to consolidate the remains of the old church, to improve security and to re-cover the roof of the chapel. The works have been specified by Mr Christopher Downs, architect, and have been authorised by Faculty from the Consistory Court.

Given fair weather Mr Mark Scofield, director of Swaledale Stonemasonry hopes to complete the work just before Christmas 2010.

Durham Diocese is paying for the works, which are costing over £38,000, with the help of a 60% English Heritage grant, and a 28% Church Commissioners grant.

Thanks for your interest in Sockburn and your vital support. We hope that you are well and warm!

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 38

2010-11-02T21:40:00.014Z

Hello!

News from our twenty-fifth working weekend, Sarah reports:
The Japanese maples were in their lovely autumn colours and we had some great light and sunsets, and some wonderful log fires and, of course, the usual bonfire. [Take a look at the photos: www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn/pool] Another intrepid group of Sockburn Hall Project volunteers arrived – always cheerful, and ready for anything we challenged them with.

[Autumn Japanese maple]

One of the last trees that had been threatening some of the outbuildings was skilfully taken down – ropes and pulleys in use again, and is now stacked as fire wood for some of those cold winter Working Weekends to come. Log piles were re-stocked for next time and the Shed has its log supply replenished too.

More has been revealed about the routes of drains and there was much discussion about those – Sockburn volunteers remain fascinated by drains! We were lucky to have several experts on site over the weekend and had some interesting features pointed out to us - thank you to them all for their time.

[The scientific work of establishing best use for the new beer garden deck]

Looking forward to days of relaxation? The decking at the end of the riverside path was created; the photo shows us how to enjoy it, in case we couldn’t work it out for ourselves! The break was well earned: more original materials were salvaged and stored from buildings that are in danger of further deterioration, an intact glass pantile was saved and a lot of general tidying was done around the site with great improvements made.

[Perfume brick... lots of speculation, but can you enlighten us?]

An interesting find, a 'perfume brick'. We speculated about where it might be used – no one had the definite answer, does anyone know? Our tireless Library volunteer has sorted out the books and arranged for a few boxes of those not to be kept to be donated to the British Heart Foundation - a good cause and a great job done!

The last Working Day of 2010 is Saturday 11 December from 10am until about 4pm; we hope it will be a relaxed and festive day, with some tidying up in the grounds but not too much hard work! Please let us know if you are intending to come – either by email to sockburn@gmail.com or by phoning Sarah on 07933 320242. If you would like to come just to visit, see how we are getting on, or to buy a copy of Tapestry of Time, please try to come around 11/11.30am. This should coincide with coffee time!

We will get the 2011 Working Weekend dates out as soon as we can – sorry for the delay. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped, and is helping with the Project work in anyway.

[A Sockburn sunset]

Happy November!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: October Working Weekend Reminder

2010-10-19T00:13:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone

[Sockburn Hall 2010, photo Anson Photography]

Help at Sockburn this autumn: 23 & 24 October

We hope that you will be able to join us this coming weekend for Sockburn Hall Project's next volunteer Working Weekend. We'll be working in the grounds from 10am to around 4pm on Saturday and Sunday on a variety of tasks, so come dressed for potentially grubby outdoor work, whatever the weather! The Sockburn Hall Project books will be available to purchase.

With the generous help of supporters, we provide food to sustain Sockburn Hall Project's wonderful volunteers. To help with organising refreshments, and so that we can plan our day's activities please let us know if you'll be able to make it; email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07933 320242.

As always, don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions, ideas or suggestions.

Hoping that your October is treating you well...

Laura, Sarah and Sockburn Hall Project x

[Sock

[The avenue of limes at Sockburn Hall]

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 37

2010-09-21T01:55:00.000+01:00

Hello!

The low down on the September Working Weekend
Sarah reports: At the recent Working Weekend at Sockburn Hall we enjoyed wonderful early September sunshine. The volunteers turned up for the usual bizarre assortment of jobs – which, as always, they undertake with unfailing enthusiasm, hard work and humour... and a little tasty fuel.

[Anyone for cake?]

More work was done on the river bank paths, further extending the edging and spreading a firm hardcore base to assist drainage; the two sets of steps – old and new – are now linked by paths at the top and bottom and gives much safer access onto the river bank and a lovely view across the river.

[Using reclaimed hardcore to level the upper riverside path]

We decided to help our neighbour whose cattle graze the field by continuing his removal of the ubiquitous ragwort – which was brought back up to the bonfire by various means for burning.

[Careful ragwort removal in the field]

Further work was done at the rear of the house to fit temporary gutters and downpipes to duct rainwater away from walls and building and into the existing drainage system. The Shed has had its windows painted and the log pile increased again – always good news thinking of winter working weekends!

A job that we’ve been thinking about for many months was started, and has made a huge difference: we’ve significantly cleared the bridge abutment on the Sockburn side of the river and revealed some beautiful old stone and brickwork which had been covered by rogue tree branches and ivy for generations. Take a look at some of the photos on Flickr to get an idea of the challenge! Great fun was had down there, along with a huge bonfire.

[Clearing the bridge abutment: ▲ during and ▼ after]

On Saturday we had a visit from Swainby Local History Group; it was a nice to enjoy some more experts telling us exciting things about the site. On Sunday a group from Northumbria Gardens Trust visited and were shown round by Marcus Jecock from English Heritage – an expert on the site’s archaeology.

We were very pleased to receive our second print run of Tapestry of Time at the weekend – but it has sold out again! A third print run in underway – email us to pre-order your copy.

As always, we would like to thank all our volunteers – for their huge contribution to the future of the site. It was good to welcome a few new volunteers this time; we hope we’ll see you again!

[A new 'companion' volunteer watches and learns]

To see more pictures from a lovely September weekend at Sockburn, visit www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn

The next Working Weekend is 23/24 October
We look forward to seeing you then if you are free to head Sockburn-wards... and if you can't, we look forward to seeing you when you can!

Don't hesitate to get in touch (email sockburn@gmail.com or call 07933 320242) if you want to get involved with Sockburn Hall Project or if your work or study could help us: we're grateful for your support and enthusiasm!

Happy Autumn!

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: September Working Weekend Reminder

2010-08-28T15:37:00.001+01:00

Hello!

Get your work boots out for Sockburn's 4/5 September Working Weekend!
After a busy summer, we are looking forward to more work in the grounds at Sockburn Hall. We hope that you can join us - fingers crossed for good weather, but come prepared for anything! Join us on site any time from 9.30 am for as long as you feel like on Saturday and/or Sunday.

It will be helpful to know who to expect so please let us know if you hope to make it, by emailing sockburn@gmail.com or calling Sarah on 07933 320242. Refreshments will be provided, and contributions are welcome.

[Cover of Tapestry of Time]

We hope that copies of the second print run of Tapestry of Time: Twelve Centuries at Sockburn will be available by the Working Weekend. If you wish to buy a copy of this, or any other Sockburn book but are not volunteering over the weekend please come around coffee time, 11 am, on Saturday or Sunday.

Thanks for your help and support - we're looking forward to seeing you!

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 36

2010-07-26T21:57:00.036+01:00

Hello!

Sockburn's 2010 book is launched! Tapestry of Time: Twelve centuries at Sockburn
Thanks to everyone who helped to make Sockburn Hall Project's 4 July Book Launch & Summer Social such a success. We had an amazing weekend and there are now only a few 'first edition' books left; find out more about ordering your copy via the 'Order Books & Prints' page on the Sockburn blog. We will arrange another print run, if there is sufficient interest! Keep an eye on www.sockburnhall.co.uk and this Sockburn update.

Tapestry of Time, Sockburn Hall Project's beautifully illustrated book featuring chapters on the history of Sockburn alongside contributions from Sockburn supporters and enthusiasts from around the world.

Thanks to the 100+ guests, speakers and volunteers, to all those who prepared the site so beautifully, donated, purchased, gave talks, took us on walks, and showed huge support for Sockburn Hall. We thoroughly enjoyed wonderful talks from Professor Cramp, Durham University; Dave Went, English Heritage; and Jesse Meredith, Durham Biodiversity Partnership Veteran Trees Project. Sockburn is very lucky to have such vibrant and enthusiastic supporters! Please take a look at the many new photos on Flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

Dave Went, author of the 2007 English Heritage report on Sockburn (above), who took guests on a fascinating tour of the site's archaeology - Sockburn's 'lumps and bumps'. Professor Rosemary Cramp (below) gives a talk to complement her chapter in Tapestry of Time, 'Sockburn before the Normans'.

Both this special event and the books it launched, Tapestry of Time and the reprint of the 1910 Sockburn Book of Contributions and Sketch of the History of the Parish of Sockburn, have brought together Sockburn experts, enthusiasts and talented artists who are all contributing to a bright future for the site.

Professor Mick Aston, best known for his role on Channel 4's Time Team, joins in a discussion of Sockburn's history with Dave Went, Professor Rosemary Cramp and other Sockburn experts on site.

More visitors!

Sockburn has been a hive of activity recently! We enjoyed great visits from OGITS (an 'Older Gentleman's Irregular Trekking Society'!) and Darlington & Teesdale Field Naturalist's Club.

OGITS (above) talking in the churchyard, and Darlington & Teesdale Field Naturalist's Club (below) take a break from the rain.

Meanwhile work has continued on the perpetual issue of Sockburn drains - this time above ground, and effective temporary drainage has been put in place in the back corridor, and on the Sockburn website, working towards an improved website!

Keeping the ball rolling!

Our next Working Weekend is on 4/5 September: we'll send a quick email reminder out before the weekend, but please don't hesitate to contact us in the mean time if you think you will be able to attend. Our email: sockburn@gmail.com; Sarah's mobile number: 07933 320242.

We usually try to get emails out a little sooner after the event, but a continued buzz of activity - online and on site - has slowed this update's production.

A huge THANK YOU from all of us. Please don't hesitate to get in touch via sockburn@gmail.com to order your copy of any of the Sockburn books, or if you have any questions.

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: July Working Weekend Reminder

2010-06-26T09:46:00.005+01:00

Hello!

Our summer Working Weekend is coming up - help us prepare Sockburn for 4 July
Starting early for this weekend, join us from 10am on Friday 2 July. Sockburn Hall Project's busy Working Weekend will include preparation for Sunday's Book Launch & Summer Social. On Sunday when we will be launching Tapestry of Time: Twelve centuries at Sockburn and the centennial reprint of the book which inspired it, The Sockburn Book of Contributions. We'll let you know how to order the book after its launch on 4 July. (If you haven't give us your RSVP for Sunday please do so on the event webpage.)

[Tapestry of Time, launched on 4 July 2010]

For those attending for the Working Weekend (Friday & Saturday) please bring gloves - if you have them, sturdy shoes, and clothes for our glorious English weather! Let us know when you will be arriving: email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07933 320242 (or, for this event only, Laura on 07814 248564).

Hope that you are enjoying a wonderful summer.

Laura x
& the Sockburn Hall Project team

Sockburn Hall Project :: Sockburn's shed has global appeal

2010-06-19T03:23:00.003+01:00

Take a look at the poster image for a new exhibition at Toronto's Gendai gallery.

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 35

2010-05-11T01:31:00.008+01:00

Hello!

Spring is bringing all manner of excitement around Sockburn; in preparation for the 2010 book it's becoming one of the most photographed houses (in the Neasham-Dinsdale-Girsby area!) and we've had some amazing volunteer work and some great visits. Thanks to everyone who continues to work on, and think about, and inspire us towards the great future Sockburn has ahead. In the meantime...

Notes from a sunny April weekend for Sockurn Hall Project
Sarah took the great new photos on Flickr, and writes : 24 & 25 April was the first full Working Weekend of 2010. We had the sort of weather that transforms Sockburn and makes the rain and mud of the winter seem like a distant memory!

[Clearing overhanging trees near the coach house]

The volunteers started arriving on site bright and early and as usual we had plenty of jobs lined up which they undertook with great gusto! The first was to get the old safe from its temporary resting place in the service corridor to the skip. This was some task but, as can be seen from the photographs, great thought planning and fantastic team work – job done!

['Rolling' the safe to the skip]

Fallen wood was collected from All Saints' churchyard, to leave it looking tidy; more edging stones to the pathway on the river bank were uncovered – it was a beautiful day to be working near the river.

Trees overhanging buildings were cut back; great care was taken to make sure the fragile buildings were not threatened – ropes and pulleys and great team work came into play.

