Council throws weight behind Strawberry Hill bid (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Council throws weight behind Strawberry Hill bid

10:01am Friday 4th June 2004

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THE bid for Strawberry Hill House to win a television restoration contest has won full support from Richmond upon Thames Council this week.

The Gothic masterpiece is one of the candidates hoping to win funding through the BBC's Restoration programme. The council is urging all residents to vote for the house when its programme is aired, next month.

Council leader Tony Arbour said: "The Gothic masterpiece that is Strawberry Hill is one of the jewels of Richmond upon Thames. The council wants to foster civic pride by encouraging every resident of the borough to vote to ensure the restoration of this gem to its former glory.

"We shall support the magnificent campaign already started by the Friends of Strawberry Hill to make certain that this is the winning project."

Judith Lovelace, events co-ordinator for the Friends of Strawberry Hill, said she was delighted by the council's announcement. "It is terrific news. It means that we are now sure that the whole borough is behind us and that is well worth knowing. It really is a very nice development. It is good because in the past Strawberry Hill did not have the facilities to become one of the borough's tourist attractions. But now it is possible to make it up there with Marble Hill House and the rugby stadium."

Another boost for the Friends of the house is the news that all the proceeds of raffle tickets sold during the Twickenham Festival will go towards the restoration of the house.

A harp and piano recital is taking place in the Waldegrave Drawing Room at the house on June 17. Tickets cost £15, available from Terry Smith at 14 Gothic Road. Call Judith on 8404 4370 for more information.

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