On Wednesday 17th June, over 100 Friends joined the Trust for a wonderfully entertaining evening with Loyd Grossman CBE, to hear about his lifelong passion for saving historic churches.
The event, hosted jointly with The Churches Conservation, was held to raise funds for, and awareness of, the work of both Trusts.
The event took place at the church of Christ the Consoler, set within the spectacular grounds of Newby Hall.
The magnificent church seems the very celebration of life, yet it stands as a testament to tragedy. It was built as a memorial to Frederick Vyner who, age 23, was captured and murdered by brigands in Greece in 1870. His mother used the money collected for his ransom to commission British architect William Burges – celebrated for decorating Westminster Palace – to design this church in the grounds of her home at Newby Hall.
Guests enjoyed canapés and prosecco, before hearing from Loyd who gave a most entertaining and inspiring talk about the importance of preserving the rich heritage of our country. The evening was concluded with historian David Thornton providing a short but illuminating talk on the architecture and symbolism found within the church.
From left to right: Tom Ramsden (YHCT), Jane Hedley (YHCT), Crispin Trueman (CCT), Richard Compton (Newby Hall), Loyd Grossman CBE, David Quick (YHCT)