[Delicate work to keep the remaining stable structure safe]

Another team did magnificent work in the exposed service corridor of the house and removed the remaining growth and vegetation from the surviving areas of roof – and eventually set up temporary drainage channels to get water to run away from the walls.

[Temporary drainage to keep the back hallway walls dry]

The dedicated Piggeries team have completed the main area – it’s all clear! They need congratulating on their persistence and determination to get to the end of the job.

[Amazing space in the piggeries]

We had a ‘first’ on Sunday – members of Durham Kayak Club who were paddling the River Tees from Neasham arranged a stop off at Sockburn for their picnic lunch - making a kind donation to the Sockburn Hall Project by way of a thank you. It was a lovely sight to see them paddling into view and we were very pleased that we were able to provide a stop off point for them and look forward to doing the same again. As you’ll see from the pictures the river bank team kept working throughout the excitement! What do you have to do to get Sockburn volunteers to stop working?

[Durham Kayak Club arrives at Sockburn]

The enthusiasm, generosity, skills (combined and individual) of the Sockburn Hall Project volunteers is quite remarkable - we are enormously indebted to you all. Everyone brings something very special to the Project and we are delighted to see you, whether you come frequently or infrequently, it doesn’t matter - you are always welcome.

Don't forget, you can take a full look at the photos on Flickr, and catch up with fellow Sockburn Hall Project volunteers, enthusiasts and Sockburn news on Facebook.

Coming up: Sockburn 1910 & 2010 book launch & our summer Working Weekend
Keep an eye out for an invitation to our upcoming 'book launch' event on 4 July - and please remember to RSVP! The book launch, with talks (and cake!) will be held on the Sunday of our next Working Weekend: 3/4 July but make a note that activities will start early this time, on Friday 2 July, for those who can make it.

Looking forward to sharing Sockburn with you this summer.

Laura x
Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project team

Sockburn Hall Project :: April Working Weekend Reminder

2010-04-21T01:02:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone

It's short notice, I'm afraid - a quick reminder that our next Working Weekend at Sockburn Hall is this weekend, 24/25 April.

Please call Sarah on 07933 320242 or email us via sockburn@gmail.com to let us know if you plan to attend - this helps us plan activities and food. Bring your sense of adventure, work shoes/boots and clothes that can get dirty!

Hope you have fun weekend plans wherever you are.

So, signing off with a pertinent Blackett family motto...

Working in hope

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Call for 2010 Book Contributions Reminder

2010-04-06T23:07:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone!

As promised, a quick reminder... the last day for contributions to Sockburn's 2010 book is this Sunday, 11 April.

if you need some inspiration... take a look at our post with Aimée's ideas
if you have an idea, but need more time, just email us; we can probably keep the door open longer, if we know when yours will arrive and how much you are sending (a word count estimate/the image size)

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch. And just to let you know...

Who can contribute? Anyone!
What can you contribute? Anything printable (a favourite quote, poem, story... a sketch or photo... your imagination is the limit!)
How can it be contributed? By email to sockburn@gmail.com or contact us for the address to post contributions.
When is it due? Sunday 11 April unless you contact us sooner to let us know it's on its way!

We're looking forward to seeing you at the next Working Weekend at Sockburn Hall on 24/25 April. Please call Sarah on 07933 320242 or email sockburn@gmail.com to let us know if you plan to attend.

Be in touch soon, and belated Happy Easter!

Laura, Aimée, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Call for 2010 Book Contributions

2010-03-10T12:27:00.011Z

Hi everyone

We've mentioned in earlier emails about our 2010 Book for Sockburn and we're now getting in touch to ask for the important part: your stories, poems, sketches and memories.

A Call for Contributions
Volunteers and supporters are the heart of the Sockburn Hall Project. We are a group of individuals bonded together by a common interest, but the paths we walk through the Project are as rich and varied as the crazy paving we’re continuously uncovering!

Some of Sockburn’s supporters knew the site long before Sockburn Hall Project came into existence, and it is their photos, memories and stories that offer glimpses into a history we are all fascinated by.

One brave volunteer, Aimée, is working all of your contributions into the 2010 book. Thinking about the book, she writes: 'We want to include your unique viewpoint in the centennial celebration of the Sockburn Hall Book, because through your interest and effort, you have become part of the story that Sockburn will tell to future generations.’ Aimée has some great ideas to help volunteers and supporters get started on their contribution - take a look at 'Aimée's ideas' below.

There are no restrictions on what you can submit and all contributions are appreciated, though we hope that you’ll understand that they may be edited for length or formatted to fit the constraints of the project. However, we will keep your original reflections as authentic as possible.

Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, 11 April 2010. We will send out a reminder email a week in advance. To submit your contribution or should you have any questions, contact us: sockburn@gmail.com, 07933 320242 or by mail to Sarah Geary c/o Sockburn Hall (2010 Book), Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1PH.

There are a great variety of contribution styles in the 1910 Sockburn Book of Contributions, many quotes from Tennyson, Dickens, Shakespeare, but for your entertainment, and perhaps to inspire you, below are a random sample of the contributions written by 1910 Sockburn supporters:

Mr. Allanson Benson … … Ghyll Thorne, Bromley, Kent
The only way to have a friend is to be one.

Mr. Robert Bird … … Sockburn
If you’ve got a hole to mend in a SOCK
Don’t get into your head to BURN it
So do not shirk, but set to work
With a needle and wool and WORM it

[Robert Bird, Sockburn Gamekeeper, 1910: photo supplied by Robert's great-grandson, Scott Jones-Christ]

Mrs. Hallworth … … Sockburn
Make the best of one another : everyone has some weak points ; but we must fix our attention on their good qualities, and encourage them.

Aimée’s ideas: how to get started on your contribution

Through gathering these snippets of individual experience, we hope to bring the readers of this volume the essence of the Sockburn Hall Project, and the people interested and involved in the site. For that reason, why not have a think about…

Initial impressions...
Close your eyes and take a minute to remember the first time you visited the site. What stood out? The building, a friendly face, Mary’s dogs barking a welcoming call? Jot it down, write a haiku or create a collage that captures the essence of the beginning of your journey with us.

Getting stuck in...
Once you’d got your hands dirty, or started your research you began to feel a sense of belonging to Sockburn just as it, through your hard work, begins to belong to you. What are the feelings you experienced on-site as you delved deeper into the project? Was there a particular location, building, bit of landscape or event during your time here that defines the atmosphere of the place for you? Share your journal entries, sketches, or narratives with us.

Friends through Sockburn...
Remember those strangers you met at the beginning of your journey? That person who through the process of wielding a shovel, moving trees and tackling ivy, you ended up laughing with, sweating with, and eventually knowing? Chances are they remember you pretty well too. Even though the Project was formed to save a place, it has also begun to build a community. So let us know what stands out about the people you have got to know in the Sockburn Hall Project community.

Lingering memories
Whew, your working weekend is over! You’re finally home, the dirt wiped clean, and you are exhausted, but so satisfied at the accomplishments of your time at Sockburn (of course those newly discovered muscles feel pretty good too). But maybe a month or two later, you’re on your way to work and… what is it? A sound, smell, or the glimpse of something that instantly brings a smile to your face and your heart right back to your experiences at Sockburn. Share these memories with us and they will have a chance to bring smiles and inspiration to many people to come.

So will you find ten minutes at lunch today, or settled with a cup of tea, to share a part of your Sockburn experience with us?

Please note: Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, 11 April 2010. We will send out a reminder email a week in advance. Email your contribution to sockburn@gmail.com, or post to Sarah Geary c/o Sockburn Hall (2010 Book), Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1PH. If you have any questions, please email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07933 320242.

Mrs. John Hugill … … Over Dinsdale
To be happy and to make others happy is the highest privilege in life.

Thank you for your time, and your contribution!

Laura, Aimée, Sarah & all the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 34

2010-03-04T01:04:00.007Z

Hello!

Read on for news of £37k support from English Heritage and a huge commendation for our volunteers' work. But first, a report from our February Working Day...

Mud & drains: Sockburn's Hall Project's 2010 starts on a fun, if muddy footing!
Sarah reports: Though the weather on Friday did nothing to inspire our confidence for the Working Day, things looked up as we started Saturday with a dry, grey day, which soon turned into a very welcome warm and sunny one! And Spring is coming - photos follow to prove it! There are masses of snowdrops and aconites around the grounds of the Hall.

[Sockburn snowdrops]

We were very pleased also to have on site a group from Arch & Arch (The Architectural & Archaeological Society of Durham & Northumberland) who had come to examine, record and photograph some interesting features in the house - we will have more to report later in the year! At the end of the afternoon, we had an expert summary from the leader of the group, explaining what they had found. We are very grateful to the team for doing this important recording. It all helps greatly increase our knowledge of the house.

While they worked in the Hall, we had a well-booted-&-wrapped-up group join us in the grounds. There must be a word for a group of people who are fascinated by drains (drain-o-philes?), because that is what we had at Sockburn on Saturday! In view of the land drainage concerns we decided to investigate the drains, to find out where water off the land drained to and to and unblock where and if we could.

[Many brains on the drains]

At the end of the day, we had not, unfortunately, solved the drain mystery... but we have looked at some very interesting drains! Whilst doing this we did encourage water to flow towards functional drains - in this we succeeded!

As you would imagine, we have some wonderful drain related images on Flickr... no, really! Does anyone know what sort of a drain this is?

[Mud... oh, and have you any idea what type of drain this might be?]

In addition to this, some volunteers headed to the Piggeries - the end really is now in sight down there so if any of you have been staying away for fear of being sent there - don't worry, there isn't a lot more to do before volunteers can plan for the building's next use!

As usual, no one went hungry - loads of the usual supply of cheese scones, excellent home made soup and cakes. Thank you to everyone who gave up their Saturday to help the Project - your generosity is remarkable.

The next Working Weekend is Saturday 24/Sunday 25 April. Hope you can join us!

English Heritage continue to show their support for Sockburn Hall
We try to say often how much our volunteers support means to us, but talking in the context of the most recent English Heritage grants, Carol Pyrah, Regional Director of Planning & Development, at English Heritage, gives us their perspective, in emphatic terms:

"This is a site of great historical significance and there would be a gap in our region’s heritage if it was allowed to fall into disrepair. That is why we are delighted to help out with its continued restoration and we wish the volunteers and the owners every success in the huge amount of work they continue to put into the project.

Their contribution to the historical potential of the hall is highly valued and their hard work and enthusiasm cannot be under-estimated."

The £37,000 English Heritage 'Project Development Grant' is being used to establish the extent of the work required to restore Sockburn Hall, provide a cost estimate for the restoration, and develop a financially sustainable plan for the building and site. It's a huge undertaking and this incredibly valuable work will help the owners and all Sockburn's supporters to secure a bright future for Sockburn Hall that can be enjoyed by the local and wider public for generations to come.

Take a look at the Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times
websites to see local press reports.

This English Heritage grant reinforces thousands of volunteer hours put into the grounds at Sockburn Hall during our regular Working Weekends, and behind the scenes. Thanks for all your help and support: your hard work and enthusiasm continue to play a phenomenal role in Sockburn's future.

Finally...
We'll be in touch soon with news of the 2010 book - have you been thinking about your contribution?

Laura x
& Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project Team

Sockburn Hall Project :: February Working Day Reminder

2010-02-19T01:21:00.008Z

Hello!

After a l-ooo-ng winter, we are ready for some non-snow related activity at Sockburn...

Help Sockburn Hall Project get an energetic start to 2010!
It's coming up! Our first Working Day of 2010: join us on Saturday 27 February from 10am - 4pm to get on with clearing, maintenance and conservation work in the grounds of Sockburn Hall.

[Sockburn in late December]

As ever, it's potentially mucky work, so bring your boots, work gloves if you have them, and warm clothes. To help with planning the day's activities and refreshments, let us know that you can make it, or to ask about a lift from/to Darlington Station, please email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07933 320242.

Sockburn's 1910 book
In 1910 Bertha Clegg [pictured], was writing to her friends and family locally and all over the world asking for their entry to the Sockburn Book of Contributions. Some quoted favourite poems or phrases, some offered a joke or wrote a few words about their perspective on life or their interest in Sockburn. In publishing this, and the accompanying book about Sockburn's history, Bertha was (as she puts it) 'making a strenuous effort to raise funds to build a vicarage' for the Parish of Sockburn at Girsby.

100 years on: Sockburn's 2010 book
A century later I'm writing to friends, supporters and family (...that's you! Hello!) asking you to do the same for our 2010 version of the Book of Contributions.

You can use someone else's words or your own, or submit a sketch - anything that is printable! If desired, your entry can be anonymous, but we look forward to seeing the names of lots of Sockburn's volunteers, supporters and enthusiasts in print.

Plans are afoot for our own Sockburn summer celebration and the launch of our 2010 book to raise funds for Sockburn Hall Project. We'd love you to all to be a part of this: email sockburn@gmail.com with your text or any questions. Please take a moment to think back to one of your favourite experiences or memories (Sockburn related or otherwise)... jot it down and let us have the result!

Thank you for all of your support. Sockburn Hall Project happens because of you!

We'll be in touch with pictures and news of progress after the Working Day next weekend. In the meantime, happy February!

Laura x
& all the Sockburn Hall Project Team

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 33

2009-12-19T15:09:00.016Z

Hello!

Sockburn Hall Project's last working day of 2009 and our Christmas festivities began with a wonderful group of volunteers, a lot of hard work and plenty of Christmas treats!

A December Working Day
An impressive number of intrepid volunteers braved what started out as a cold and foggy December morning for the last Working Day of 2009. The day cleared up beautifully - which is more than can be said of the Sockburn mud! We are very grateful to the local skip hire company, Albert Hill, for the very generous contribution of a skip for the weekend. Making good use of that was the first job tackled by the volunteers - and a big pile of debris was moved from the Stable Yard.

[During & after... clearance round the coach house]

[A very practical Christmas contribution!]

We spent the rest of the day on general tidying and maintenance work - the Lime Avenue had a smarten up, first of all by a group of volunteers and then the area all around the trees was cleared of fallen wood by the Darlington & District Scout group who came again to work for the afternoon. They kept the bonfire going for us!

[The lime avenue was well cleared of branches & debris]

[During & after... the lime avenue is ready for winter]

Members of the Scout group also helped to create a flight of steps up to the area at the back of the Stable block, which had until now been approached up a rather hazardous slope - but no longer!

[New steps leading up to behind the coach house & stable block]

Leaves were cleared from the crazy paving paths to prevent them disappearing again and also from a large area of grass - greatly improving the overall look of the site. The quest against self-set sycamores continued as stumps were reduced and removed.

In the afternoon we were very pleased to welcome the brass band for a second time - their visit in December 2008 was fantastic and their 2009 carols round the bonfire were just as enjoyable. Mulled wine, mincepies and Christmas cake all helped to make the Christmas atmosphere.

[Festive volunteers...]

[Christmas Carols by the bonfire to end the Working Day]

A big thank you to all the volunteers for their amazing work, encouragement and enthusiasm throughout the year. Thank you again to Anthony, at Albert Hill Skip Hire for the generous contribution this weekend, and of course to all the members of the brass band who gave us such a lovely ending to the day.

We would also like to thank everyone who throughout the year has made contributions of various kinds that have helped us to keep the Working Weekends running smoothly. It has been a year of great progress on the site and on the house which has been wonderful to see.

Working Weekend dates for 2010...
We look forward to seeing you next year, whenever you can manage it - you will always be welcome!

Saturday 27 February (Working Day)
24/25 April
3/4 July
4/5 September
23/24 October
Saturday 11 December (Working Day)

Finally we would like to wish all our supporters and enthusiasts - locally and further afield - a very happy Christmas, and a fun and peaceful new year.

We are looking forward to being part of Sockburn Hall Project with you in 2010!

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: December Working Day Reminder

2009-12-05T19:32:00.010Z

Hi everyone!

A rather more lengthy reminder than usual - after all, it's a busy time of year! I reckon this makes it an ideal time to head over to Sockburn Hall and enjoy a brief escape from it all, speaking of which...

Sockburn Hall Project's Christmas Working Day
On Saturday 12 December volunteers are meeting at Sockburn Hall from 10am to 4pm to finish off preparing the grounds for winter. We would love it if you could come and help!

[Carols by the bonfire in 2008]

The wonderful brass band who came last year have kindly offered to play carols at the end of the day so come along, get outside and get in the Christmas mood! Let us know when to expect you (& how many mince pies to bake!) by emailing sockburn@gmail.com or calling Sarah on 07933 320242.

High drama at Sockburn
November saw Darlington photographer, Lawrence Conyers, capture Sockburn's dramatic potential with the help of model, Sam - and a fantastic period wardrobe! Great to see Sockburn again capturing imagination. We'll post more pictures on www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn/pool when we have them.

[Model Samantha Owers on the stairs in Sockburn Hall.
Photograph used with permission: Anson Photography]

Urgent Repairs!
The first phase of work on the Hall is completed. We are delighted with the English Heritage/family funded temporary repairs. Whilst weatherproofing Sockburn they still provide a breathable membrane to allow the building to dry out. We have a lot to do, but it is great to remember how far we've come. Thanks to English Heritage and all our supporters for their help!

[A small example of the larger work undertaken.
Before & after: Sockburn's gabled windows are temporarily, but well, weatherproofed.]

Finally thanks go to Darlington Civic Trust
... for inviting us to have a stand at their exhibition of Darlington heritage last month. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the attendees and look forward to seeing you at Sockburn soon!

[Volunteers chat with attendees at the Darlington Civic Trust's November exhibition]

I'll email with progress and pictures after the Working Day. Til then, hope you are having a great December, and whether you can join us this coming weekend or not - enjoy it!

Laura & the Sockburn Hall Project team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 32

2009-10-28T11:46:00.013Z

Hello everyone!

Wow! We had a wonderful Working Weekend at Sockburn. It was such a treat to be there in person! Sockburn saw huge industry with volunteers and the contractors both working on Saturday. More about the joint-funded emergency repairs later, but for now...

[Without vegetation and with tin on the roof!]

Our October Working Weekend
We started Saturday by relocating logs from the cleared self-set sycamores, added to the log pile, Sockburn's collection is pretty impressive! The cleared, and very photogenic 'hidden garden', is looking all the better for it.

Braving the short-lived - but very wet! - rain, we found and cleared the lower path running along the river bank. A low wall on the Hall side of the path has been uncovered and is undamaged by years of growth over it! We're intrigued as to whether the stones were originally reclaimed from another area of the site.

[Carefully uncovering the path along the bank]

Work on Sunday means that the end is in sight in the huge room in the piggeries! There's only one full 'pen' to clear... there have been some great teams working in that area - even in bright sunshine it takes a certain determination to keep going down there!

And as ever, work didn't stop there: the open roofed area of stable block has been protected against the weather and clearance work across the site carried on. Thanks to all involved: your practical help is invaluable, and you know how much it is bringing the site to life!

Weatherproofing Sockburn
English Heritage and the owners are joint-funding the emergency repairs and weatherproofing work which started on Sockburn Hall earlier this month.

Visitors and volunteers can instantly see the difference with the Sockburn's roof vegetation conspicuous by its absence and shiny tin sheeting replacing missing slates. Inside the work is having an impact too, giving the family safer access to carefully clear rooms, and look at features of the house which have been inaccessible for years.

[Laura looking for Father Christmas up the dining room chimney. Good work to Mum (Sarah) for the artsy pic!]

Ideas, help and suggestions! 2010 is on its way...
We're making plans for next summer, and it should be fun. Get in touch to join in - email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07933 320242. For starters, we've found a huge union flag which is need of repair if you have sewing skills... Can you help?!

Sockburn Hall Project's midwinter volunteer get-together
Our next Working Day is Saturday 12 December, we'll be working from about 10am - 4pm and are looking forward to getting the site tidy for winter. Mincepies and hopefully carols will finish the day on a festive note! Let us know if you can make it by emailing sockburn@gmail.com or calling 07933 320242.

It has been amazing to see the wonderful work volunteers have done, and are doing in the grounds. In addition seeing the first repairs to Sockburn Hall itself is momentous! The joint-funded emergency and weatherproofing work would not have happened without all the volunteer support. Well done!

I'll be in touch with a reminder about the December Working Day - enjoy the coming months!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: October Working Weekend Reminder

2009-10-15T17:28:00.010+01:00

Hi everyone!

I'm very excited to be heading to Sockburn soon for my first Working Weekend in over six months - can it really have been so long? - I hope that you can make it too!

In a large part due to the fantastic support from volunteers and supporters on and off site, we've got work jointly funded by the family and English Heritage going on in Sockburn Hall itself - it's wonderful to be weatherproofing the Hall in time for winter and getting the most urgent repairs underway. Thank you for all you support getting us here. I hope to be able to upload photos to www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn after next weekend - speaking of which:

Sockburn Hall Project's last full Working Weekend of 2009
Our next Working Weekend is coming up on 24 & 25 October we are looking forward to seeing you if you can make it. Because we have such a great new surface to the access road we are not daunted by the prospect of rain... but please come prepared for any weather, wear clothes that can get dirty, sturdy footwear and bring your sense of adventure!

To help us plan refreshments and activities, let us know when you are likely to arrive, and if we can give you a lift from/to Darlington station. Sarah's contact number is 07933 320242 or you can email sockburn@gmail.com.

Sockburn Hall in 1927

Thank you to Owen Evans for this wonderful photo of Sockburn... if you have found any old or interesting images of the site please don't hesitate to bring them to the Working Weekend - or even better, send them to sockburn@gmail.com.

I look forward to catching up with everyone and seeing first hand all the hard work that has gone in over the summer!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 31

2009-09-09T18:25:00.010+01:00

Hello!

It was a fantastic weekend: Sockburn Hall Project has the most amazingly generous and fun supporters... and what volunteers accomplish in one weekend is astounding!

We weren’t rained off this time!
Sarah reports: 'Plenty of willing volunteers came over the weekend and, as always, great things were achieved. Thank you all very much – what a difference you make.

In addition to more clearing work was done in the piggeries (the end is in sight!) and there was clearing of fallen wood in the field enabling access under the trees for cows – and tractors, the exposed tops of walls in the stable block were tidied and covered to protect them from winter weather. An ingenious combination of wheelbarrow and ropes made getting hardcore to the drive potholes much easier.

A job which has gone from Working Weekend 'job list' to Working Weekend 'job list' was tackled … the hunt for crazy paving on the river side of the house – look what we found! The base of a summer house which overlooked the river, a lovely set of steps down to a lower level on the river bank – and a mysterious ‘tank’…

... thought by our intrepid water services expert volunteer to be a pump house for a supply of water from the river to the house. Let us know if you have any other theories: email us at sockburn@gmail.com.

But the progress didn't stop there: the, ahem, 'exposed cellar' under the entrance hall was cleared of debris and nearly all the stone hall floor slabs were recovered intact. And there was the usual removal of dead trees and tidying of lower branches that were encroaching on other trees or paths – notably in the field around the ha-ha and near the river side steps.

We had some very tasty cakes and general food contributions – which are very much appreciated and went down very well – now we will all be working hard to burn off those calories! A big thank you to everyone who gave so generously towards the volunteer insurance costs and towards the general Project funds. We are all extremely grateful.'

Buy a print and support Sockburn Hall Project!
A local artist, Alf Alderson, has very kindly donated a number of his wonderful prints of Sockburn and the surrounding villages for us to sell to raise funds for the Project. If you would like one, please get in touch, they cost £10 plus p&p charged at cost (unless you can collect from a Working Weekend). The prints measure approx. 70cm x 52cm and are unframed.

Alf Alderson's beautiful print featuring Low Dindsdale, Over Dinsdale, Sockburn & Girsby

Last two volunteer events of 2009: coming up!
An amazingly productive (and quick!) year is rushing by us. The last full Working Weekend of 2009 is 24/25 October. After that, just when you thought you could get on with Christmas shopping, there is a Working Day on Saturday 12 December. Please let Sarah know by emailing sockburn@gmail.com or by phoning if you would like to come – we are always pleased to see you. We will let you know the 2010 dates as soon as they are confirmed.

We hope you are enjoying September, and we're looking forward to seeing you soon!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

In Sockburn's own words...

2009-08-31T17:27:00.005+01:00

A word cloud made using www.wordle.net... so that's what we're talking about on sockburnhall.co.uk! Click the image to see a bigger version.

Sockburn Hall Project :: September Working Weekend Reminder

2009-08-28T21:45:00.006+01:00

Hello!

Firstly, following our appeal for help with the Project's insurance payment we want to extend a huge thank you: we are incredibly grateful for the donations made to Sockburn Hall Project, and are very pleased to let you know that we have been able to pay for the coming year's volunteer and visitor activity insurance.

Working Weekend coming up!
Thanks to your dedicated support we have the 5/6 September Working Weekend just around the corner. Remember to admire the drive on the way down:

It may look like just another drive, but if you know what it was like before...!

As always, we ask you to bring clothes appropriate for the somewhat unpredictable weather, sturdy boots and your sense of adventure. We'll be on site from Friday evening so if you'd like to camp you are welcome to arrive then. For those coming for the day/days, work will start (in earnest, but perhaps post-coffee) at 9.30ish on Saturday and Sunday. You are welcome to arrive/leave as suits you - we just ask you to call/text Sarah 07933 320242 or email sockburn@gmail.com to let us know when you will be coming.

Also, a quick heads up - I've heard that there is talk of Sockburn plum jam and plenty of cake at this Working Weekend: what better excuses do you need to come along?!

We're looking forward to seeing you, and bringing news in our next Update. Thanks for making this happen!

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 30

2009-07-29T16:25:00.011+01:00

Hello!

Although it's a shame that we are unable to bring you news of a Working Weekend - we were, rather dramatically, rained out - I'm really pleased to be able to bring you some very positive Sockburn news:

Access road work almost complete!
Those of you who have visited Sockburn Hall will know that the access road has had a somewhat treacherous look for some time with a landslip towards the River Tees. With invaluable financial support from English Heritage and the cooperation of the owner of the access road itself, the road is now secured, and better drainage installed. The bank will be replanted with appropriate vegetation to aid the stability of the ground in this area.

As our supporters and volunteers appreciate, the access to Sockburn has been at the forefront of our plans to save the site as a whole. We are delighted with this progress! With this step we are making a great move towards the future security of Sockburn.

There are more pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn/pool

Darlington & District Scouts Visit to Sockburn
The Scouts visit to Sockburn back in June was a huge success! Faced with a still overgrown area behind the coach house, the 20 or so volunteers (including 13 Scouts) - with the summer theme of inclement weather! - cleared great swaths of scrub and tree trunks, and found hard-standing in front of the engine/generator shed. What work!

The Scouts were building on a longstanding alliance with Sockburn; the Darlington District Scouts badge depicts the slain Sockburn Worm!

There are some great pictures, in spite of the weather: take a look at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn/pool.

Blatantly begging: help us pay an essential bill!
Our next Working Weekend is on 5/6 September. To enable us to continue to enjoy the Working Weekends we do - for the safety and peace of mind of all the project's visitors and volunteers - we have to buy our annual volunteer insurance (through the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers).

At the moment we have just under 300 supporters on our email list... and we are extremely grateful for your interest and support in so many guises. However, if each of you was able to donate just £1 we could pay for our volunteer insurance with no problems! It's a huge ask, but if you have had an unexpected windfall, or lottery win (however small!) then any contribution would be very gratefully received.

Money in the Sockburn Hall Project 'pot' goes towards paying for volunteer insurance, supplies for Working Weekends and - eventually - to help with the restoration. If you felt you were able to make an additional contribution, we'd be really grateful. Please make cheques payable to 'Sockburn Hall Project' and send them to:

Sarah Geary
Sockburn Hall Project
Sockburn Hall
Neasham, Darlington
DL2 1PH

Or email sockburn@gmail.com or call us if you would like our bank details instead. Sarah is the best for phone calls: 07933 320242.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and keep Sockburn Hall Project in your thoughts as we work towards the next phase of work there: weatherproofing Sockburn Hall!

Thanks for your support... this couldn't be happening without it!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Working Weekend Cancelled

2009-07-18T14:32:00.002+01:00

Hello!

We've been rained out! Sadly as a result we've had to cancel the 18/19 July Working Weekend. We will let you know the rescheduled date and look forward to seeing you soon and bringing you news of progress on site!

Don't hesitate to email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07933 320242 if you have any questions.

Be in touch soon, Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Rain Update!!

2009-07-17T15:09:00.002+01:00

Hi there

Sockburn is wet! Due to the recent rain we are planning to postpone the start of the Working Weekend to 1.30pm on Saturday 18 July.

Please call Sarah on 07933 320242 in advance of arriving to get the latest and let us know your plans.

Fingers crossed it dries up soon!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: July Working Weekend Reminder

2009-07-10T15:13:00.003+01:00

Hello!

Hope that you're having a wonderful summer. Just a quick reminder about the forthcoming volunteer weekend at Sockburn.

Sockburn Hall Project's next Working Weekend... with musical highlights!
We have our next Working Weekend on 18 & 19 July and are looking forward to seeing you if you can make it. Although we are hoping for sunshine, please come prepared for classic English summer weather - and as always, wear clothes that can get dirty, sturdy footwear and bring your sense of adventure!

Plus - a choral summer special! To entertain and encourage us after a hard day's work, at about 7pm on Saturday evening we're looking forward to welcoming the Sans Pareil Singers. Please do plan to stay on to enjoy this exciting local mixed voice group.

To help us plan refreshments and activities, let us know when you are likely to arrive, and if we can give you a lift from/to Darlington station. Sarah's contact number is 07933 320242 or you can email sockburn@gmail.com.

Other news!
On 27 June we had a visit from a fantastic local Scout group - we'll have pictures and news of their great work in the next Update. A huge thank you to the Scouts for their help!

Please keep thinking about your ideas the 2010 book for Sockburn. We'd love you to get in touch if you have a story, photos or idea you would like to contribute.

Looking forward to bringing you news of further work in the grounds from the Working Weekend. Have a wonderful July, wherever you are...

Laura, Sarah and the Sockburn Hall Project Team x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 29

2009-06-03T11:45:00.016+01:00

Hello!

It's a busy time for Sockburn as everyone gets into full flow of summer activities. This Update we've got news and pictures from our great May Working Weekend, thoughts about a Sockburn Hall Project book for 2010, and more...

Our first full Working Weekend of 2009? 'Wall-to-wall sunshine!'
My mum, Sarah, writes on behalf of the Sockburn Hall Project Team... Another amazing Working Weekend at Sockburn. We were very pleased to see many of our regular volunteers back again - some in tents - and to welcome several first-time volunteers who live locally. What a work force! A big thank you, and congratulations for great achievements.

Some of our very regular volunteers are also members of Middleton St George History Group, who have assisted the church's owners, the Diocese of Durham in the care of Sockburn All Saints' churchyard. This Working Weekend Sockburn Hall Project volunteers went to work, under the direction of History Group members, to transform the appearance of the churchyard, by removing dead and fallen branches. Take a look at the churchyard clearance photos!

Further, great, work to save the roof tiles was done in the Coach House area and we are very grateful for that positive input - and to the team who worked tirelessly on the ground beneath them.

The Lime Avenue received an early summer trim and looks better for it - we're told that working on the limes is better than Spa Therapy! Another team continued the onslaught on nettles, elder and ivy behind the Coach House discovering a long-hidden outbuilding. In fact work everywhere uncovered intriguing finds... from The Girl's Own Annual, 1888-9 to fascinating stonework - and lots in between!

See all the photos on the Flickr pages for Sockburn: www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn

We were also pleased to have a number of visitors over the weekend and we look forward to seeing and talking to you again.

The next working weekend is Saturday and Sunday 18/19 July. Please let us know (sockburn@gmail.com or 07933 320242) if you can join us. If you are unable to make that one, the following ones are 5/6 September, 24/25 October - after that we'll have a working day in December - the date of that one will be confirmed shortly.

If you would like to help, but are not able to attend then contributions of food or money/vouchers for food are most welcome. A big thank you for the contributions we've received recently - the food for our volunteers is an important aspect of our Working Weekends!

Inspired by Sockburn? Contribute your thoughts!
On Tuesday 9 August 1910, a grand fête was held in the grounds of Sockburn Hall to help raise money for a new vicarage. Among the stalls that day was one selling a 'Sockburn Book of Contributions', compiled by the vicar’s eldest daughter Bertha. Getting in touch the local gentry and clergy, friends and acquaintances (including Lord Tennyson!), Bertha had solicited contributions from the biblical to comical, from serious poems to riddles. The book sold, the grand fête was an amazing party... and the vicarage was built!

Have you been inspired by Sockburn like Wordsworth and Coleridge? Got a Sockburn story to rival the legend of the Sockburn Worm? Need an excuse to get the paints out at the next Working Weekend? Or just share a simple Sockburn memory... With the centenary of this successful but little known book just a year away we would like your help creating the 2010 version to support Sockburn Hall Project.

Email sockburn@gmail.com with ideas or submissions, and start thinking about what you would like to see published to raise money for the Working Weekends and ongoing project to save this great site.

Do you know of an unused trestle table?!
We're on the look out for trestle tables, wheel barrows and spades for Working Weekends. We can collect from the Darlington area or we can offer a cup of tea if you're able to drop them off around any Working Weekend dates. Email sockburn@gmail.com or call 07933 320242 if you can help. Thank you!

Sockburn in the news
For those who don't live locally, Chris Lloyd, Deputy Editor of The Northern Echo recently wrote a very interesting Sockburn article which can have a read online - it's well worth a look.

We look forward to seeing you at a Working Weekend soon. Hope that you're having a great start to summer.

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: May Working Day Reminder

2009-05-26T15:03:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone!

I hope that you're enjoying a bright and warm May so far... just writing with a quick reminder:

Sockburn Hall Project's next Working Weekend
Cross your fingers for great weather as we're almost set for the first full Working Weekend of the year: 30/31 May! If you are able to join us we would love to see you; be it for part of the day or the whole weekend. As always, come with clothes that can get dirty, sturdy footwear and your sense of adventure!

New grass in front of Sockburn's Shed on Wheels!

Please let us know if you are able to come and how long you can stay so that we can plan refreshments, and if you would like a lift from/to the station. Email sockburn@gmail.com or call/text Sarah Geary on 07933 320242.

Visitors from Friends of Teesside Archives
Braving the rain, Friends of Teesside Archives visited Sockburn earlier in the month to walk round the site and to look at the work Sockburn's volunteers have done. We hope you enjoyed the visit and look forward to seeing you again!

Plus a short notice heads up: TODAY 26 May, at Stockton Central Library at 7.30pm, Dave Went from English Heritage is giving a fascinating talk, Monasteries, monsters and mansions: recent research at Sockburn. Only £2 - catch it if you can!

Last but not least, thank you!
A huge thank you from Mark and me to everyone who sent good wishes for our wedding. We had a really wonderful time and we're looking forward to catching up with everyone in person before too long!

The Sockburn contingent on April 18

Hope that you can make it for the May Working Weekend, otherwise make sure you get 18/19 July, 5/6 September & 24/25 October in your diary!

Best wishes, and have a great weekend whatever you do!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 28

2009-04-03T23:24:00.011+01:00

Hello everyone!

It started somewhat inauspiciously with rain threatening to dampen Sockburn's fifteenth volunteer event, but the weather and the Sockburn Team pulled though... I wasn't able to attend the weekend in person*(see end of email for excuses!) but my family and Sockburn volunteers have let me know all about the day - which I can now pass on to you!

Rain, history and fantastic March progress
The tone was set for a great day when an optimistic volunteer lit the bonfire in the rain despite all the 'dry' wood having been thoroughly soaked over night! The pictures prove how successful that, and all the activities, were... take a look at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

[photo courtesy of John Busby]

Activities varied from barrowing broken roof tiles from the Piggeries to fill in some potholes (involving barrowing from one end of the site to the other!) to clearing behind and in the Coach House/Stable Yard. Short work was made of the errant, and it turns out, diseased, elm tree: it was all hands on deck for that. And yet again the volunteers continued their attacks on ivy, elder, Russian vine and stumps of trees/bushes previously removed have been sprayed bright yellow to mark them for future removal and to warn people walking around that they are there.

Our dedicated volunteer in the house had an interesting find - a bar of chocolate reputedly carried 'by Major Richards 1st Wiltshire Reg to Mons, and through the retreat to Paris - during the Great European War 1914-18" which appears to be wrapped in lead - anyone who's got any ideas about the significance of this would be very welcome to give us their thoughts via sockburn@gmail.com.

We were also very pleased to welcome the grand-daughter of a former owner of Sockburn Hall - a member of the Thompson family - who was able to give us lots of history and some photographs of what it had been like in the 1930s. To find out more about this period in Sockburn's history, and to see a photo of the formal garden as it was then, have a look at Withy Brook's blog: withybrook.blogspot.com.

Thank you!
As always fantastic progress was made by our volunteers - thanks to everyone for their efforts, and to those who contributed to the food fund in any way. It is greatly appreciated.

[photo courtesy of Matt Falcus]

Take care, keep in touch - and don't forget our next Working Weekend (the first full Sockburn weekend of the year) on 30/31 May!

Laura x

*I'm getting married in Virginia, USA on April 18 and so hope you can accept my apologies for not attending in person! I'll be back later in the year though... and the volunteer work seems to be coping well in my absence, thanks to the Sockburn Team's efforts! x

Sockburn Hall Project :: March Working Day reminder

2009-03-19T00:19:00.004Z

Hello!

Not sure of your plans for Saturday 28 March? Support Sockburn Hall Project's 15th volunteer event!
We're getting the wheel barrows rolling shortly after 10am and will make sure the kettle's boiling at 5pm - with food and refreshments provided in the interim! Please let us know in advance if you're able to come as this is a huge help with catering and organising our activities. Email sockburn@gmail.com or call Sarah Geary on 07933 320242.

Wear your rough, warm, work clothes and sturdy shoes/boots ready for work in the grounds... and if you have gardening gloves please bring them. Please remember that your help and support can be offered in many guises: let us know if you'd like to help with refreshments (serving on the day or making in advance) or if you'd like to contribute financially towards volunteer equipment and food. Your efforts and contributions are much appreciated!

It should be a good way to welcome the start of British Summer Time on the 29th - I'm looking forward to emailing with photos of the Working Day the following week!

Take care, Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 27

2009-03-02T21:23:00.005Z

Hello again!

Fuelled by tea, scones, cake and a fondness for Sockburn, the Project's volunteers uncovered, tidied and cleared in several parts of the site. Have a look at some of Saturday's pictures in the Sockburn group on Flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

An early Spring Clean!
Sycamores and Russian vine were discouraged from growing onto roofs of the Coach House and stable buildings and, with all the work in the 'formal' garden, the yew 'hedge' has started to look like... a hedge!

Not put off by the size of the job, the attack on the piggeries continued and other areas of the site also benefitted from much needed attention. And did I mention the cheese scones? They were tidied up too!

The next Working Day is Saturday 28 March. If you can join us at any time between 10am and 5pm please email sockburn@gmail.com.

We're in the Northern Echo!
Today (2 March) the Northern Echo reported our Working Day at Sockburn - it's page 17 if you get hold of a paper copy. The article (including a snap of us posing by the bonfire!) doesn't seem to be online yet, but we'll link to it when it is.

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you're interested in helping out.

Best wishes

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Working Day reminder

2009-02-26T12:29:00.003Z

Hello!

As promised just a very quick reminder: we've got a Working Day at Sockburn Hall this Saturday, 28 February. Working in the grounds, we'll be starting at around 9.30am and finishing up about 4.30pm. Food and refreshments will be provided, as usual wear your cold/muddy weather footwear and clothes!

If you...

have already told us you can come: great! Looking forward to seeing you there!
would like to come and haven't been in touch: call 07814 248564 to let us know - lifts to/from the station can be arranged very easily.
can't make it: don't worry! We'll see you another time and have the photos up on Flickr as soon as possible after the weekend!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend, whatever you're doing!

Best wishes

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 26

2009-02-09T12:09:00.008Z

Hello!

A very belated happy new year! With the definite feeling that 2009 is rushing by fast here's a quick heads up about this year's activities for Sockburn Hall Project.

Braving it outdoors for the next Working Day
Saturday 28 February is our next volunteer day and - in spite of current snow and likely mud! - we're really looking forward to it. A reminder will be emailed nearer the time, but we'll be on site from 9.30am to about 4.30pm and we hope you can join us then. Let us know if you can make it; email sockburn@gmail.com or call 07814 248564.

As ever, there will be refreshments provided and your contributions to the food or 'food fund' (Sainsbury's vouchers are excellent!) will be very gratefully received. Thanks very much to those of you who have contributed to the Project's activities in this way... it makes all the difference.

Diaries at the ready!
Thanks to your enthusiasm, commitment and plain old hard work at Sockburn, we're coming back strong in 2009 with our third year of Working Days and Working Weekends. The dates past July are not set in stone, but will be confirmed nearer the time, however, we're planning on having Working Days on

Saturday 28 February
Saturday 28 March

& we're looking forward to Working Weekends on

30/31 May
18/19 July
5/6 September
24/25 October

Please email me sockburn@gmail.com (now or nearer the time) to let me know which dates you hope to make and don't forget to let us know if there's anything you can help us with to make the Working Weekends better.

It's destined to be a very exciting year, and with your help and interest we can try to improve the future for Sockburn Hall and this wonderful site for everyone.

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 25

2008-12-12T18:42:00.004Z

Hello!

With Christmas fast approaching I'm just emailing with a quick update about our last Working Day, and a huge thank you for all your support over the last year.

A very festive December Working Day
An unexpectedly bright and clear day was a welcome treat for the Sockburn volunteers at Sockburn last Saturday. A dedicated bunch really earned their mince pies and mulled wine clearing the lime avenue for winter, freeing the crazy paving of leaves, sorting in the library and working in the kitchen yard. Enjoy the pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn

But it wasn't all hard work! Thanks to a local brass band, volunteers thoroughly enjoyed some wonderful Christmas carols as the afternoon came to a close... bringing sights and sounds which hadn't been enjoyed at Sockburn for a very long time!

Moving forward...
This year has seen some fantastic work on the site, as well as behind the scenes, and so we are very much looking forward to bringing you positive news about the next stage of the Sockburn Hall Project's progress early in the new year.

THANK YOU for your interest, encouragement, time spent volunteering and getting in touch, and your practical, and financial contributions. It's a long road - but we've got great company along the way!

Have a very happy Christmas, and remember that you can always work off any excesses at Sockburn in 2009 - the dates for the new year's Working Weekends will be sent out soon!

Be in touch

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 24

2008-12-01T22:20:00.003Z

Hello!

Braving winter for Sockburn Hall Project's December Working Day!
Cross your fingers for a bright, crisp Saturday 6 December! From 10am to 4pm, it will be Sockburn's last Working Day of 2008. There's the promise of mince pies and the possibility of other very festive treats in return for your help and support. Come prepared for a day spent outdoors; we recommend wellies or very sturdy boots, really warm 'weatherproof' clothes and gardening gloves if you have them.

Although I'm not able to join you on Saturday my Mum and Dad are making excellent preparations for a productive and fun day. Please email sockburn@gmail.com to let us know you can come or call/text my parents Sarah & Mike Geary on 07933 320242. They are also the best people to contact if you would like a lift from Darlington Station, would like to offer supplies for the day or have any questions about the day itself.

Look forward to sharing pictures of volunteers in action - don't forget to take your camera if you're going!

Best wishes for a happy start to December!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 23

2008-10-22T01:15:00.007+01:00

Hello everyone!

After a really good weekend at Sockburn Hall, I'm just sending just our Update with news of the Project's progress. Thanks to everyone who got involved - take a look at the pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn and don't hesitate to email me yours from the weekend, or upload them to Flickr.

Our last full Working Weekend of 2008
A huge thank you to the brilliant volunteers who made our October Working Weekend such a success.

Not content with making light work of logs and branches from self-set sycamores invading the (once) formal garden, we saw great movement in the piggeries with the largest 'room' well and truly underway. It's really hard work, but with the removal of a number of bushes, and hedgehogs and fallen roofing tiles, we've got almost access throughout and, with further clearance and investigation, can start to look to the future for this great, though long-forgotten building.

Many thanks also to Rev. Michelle Ferguson and all the attendees at the Saturday afternoon service - it was wonderful to see (and hear!) so many new and familiar visitors. We hope you enjoyed your visit and are looking forward to seeing you again.

Working Day - 6 December 2008
Plan to escape the pre-Christmas madness! Enjoy a day volunteering at Sockburn Hall on Saturday 6 December. We'll be one site 10am-4pm - we're hoping to get the lime avenue cleared for winter, and enjoy some great food and company!

Although I'm unable to be at Sockburn's December Working Day in person, I promise that I'll be with you in thought! I'll continue to check emails and messages, so email sockburn@gmail.com, text 07814 248564 or write to me c/o Sockburn Hall, Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1PH so I can let the Sockburn Hall Project team know who'll be coming on the day. If you've got any dietary requirements, please let us know about that too!

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with ideas or questions about the volunteer events or our work on the site. Thanks very much for your interest and support!

Enjoy your autumn!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 22

2008-10-16T19:54:00.003+01:00

Hello!

Our next Working Weekend is nearly upon us, and this Saturday is a particularly special one...

Sockburn Hall Project's next Working Weekend
If you would like to volunteer at Sockburn this weekend (18/19 October) then we would love to see you! Send a quick email to sockburn@gmail.com or call/text me on 07814 248564. Whatever the weather we'll be on site from Friday evening if you'd like to camp out, or if you would like to join us for either day just let me know, and arrive any time from 9.30am. Sturdy footwear and clothes to suit the October weather are a must! We'll supply food and lots of laughs in return for your help towards the future of this wonderful site.

Your food or financial contributions, or thoughts as to how you'd like to help are gratefully received.

A special Saturday for the ruins of All Saints' Church, Sockburn
On Saturday of our October Working Weekend, at 3.30pm, we're inviting volunteers and other interested visitors to 'down tools' and join us for hymns and prayers led by Rev. Michelle Ferguson. We'll be outside, near the ruins of the Church so hopefully this will be an opportunity for us all to recognise the unique history at the heart of our site, and celebrate the significance of Sockburn in the past and looking to the future. Michelle's Parish includes All Saints' Sockburn at Girsby - a Church built over the river to replace the 'ruined' Sockburn All Saints. If you can join us we simply ask that visitors and volunteers bring sturdy footwear, warm clothes and an umbrella - just in case!

Although there is some parking at Sockburn Hall, it is limited so it would be a great help if visitors to the 3.30pm get-together park at the end of the public road (the houses at 'High Sockburn') and share a lift down with friends. Or, if weather permits and you would like to, it's a lovely half-mile walk down to us from there.

A Working Day for the diary
On 6 December there will be a Working Day at Sockburn Hall, make a note to make sure you don't miss out on the mince pies!

Thanks to everyone who helps and supports Sockburn Hall Project. Your efforts, enthusiasm and contributions help good things happen.

Hope to see you soon, and enjoy your weekend wherever you are!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 21

2008-09-18T14:28:00.009+01:00

Hello

Thank you, Sockburn Hall Project volunteers!
Thanks to fine weather, and amazing volunteers with endless energy - and a fantastic appreciation of the absurd! - the eleventh Working Weekend was an amazingly productive and great fun time at Sockburn Hall.

Teams worked both in the garden and Sockburn Hall itself, focusing on clearing the final stretches of crazy paving and the water course, and the collapsed main corridor and bordering rooms in the house. Our volunteers were - for a second WW in a row! - drawn from international pool, with visitors from the south coast of England, the east coast of America, and south Darlington all working together.

Yet, as is so often the case at Sockburn, activities stretched well beyond this - one of our volunteers called on his ‘day job’ to draw up a measured survey of the kitchen yard and others worked in the piggeries, moving the roof which had landed, in pieces & some years ago, on the floor!

Our next Working Weekend: 18/19 October
The ‘to do’ list is in the pipeline and the jobs are becoming more and more varied. Can you see yourself trying your hand at restoring a kitchen table, or sorting through old books? Would you like to help us to continue the work clearing in the piggeries? Do you have some great ideas about how to plot, design and develop Sockburn’s once formal garden for 2009 and beyond? These are only some of the jobs you can help us with - put 18/19 October in the diary and let us know that you’d like to be involved.

We’re also immensely grateful for the donations that we’ve received for food for volunteers. THANK YOU! If you’d also like to cook something to keep everyone working, or make a monetary contribution to volunteer supplies, just let me know.

The best ways to contact me are by email: sockburn@gmail.com, by mobile: 07814 248564 or by post to: Laura Geary, c/o Sockburn Hall, Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1PH.

Ideas, comments, suggestions – your thoughts
We’ve been working at Sockburn for almost a year and a half, and we’re delighted with what our dedicated group of volunteers, family, supporters and experts have been able to achieve to date. However, your input is what keeps Sockburn Hall Project going strong. If you would like to offer your thoughts on any aspect of our attempt to secure Sockburn – ideas for the site’s future, for Working Weekends – then simply contact me using one of the methods above.

Be in touch, and look forward to bringing you news of Sockburn's progress soon...

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 20

2008-09-11T11:42:00.004+01:00

Hello again!

Just a very quick email to let you know that we've got a Working Weekend at Sockburn only moments away - 13/14 September. Thanks to everyone who's already let me know that they'll be coming: we're looking forward to seeing you!

We'll keeping up the work done by the last weekend's volunteers (some of whom are pictured above) clearing more crazy paving and working in the gardens trying to bring a little order to it all! There will be a great variety of jobs so if you're not feeling up to digging and barrowing then don't be put off.

We're just getting everything ready so call 07814 248564 if you've got any questions, or if you want to come and haven't already told me so. There will be food provided and camping spaces on site from tonight if you'd like to get the full Sockburn experience! Contributions, as always, are most welcome.

If you want to join us in restoring this amazing site, but can't make it up this weekend then put 18/19 October in the diary, it'll be fantastic to see you then.

Will bring you more news and photos after the weekend. Have a great time whatever you're doing!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 19

2008-08-06T11:12:00.022+01:00

Hello!

Fresh from a sunny and great fun Working Weekend, I'm just writing to let you know the Sockburn Hall Project news.

Working Weekend 10: the Conyers are back!
The weekend saw progress throughout the site - in the house and out. Volunteers came to help from as near by as across the river in north Yorkshire and up the road in Darlington and as far away as south east England and the USA! Yes, Sockburn Hall Project welcomed its first American volunteers - Aimée's interest in our project having been sparked by her connection to Sockburn's Conyers family. The Conyers' 16th-century mansion lies below the ground in the field on site, and the family name is given to the Conyers Chapel - the roofed part of All Saints' Church.

The Sockburn Hall Project group on Flickr has got some great photos of Aimée and all the volunteers at the Working Weekend. Have a look to see, amongst our achievements...

the ivy which has been attacked on and in roofs
large chunks of the river bank, now freed of elder
crazy paving which has been discovered and uncovered
the wash kitchen and larder that have been cleared
the kitchen yard clearance completed - it looks wonderful!
plus, the library sorting getting underway... the finds are quite varied!

And all of this happened because an amazing (and seemingly indefatigable) bunch of people wanted to help brighten Sockburn Hall's future: thank you all!

Getting organised for the next Working Weekend
13/14 September will see the next flurry of activity for Sockburn Hall Project. Thanks so much to everyone who's already said that they would like to volunteer or help in some way. Email sockburn@gmail.com, call 07814 248564 or join the Sockburn Hall group on Facebook to find out more about getting involved.

Volunteers can be of any age or ability - the tasks in hand are very varied! We need wheelbarrowers, tidiers and sorters, shovellers, bonfire stokers and tea makers to name but a few. And, as always, if you're able to bring or make a contribution towards food for volunteers then these are very gratefully received.

Quick reminder: Sockburn Hall Project volunteer dates
Working Weekends on 13/14 September and 18/19 October, and a Working Day likely to be on the weekend of 6/7 December (day tbc).

Hope that you're having a great summer!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 18

2008-07-30T15:24:00.006+01:00

Hello everyone!

Almost six weeks ago I meant to email to let you know how well our Working Weekend had gone. I’m afraid that poor excuses abound so rather than go down that road I’ll simply tell you about our upcoming Working Weekend and then let you have the news!

JUST IN: 10th Working Weekend!
A quick last minute message to remind you that 2/3 August is our next Working Weekend - yes, this weekend! - so grab your boots and get in touch (sockburn@gmail.com or 07814 248564) to let me know you can come. We’ll be camping in the grounds as usual from Friday afternoon so let me know if you need to borrow a tent or if you have any questions about what to bring. If you can't come to help in person and would like to show your support then Sainsburys vouchers/food contributions are gratefully received. Thank you!

Sockburn’s kitchen yard is cleared for action!
On 21/22 June a wonderful group of Sockburn Hall Project volunteers took the kitchen yard by storm. In rather challenging weather cobbles were cleared and flagstones discovered underfoot in the yard… barely a corner of this lovely collection of outbuildings was left untouched. The results are spectacular and can be enjoyed now at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn

Many of the hardy volunteers also had to cope with being the subject of a photographic barrage… but the images in the Sockburn Hall Project group on Flickr show that it was well worth the pain! Thanks to you all for your help and support - at both ends of the lens!

Thanks also to everyone who – in rain, wind, mud and sweat – helped and showed so much enthusiasm for the Project. The difference in the yard, which was covered in mud and debris, is huge. But rather than just looking better, this work means we can look at the likely costs of restoring these outbuildings and putting the kitchen yard to use in support of the project to restore the site as a whole.

Getting involved
If you have a skill you think might be of use – in the restoration of the kitchen yard, or in any of the other areas of the site – please don’t hesitate to get in touch. And if you’d like to join us at Sockburn Hall later in the year the Working Weekend dates are 13/14 September and 18/19 October: we look forward to seeing you then!

Thanks for your patience waiting for this update and hope that you are enjoying a great summer.

See you soon!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 17

2008-07-30T15:15:00.003+01:00

Sorry! Due to some 'technical restrictions' I'm afraid I'm rather late in getting this latest edition of the Sockburn Update out. The silence certainly doesn't do justice to the great work done by our wonderful volunteers at the May Working Weekend so take a look at the photos in our Sockburn Hall photo group on Flickr and see more crazy paving and invasive trees cleared bringing order to a space that was impenetrable only a year ago!

This Working Weekend: 21/22 June
If you are able to join us at Sockburn Hall this weekend - volunteering to help in the grounds or bringing tools, food or other support - then we're looking forward to seeing you. Do cross your fingers for barbecue weather and call 07814 248564 or email sockburn@gmail.com to let us know you'll be coming, and make sure we get enough food in!

If you are camping then you're welcome to arrive any time from Friday afternoon onwards. If you're coming during the day arrive anytime from 9.30am on Saturday and/or Sunday. We'll organise lifts for those arriving at Darlington Station so just let us know when you get in.

Darlington Historical Society - thank you!
Finally a very quick thank you to our visitors last weekend - it was brilliant to welcome such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group to the site. Thank you for your ideas and encouragement!

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to get involved with Sockburn Hall Project, and keep 2/3 August free for our 'high summer' Working Weekend...

Have a great summer - whatever the weather!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 16

2008-05-07T14:11:00.004+01:00

Hello!

Please cross your fingers for continued good weather this weekend, or better still, come and join us...

Working Weekend: 10/11 May
Whether you're an expert gardener or just like the idea of helping out Sockburn Hall Project then get in touch - we'd love to see you at Sockburn Hall this weekend. We'll provide the tools and the food, although if you have some spare of either you'd like to donate to the Project, it would be most welcome! All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and work clothes/boots. And you don't have to be working in the garden, help preparing refreshments is much appreciated too!

For those who would like to camp, we'll be on site from Friday evening so bring warm clothes, your sleeping bag and tent (a spare tent is available) and let me know when you'll be arriving so we can plan food and offer a lift from the station. If you're coming during the day on Saturday and/or Sunday, get in touch so we have an idea of numbers and arrive anytime from 9.30am: see you then!

To get in touch about the weekend, or helping Sockburn Hall Project in the future call 07814 248564 or email sockburn@gmail.com.

I'll email with news and photos of our work after the weekend, in the meantime... wheelbarrows to the ready!

The Legend of the Sockburn Worm
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who is supporting the Project by purchasing a copy of this great booklet... the response has been fantastic! Booklets already ordered are being sent out this week - get in touch to order yours.

Copies are £2.50 each (plus 75p postage per order sent) with all money raised going to Sockburn Hall Project. To purchase a copy either come to the next Working Weekend, or order one to be sent by post by sending your name, postal address and a cheque payable to Sockburn Hall Project to: Laura Geary [SWB], Sockburn Hall, Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1PH.

Wherever you are, have a great weekend.

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 15

2008-04-08T12:12:00.012+01:00

Hello again!

Wow! After a quieter month at Sockburn the end of March brought a new burst of energy and enthusiasm...

The seventh Working Weekend
With a daunting task ahead of us, faced with the final straight on the removal of the lower growth on the avenue of limes, volunteers could have been forgiven for giving up when the rain kicked in on Saturday afternoon. But no! A stoical British spirit stirred and by Sundaymorning we had found some fine weather and completed the mammoth task of clearing sixteen pairs of lime trees. The results are fantastic - I can't wait to wander down the avenue later in the year when the leaves are out.

You can see quite how much was achieved, enjoy the sight of Sockburn's own huge tumbleweed, and marvel at the wet weather antics at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn/pool.

The Mayor's Charity picnic... and The Legend of the Sockburn Worm
On Tuesday I was able to proudly show off just how far the site has come since our volunteers' first Working Weekend. The Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Marian Swift, visited with a group of volunteers from The Mayor's Charity Shop on Duke Street in Darlington.

After picnicing down the avenue, the Mayor presented Sockburn Hall Project with a cheque for £500, paying for the printing of 500 copiesof Paul Telfer's Legend of the Sockburn Worm booklet. This support from the Mayor's Charitable Fund offers the Project a great opportunity to make the fascinating legend of the Sockburn Worm more widely known, and raise funds for the Project's activities to secure the site's future. Our thanks go to the author, Paul Telfer, who so kindly permitted the reprinting of this wonderful book.

These copies of The Legend of the Sockburn Worm booklet cost £2.50 each (plus 75p postage per order sent) with all money raised going to the Sockburn Hall Project. To purchase a copy either come to the next Working Weekend, or order one to be sent by post by sending your name, postal address and a cheque payable to 'Sockburn Hall Project' to: Laura Geary [SWB], Sockburn Hall, Neasham, Darlington, DL2 1PH. Unless already ordered, booklets are likely to be sent out after 5 May.

Looking forward
The next Working Weekend is set for 10/11 May. To join us - for anything from a few hours to the whole weekend - just email sockburn@gmail.com to let me know.

There will be a camping contingent so if your coming from further afield and would like to make a weekend of it then let me know and bring your tent! If you would prefer to stay at a guest house we can recommend Harewood Lodge in Darlington (40 Grange Road, DL1 5NP). Visit http://www.harewood-lodge.co.uk/ for more information or call Dot and Mick Heenan on 01325 358152.

As always there will be food provided throughout the weekend, and so - for those wanting to help in another way - donations (in the form offood or Sainsbury's vouchers), will be most gratefully received! Just call or email to let me know if you're able to drop a contribution by.

Thanks to everyone who has been following our progress and sending good wishes to us all at Sockburn. Your support for this great placeis really appreciated. And for those of you who are yet to visit, we look forward to welcoming you in the future.

Have a great month!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 14

2008-04-08T12:10:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone!

Just a quick reminder of a great way to help counter any recent excesses...

Working Weekend: 29/30 March
Our next Working Weekend is nearly here! Thanks to all of you who have been in touch to say you can make it; we can't wait to see you. And if you've only just realised that your weekend is lacking a stint at Sockburn Hall's green gym, then call 07814 248564 anytime after 2pm on Friday, or email sockburn@gmail.com, to let me know when you'll be coming along.

For those wanting to camp, we'll be on site from Friday evening so bring warm clothes, your sleeping bag and tent (a spare tent is available) and let me know when you'll be arriving so we can plan food and offer a lift from the station. Remember that the facilities present are basic, but food will be provided - it should be lots of fun!

If you're coming during the day only get in touch so we have an idea of numbers and arrive anytime from 9.30am: see you then!

Looking forward to bringing you news and photos after the weekend.

Have a great time whatever you do!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 13

2008-02-27T22:29:00.010Z

Hello!

16/17 February was a great weekend at Sockburn Hall - Saturday saw the much-heralded arrival of my Shed on Wheels and Sunday saw lots of volunteers... doing LOTS of work! The garden never had it so good! Plus there's news of an English Heritage report on Sockburn and more to look forward in this Update.

A busy weekend
The dramatic new look (a very short back and sides!) means that we're now at least three quarters of the way through the huge job of clearing the lime trees of the lower, bushy growth. And, thanks to sterling work on the part of both regular and new volunteers, including a group from Phoenix Detached Youth Project, the once hidden garden is on track back to feeling like a garden again. See more pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

But it didn't stop there, bird boxes have been put up down the lime avenue, offering sanctuary to some of those displaced by the clearing activities and the Russian vine which was threatening to engulf a huge yew, and which has already been responsible for the demise of large area of hedging, met its maker - but not without a fight...

Shed on Wheels
For those up and about early on Saturday 16th there was a great sight in the Darlington area: Andy Marsden, who designed and constructed Sockburn's newest addition to the site, could be seen driving a Shed on Wheels down Sockburn Lane!

But this is far from your average garden shed! Thanks to support from the Big Lottery Fund through a Big Boost grant, I've now got an insulated and movable office/sleeping space. To really appreciate it you'll have to come and visit, though I'll put more pictures in the Sockburn Flickr group as it's put into use.

To contact Andy, who made the Shed on Wheels, email marzypan8@hotmail.com or phone 07966 163597.

English Heritage's investigation into Sockburn's hidden history
Thanks to this brilliant report Sockburn's history has received, and will continue to attract, much-deserved attention. This report '[makes it] possible to chart the probable history of a key central place - from its origins as an Anglian minster and through its successive re-inventions as a Viking settlement and church, medieval manor, post-medieval mansion and 19th century hall - each development reflecting the advantages and special enclosed qualities of the peninsula.' Find out more at the English Heritage page for Sockburn.

For further information or to order a paper copy of the report, email Dave Went on dave.went@english-heritage.org.uk or call 01904 601927. A charge will be made for printing and postage. An online version will be available shortly and I'll include a link in the Update and on www.sockburnhall.co.uk when it's available.

Next Working Weekend: 29/30 March
It's only a month away! Check you diary and email sockburn@gmail.com if you can make it. Come along to help finish work on the lime avenue, tame the garden and make a big difference to a beautiful and historic site, there will be lots to do - and lots of laughs too!

We'll be on site from Friday evening so if you'd like to camp then let me know, and bring warm clothes, your sleeping bag and tent (a spare tent is available) from Friday night onwards. For those coming during the day only, we'll be starting about 9.30am - see you then! As always, if you are able to help with food for volunteers then your contribution will be most welcome, I'll be at Sockburn from Friday afternoon so get in touch if you might be able to drop something round.

Looking forward to March, and to bringing you news about copies of the 'The Legend of the Sockburn Worm' booklet, exploring yet more of Sockburn's hidden mysteries!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 12

2008-02-14T10:02:00.011Z

Hello everyone

It's been a busy start to the year so far, but it's been mainly indoor work so I'm really looking forward to Sunday - cross your fingers for sunshine at Sockburn!

This Sunday and the arrival of a Shed on Wheels
On Sunday 17 we'll finally see in the new year properly at Sockburn Hall with the first Working Day of 2008. If you would like to join us, and you've not already done so, then email sockburn@gmail.com or call 07814 248564 to let me know. Come along from 8.30am for breakfast and a day of outdoor work at this beautiful site and the long awaited arrival of the unique Shed on Wheels.

Sockburn's snowdrops and Shed are both looking fantastic, though not together - yet!

If you are able to help with food for the day then do get in touch, a cake for coffee time or a snack for tea would be a great help. If it's too short notice for this weekend, but you'd like to help out with food for volunteers, then the next Working Weekend is 29/30 March. Thank you!

Another glorious GOLD day
The Darlington-based group GOLD brought another day of smashing weather when they visited Sockburn Hall in January with the Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Marian Swift. The group's enthusiasm (and excellent cakes) made it another fantastic visit. If you're part of a group who would like to get involved with Sockburn Hall or come to visit, send me an email and we'll see what we can arrange.

There are pictures of GOLD's visit, and of all the work we're doing at Sockburn at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

We'll have pictures up of the Working Day on the Flickr pages as soon as possible and in the meantime, have a great weekend!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 11

2008-01-10T16:47:00.000Z

Hello!

Having enjoyed a great holiday I just thought I'd send a quick Update as we start making plans for the coming months at Sockburn. But first things first...

Happy new year!
This time last year I had no idea what might happen in the following year at Sockburn, and at times it's hard to believe that so much has happened so quickly - so much interest, so many kind wishes and offers of help. Thank you, and hope 2008 is a good one all round too!

I'm really looking forward to this year. 2008 is bound to be busy, but with last year to reflect on, I think we'll make great progress, both in terms of the grounds and the buildings at Sockburn. I hope that you can come along to a Working Day/Working Weekend - they're lots of fun and a great chance to get outside and really make a difference to this historic site. For those who can't make it there will be lots of opportunities to help and support us in other ways over the coming year - keep an eye out in subsequent Updates.

FoSH
Thank you also to everyone who took the time to email and cast their vote on http://www.sockburnhall.co.uk/ about FoSH. Your responses have been really helpful and, as it seems to be a popular idea, I look forward to bringing you more news about joining Friends of Sockburn Hall later in the year. In the meantime don't hesitate to email with ideas and comments about what would make FoSH a good 'friends of' group.

Working Day
Volunteers seemed to agree that in winter Working Days work well, so, while we wait for better camping weather, the date is set for the next Working Day: Sunday 17 February. As with the December Day we'll start at 8.30am for breakfast and keep going until light fails us! Email sockburn@gmail.com or give me a call on 07814 248564 and we can get the activities and food planned.

A few pictures of the December Working Day are on www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn now. It was an unseasonably bright and mild day when our small but dedicated party got started in the grounds. Amongst the day's achievements, volunteers cleared much lower growth on the limes (a mammoth job!) and took down a kennel and a hen house which had both seen better days!

Finally - what organisation!
We've been looking at dates for volunteer Working Weekends throughout the summer. I'll confirm them as they come along, but if you fancy joining in with the outdoor activities at any of the Weekends, then here are some hot-off-the-press dates to pencil into your diary: March 29/30, May 10/11, June 21/22, August 2/3 (*not July date given in error in email Update) and September 13/14.

There will be more news to follow in advance of 17 February... including more about the Shed on Wheels currently in construction. You can see pictures of the SoW progress here.

Be in touch soon, and here's to a great year!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 10

2007-11-22T18:45:00.000Z

Hello!

It's a slightly action-packed Update this time: lots of visitors, press coverage for the project, the next Working Day, Sockburn Hall on TV and (almost!) no mention of Christmas...

Book your December visit to Sockburn's green gym!
The next Working Day for volunteers is Sunday 9 December. (We thought a full Working Weekend would be too much just before Christmas!) Arrive any time from 8.45am for breakfast/tea/coffee, work to start at about 9.30 - there will be hot food and drinks provided throughout the day.

Email sockburn@gmail.com or call 07814 248564 with any questions or let us know if you can come. Wear tough, comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes!

Country Life: Sockburn Hall is 'a first class candidate for grant aid'
In Country Life magazine this week (22 Nov edition) Sockburn Hall features in Marcus Binney's article about the numerous historic houses whose futures hang in the balance (p.48). Have a read of this interesting article... and as an added bonus for Sockburn experts, spot the Wordsworth error!

GOLD and an All Saints, All Saints gathering
Shortly after our last Working Weekend we were visited by two great groups. On the Sunday after All Saints' Day the ruins of All Saints' Church in the grounds of Sockburn Hall were brought alive by a small gathering from the local community. The site is the ancient heart of Sockburn and is owned by Durham Diocese, although it is now a redundant church.

Fifteen people were brought together by Rev Michelle Ferguson, a local vicar, who led prayers and readings on a beautiful bright November morning. We are hoping that a similar gathering might take place in future, perhaps on the Sunday near All Saints Day, and feel this is a good way to remember the spiritual significance of the site. Congregating by the ruins of the church offered a chance to reflect on the many sides to Sockburn's story.

Later that week a group of visitors from GOLD, which is a Darlington group for the over 50s, came to hear about the site, and look at the work undertaken by volunteers so far. The efforts throughout the site sparked great interest and the group plans to visit again to follow progress. Many individuals kindly offered to get involved with research and activities to raise awareness of the Project.

Sockburn on ITV Tyne Tees
The volunteer activities at Sockburn Hall caught the attention of ITV when last week 'Northern Skies' followed the river Tees from the air. Whilst you can't get the audio commentary online you can get a good a aerial glimpse of Sockburn via www.itvlocal.com/tynetees/documentaries. Search for 'Northern Skies' - forward just over 5 mins to jump to Sockburn.

What about FoSH?
We are thinking of setting up Friends of Sockburn Hall as a way to raise awareness about the Project's efforts to restore the house and grounds. It would give Friends for an annual fee of about £10-15 a chance to come to events and talks/walks at the site. It would also raise funds for much needed work to secure buildings there - funds which would only be distributed on approval of a group of independent advisors.

However, we only want to do this if you want us to! Would you want to become a Friend? What would you want in return? How much would you be happy to pay? Please let me know, either by sending an email to sockburn@gmail.com or by voting anonymously at the top of this page.

Shed on wheels
As the project develops and I spend more time at Sockburn - and certainly when it gets cold - my little tent doesn't quite cut the mustard. The Big Boost Top-Up grant I received in late summer to enable me to spend more time on site is going towards my tent upgrade: a shed on wheels. (Yes, literally!) This bespoke wagon will mean I can continue the work up at Sockburn without taking over Mary's caravan, or getting too chilly! More to follow as the build progresses.

Perhaps see you (with winter woolies!) on Sunday 9 Dec. As ever, thanks so much for your support, getting involved and taking an interest...

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 9

2007-11-07T10:35:00.000Z

Hello

It's now nearly three weeks since the last Working Weekend - how did that happen!? - and I just wanted to let you know about our progress at Sockburn Hall...

A fine October Working Weekend
Thanks to all who crossed your fingers for us - we had some unseasonal good luck with the weather and spent a gorgeous weekend bathed in sunshine! We made an amazing start to the big job of clearing all the epicormic growth from the limes. With six trees cleared, and many more underway, the effect is dramatic.

But the clearing wasn't just reserved for the limes, the 'hidden' garden got the treatment too, as we uncovered yet more of the crazy paving, discovered more of the waterways and cleared out stumps of old elder and remains of sheds long since gone.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along - both to work, and to offer support and refreshments. Thanks also to everyone who hasn't yet had a chance to visit but who keeps cheering us on. There are some great photos on Flickr - also accessed via the link at the top of this page to Photos of Sockburn on Flickr.com.

Preparing for work on the Hall
And whilst the progress on the ground continues apace, plans are well underway for the first phase of repairs to the Hall roof to start in advance of Christmas. The work will ensure that the condition of the Hall doesn't deteriorate any further, and that we will have a secure base from which to establish how much restoration/renovation work will cost and look into the options on that front. Exciting stuff!

Keeping the momentum up
We'd love to continue with the Working Weekends in some guise throughout the winter but fear camping in chillier weather might have limited appeal! For those who travel from further afield, how would you feel about either Working Days (on a Sat or Sun as was most popular) or trying to organise B&B accommodation en masse to get a good deal and enable a full Working Weekend? Email me sockburn@gmail.com to let me know what you think.

I'll be in touch to let you know about the next activity at Sockburn in November, and let you know about how my tent upgrade's getting on. In the meantime don't hesitate to email or call (07814 248564) if you're going to be passing near by, or if you want to say hello and find out more about how you can help with the Project!

Laura x

Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 8

2007-10-15T16:38:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update between working through 'to do' lists and and getting the kit together for the next Working Weekend.

20/21 October
The next Working Weekend is coming up soon. We'll have some great food (thanks to the supporters who have contributed so generously to volunteer nosh), plenty of tea and cake breaks and you'll enjoy it far more than going to the gym! Just bring warm work clothes, gloves if possible, and a sense of adventure.

Let me know if you'll be able to come by - we'll be there from Friday onwards - and if you need directions or a lift from Darlington station. Get in touch via sockburn@gmail.com or 07814 248564. If you don't live near by then we've also got details of a good local B&B or you can camp over (and there's even a spare tent if you don't have your own).

A tent upgrade
Thanks to Big Boost and UnLtd, I've just heard that I'm getting a £5000 top-up grant to help with living costs - with this I'm going to be able to dramatically upgrade my two-man tent! This is fantastic for the project; I'm going to be able to spend more time on site, and dedicated to the project, continue working throughout the winter... and spend less time on the A1!

A huge thank you Big Boost and UnLtd for their support.

I'll be in touch with news and pictures of our progress after the Working Weekend. Take care, and thanks for all your help and enthusiasm.

Laura x

Next Working Weekend - 20/21 October 2007

2007-10-10T08:42:00.000+01:00

Just a reminder that the next Working Weekend is happening on 20/21 October. If you've not done so already then get in touch to let me know (sockburn@gmail.com) if you are going to be able to come and help. We promise that in return we'll have plentiful supplies of tea, coffee, bicuits and cake and can guarantee some marvellous autumnal outdoor eating, perhaps even a late October BBQ!

Should be lots of fun, and the best bit - aside from feeling better than any time spent in a gym! - is that your hard work will be directly helping Sockburn Hall Project to save the Hall, grounds and history for more people to enjoy... pretty good for a day or two's work!

Be in touch, Laura x

Sockburn update: number seven (mid September 2007)

2007-09-17T21:33:00.000+01:00

Over the past few months I've been lucky enough to email you with very happy news about our work at Sockburn. Sadly this time I have to let you know that last Friday morning Mel Burton, a working weekend volunteer, was killed in an accident whilst cycling to work from her home in St Ives.

Photos of the progress that Mel and all our fantastic volunteers made over the last Weekend are up on the Sockburn Flickr pages. The Working Weekend pictures are also available as a slideshow.

I'll email again with more news before the next Weekend, which will be on 20/21 October. I really hope that you can join in in whatever way you feel you can. Just email me to let us know if you might be able to pop by - offering food or tools, or coming to volunteer for an hour, a morning or the full weekend.

Thanks so much for all your support and enthusiasm.

Laura x

Sockburn update: number six (September 2007)

2007-08-31T21:43:00.000+01:00

We've got a busy couple of weeks ahead so this is a quick email before I pack up the car to head north. Firstly...

September Working Weekend: come along!

The next Working Weekend is nearly upon us, but you've just got time to dust off your wellies and get the tent out/book the B&B (Harewood Lodge, 40 Grange Road, DL1 5NP - 01325 358152) for the 8/9 September . As you've guessed, this is when the beautiful summer we've been waiting for will finally appear!

Email sockburn@gmail.com for directions/to arrange a lift from the station. We'd love to see you for as long as you can make it – come over for a few hours or if you're travelling further you're more than welcome to camp... just prepare yourself for the basic facilities. Tours of the site free of charge! Give me a bell on 07814 248564 if you've got any questions - or if you might be able to provide some food for the volunteers - sweet and savoury both appreciated!

We'll put pictures up on Flickr as soon as we can afterwards so you can see what we've been up to.

New school year: lots to learn

Over the next few weeks Sockburn's going to be visited by (and I'll be visiting) a number of groups from Darlington, Newcastle and Hartlepool to find out how they might want to help restore this beautiful site, and what they think the house, outbuildings and grounds could become.

We're talking to youth groups, conservation volunteers, history groups... anyone with a comment to make! You can get involved too. Get in touch with your ideas or to sort out a visit and see if we might be able to put them into practice.

In other news

This Working Weekend and visits aren't the end of it... the vegetation on the roof is succumbing to my treatment (organic principles sadly sacrificed so gruesome pictures of dying greenery to follow!) and the love of tents has left me looking for a shed on wheels (suggestions welcome). Also the Working Weekend after this one, perhaps the last of the year, is in the pipeline - 20/21 October: put it in the diary!

Hope you're very well, and thanks for your encouragement... we will be crossing fingers for a fantastic late surge of summer weather!

Laura x

Sockburn update: number five (August 2007)

2007-08-02T13:08:00.000+01:00

It's been a fantastic time for Sockburn recently so I wanted to quickly let you know what's been going on...

Wonderful second Working Weekend
It was a busy one... amongst many other things, we:
* took down an old kennel - long unused and very tired looking!
* cleared a large area of hidden garden
* found some water features
* decided bonfires are better than TV
* had some really great food - thank you to all those who baked for us!
* defeated ivy & elder in an intense battle behind the kitchen yard

... See all the pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn

First funding grant towards the Sockburn Project
The week got off to a fantastic start when on Monday, while proudly showing off the work done over the weekend, I received a call to say that my application for a grant from The Big Boost had been successful!

This means that £4000 is to be made available to enable us to get early stages of the project underway, and to allow us to welcome volunteers and visitors from local community groups to join in with, and enjoy, the site's regeneration. This is a massive show of support for the project... and volunteer efforts to date, and your interest has helped us secure this funding - so thank you!

Up on the roof
Yesterday the structural engineer and team arrived, cherry-picker in tow, for a great day of investigations on the roof. And when the cherry-picker became vacant I got the best view of Sockburn I've ever had, and engaged in my personal battle with the vegetation on the roof! A successful day all round.

Hope that you've managed to find some summer somewhere. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you think you can make the next Working Weekend (8/9 September) in the meantime, have a great August.

Laura x

Sockburn update: number four (July 2007)

2007-07-14T23:52:00.000+01:00

We've had a busy time recently, one great bit of news is that a structural engineer has been looking at the house and planning the essential work to prevent further damage - looking forward to telling you more about that soon! On the web front, this blog is up and running - it's rather basic at the moment so please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see on there. Also, after the fantastic success of the first Working Weekend we're really looking forward to the next one. It would be great if you would like to be part of it - start by wishing for good weather for the last weekend in July!

How you can join in: 28/29 July
For those of you who fancy taking an active role for the Working Weekend, come for a day or few! We're at the Hall from Friday afternoon to Monday morning so feel free to come by for as long as you can make. We'll make very good use of whatever you can offer: tea-makers, wheelbarrowers, gardeners, (cobble) cleaners, enthusiasts... all welcome! As ever, it's mainly outdoor work, so old clothes, sturdy footwear and a rain-jacket are probably called for. There's space for tents on site for those coming from further afield - albeit with very basic facilities! - and B&Bs in Darlington.

Some people are already booked into Harewood Lodge (DL1 5NP, 01325 358152) which comes recommended. So, if you'd like to come to the next Working Weekend please let me know (sockburn@gmail.com or 07814 248564). We'll happily collect people from Darlington train station, and have directions for anyone coming by car.

As always there will be food and drinks provided, though if you can make a contribution that will help lots too. Speaking of which...

Something to munch
If you can't come on the day but would still like to help, then it would be great if you could provide some food for the volunteers. Anything, sweet or savory, will be much appreciated... contact me to sort out dropping it off/collection.

Our 'To do' list for the weekend is growing rapidly, the limes will get some more attention, and we hoping to clear another entrance into the hidden garden, but I can't help but hope we get the weather for another river dip in the Tees!

Forward planning
If you're all booked up for the end of July then how about the 8/9 September? It's not yet set in stone, but if it suits you let me know and we'll make it that way!

We had a brilliant time back in June; the Working Weekends are a great way of putting ideas into action and having a fun at the same time. Looking forward to getting the wellies back on - and seeing you if you can make it.

Laura x

Sockburn update: number three (June 2007)

2007-06-26T12:52:00.000+01:00

I hope that you are all having a good summer so far. As it's Glastonbury this weekend it seems a good time to gloat about our beautiful sunshine in the north east earlier in the month!

The inaugural Working Weekend: 9/10 June
Thanks to some fantastic volunteers and their judicious use of handsaws, secateurs, shovels, loppers, rakes and wheelbarrows there is now a beautiful Lime Avenue & a cleared Coach House at Sockburn as a result... and areas of a lost garden are closer to being rediscovered. It was a fantastic weekend, with perfect weather.

Aside from the great work, the weekend's activities also included (but weren't limited to!) camping, getting wet in the river, chatting to curious cows, making a fuss of puppies, barbecues and copious tea drinking (to say nothing of beer and wine!) See the pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn.

Showing off our efforts
On the Monday following this weekend the buzz of activity started again with a visit from people interested in Sockburn Hall from English Heritage, Durham University, Darlington Borough Council and Durham Diocese to name drop but a few! The weekend's efforts were of particular interest to people who had visited before - many of whom had not previously noticed the Lime Avenue! But the get-together was about more than just proudly showcasing the hard work, and the connections made on that day seem likely to really help Sockburn's chance of survival.

Since then English Heritage have been back on site, training members of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland in survey techniques (in the rain!) in the field. And we've discovered a great article about the construction of the Sockburn bridge - now just abutments. I'll put a copy in the post to anyone who fancies doing some research for us!

Making plans
After such success at the first Working Weekend we're planning a second for 28/29 July (provisional) and hope that you might be able to get involved too. We're not trying to wear everyone out - we just want to make full use of the summer weather. Of course if you can come for a day, or camp for the weekend, then that would be brilliant... but if not, and if you'd like to help, then let me know if you could offer something to help feed our wonderful volunteers: a cake, quiche, salad or pud would go down very well!

Thanks to everyone who's taken an interest in Sockburn so far. If you've got any ideas or comments then let me know... and if you're going to be heading up the A1 past Darlington then give me a call, if I'll be about I'd love to show you round.

Hopefully the Working Weekends and other visits to Sockburn, are just the start of the process of opening up this fascinating site more widely.

Laura x

Sockburn update: number two (May 2007)

2007-06-26T12:48:00.000+01:00

Progress so far
It's going really well so far. We've met with English Heritage who have been really encouraging in helping us get things moving, and we're in the early stages of applying for a grant to enable us to get designs and costs for the restoration work, and to continue looking into what the site could become. Also, a group of experts from Northumbria Gardens Trust are visiting next week to investigate the history of the garden currently visible on site, as well as those associated with previous incarnations of Sockburn Hall. It'll be fascinating to know what used to be here, and brilliant if we can integrate it into Sockburn's future.

But while physically there's no difference in the look of the Hall for the moment (in fact we're awaiting a structural survey to make sure the house is safe!) we've still got an awful lot to do on the grounds. Perhaps clearing round the ha-ha, or clearing an outbuilding to use as a dry storage place for what's still in the Hall. Whatever we do I'd love it if you wanted to come and join in...

Working Weekend: 9/10 June
There's plenty to do on site so whether you're a tea-maker, wheel-barrow wheeler, hard labourer, photographer, keen gardener or just someone who likes getting involved, then come along! Bring sturdy footwear, clothes that can get grubby, and a sense of adventure. We'll have a barbecue or something like that in the evenings and encourage musicians and knitters to help provide entertainment! And I promise we'll supply tea, coffee & sweet treats throughout the day.

Let me know which day you might like to visit, and if you would like to come up for both days then you can either bring a tent and join me camping for the weekend, or make use of a local B&B if you don't fancy roughing it! Let me know by replying to this email and then I'll send another with more details.

Next time?
If you can't make this weekend but would still like to visit then there will be other opportunties later in the summer... dates to be confirmed.

I'll email with more news soon, and we'll update www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn with pictures of the Working Weekend once it's happened! In the meantime, hope you have a great start to summer and look forward to perhaps seeing you at Sockburn.

Laura x

Sockburn update: number one (April 2007)

2007-06-26T12:45:00.000+01:00

As you might know, since the start of this year, when I've had a spare moment I've been working on a project to try to restore Sockburn Hall, a Grade II* listed building in the North East of England, just south of Darlington. It's a fascinating and beautiful place owned by my aunts, but it's in desperate need of attention to halt the structural deterioration.

We're hoping, with a little help, to get the house, outbuildings and grounds back into a usable condition and, ideally, open to those who want to be involved. It's a vast project, and I'm not sure yet exactly how we're going to do it, but it just seemed too important to wait until we won the lottery!

Landscape Detectives on site
A team of English Heritage Archaeological Investigators have spent the majority of the year to date looking at the grounds of Sockburn Hall, gathering information about the site. It's a fascinating location, in a loop of the River Tees, and has been drawing people to it since the Vikings. You can read about the current EH project and a brief history of the site at the Sockburn page on english-heritage.org.uk.

Want to get involved?
I've been blown away by how much enthusiasm people have shown for Sockburn so far... thank you! Please continue to keep in touch with any ideas or suggestions, expertise or experience. I'll email again with information about our progress and, hopefully, a working weekend (with musical accompaniment if we're lucky!) at Sockburn in early summer. If you're interested in the aims of the project then we'd love you to get involved in whatever way you'd like.

Looking forward to summer and getting the wellies and gardening gloves on!

Laura x