The Trust greatly appreciates your donations, no matter how big or small they may be. Every donation makes a difference and helps us to preserve the wealth of local history through our restoration projects on the historical buildings of Rothwell, Northamptonshire.

BBC Radio Northampton Interview

Last month, the need for Rothwell Market House’s severe damp problems to be tackled were highlighted by Rothwell Preservation Trust chairman, Richard Ley, during an interview on BBC Radio Northampton.

Annabel Amos interviewed Richard on the breakfast programme during which he was able to emphasise the work of the Trust and how it plans to deal with the need for a new roof and other issues that have been identified at the Market House. In particular, Richard discussed a meeting that the Trust held in early February with Historic England to identify the best way forward, given that work on a Grade 1 Listed building requires specialist input.

The programme was not just about the Trust’s work, however. Richard was asked about his background in journalism as well as – a topic on which all interviewees are asked to comment – his favourite meal. Richard revealed his favourite meal is ham and pea soup, followed by steak and kidney pudding, washed down with either a pint of real ale or a glass or two of a good Burgundy. Well, if you didn’t already know that – you know now!

Many thanks to BBC Radio Northampton for inviting The Rothwell Preservation Trust on to the breakfast show.

Local Policing Team working out of The Market House

In a joint 3-way partnership including Rothwell Town Council, The Rothwell Preservation Trust and our local Policing Team, local Police will be working from the Market House on an ad hoc basis going forward.

The Rothwell Preservation Trust have recently signed an agreement for the Police to be able to use the Market House on an ad hoc basis while working in and around Rothwell.

The police out-station at Desborough has closed and, without a local facility, officers would have to return to their main headquarters in Kettering to complete paperwork and other administrative tasks. It is therefore convenient for the Policing team to be able to utilise this central location in Rothwell.

Please note members of the public will not be permitted to approach the police at the Market House as it is purely for administrative purposes. However, the Trust and the Town Council both believe that the increase in the visible police presence in the town will be welcomed by all local residents and businesses.

So, if you notice a slight increase in Police presence over the next few weeks, this is nothing to worry about!

Rothwell Preservation Trust Receive Share of Town Council’s ANPR Grant

Rothwell Preservation Trust is dedicated to carrying out restoration projects on Rothwell’s most historic buildings, having previously completed essential work within The Manor House and Nunnery Cottages.

Over recent years, their focus has turned to raising funds to put towards the upkeep of The Market House which is in urgent need of essential repairs to the roof.

More recently, a further, major damp problem has been identified within the Market House which, left untreated, could cause extensive damage to the Grade I listed building.

Towards the end of last year, Rothwell Town Council took applications from local charities eligible for an ANPR Grant. Following unsuccessful requests for a link road to be built before Rothwell North build commenced, Permission Homes agreed to put in place a safe route for construction vehicles to get to and from the building site, fining those who failed to adhere to the designated safe route. It was agreed that Rothwell and Desborough Councils would be issued with half of the fines pot each with the vision that this money would be shared amongst local charities/organisations.

The trust is delighted to have received a generous share of this grant to help with pressing restoration projects.

Richard Ley, Chairman of The Rothwell Preservation Trust said, “This is an extremely generous grant that will go a long way to helping us identify and rectify some serious damp issues that are affecting the ground floor of the Market House. The building, which is Grade 1 Listed, is an iconic symbol and focal point of our town and I am sure everyone recognises how important it is that the fabric is kept in good repair. It has stood in Rothwell for many hundreds of years and it is our duty to ensure that it is still there in hundreds of years' time. We are very grateful to the town council for its recognition of this fact and for making such a substantial donation.”

MAJOR DONATION MADE TO THREE ROTHWELL ORGANISATIONS!

A donation of just under £200,000 has been made to three Rothwell organisations by a local man.

The money is being divided between the Rothwell Preservation Trust - a charity that looks after the town's Market House - Holy Trinity Rothwell Trust, and Rothwell Arts and Heritage Centre.

"The Market House needs a new roof and this incredibly generous donation will take us a very long way towards paying for the replacement," said Preservation Trust chair Richard Ley. "The people of Rothwell love the building, which is right in the middle of the town, and we have already received many, smaller donations for which we're also very grateful.

"But obviously a sum of this size is a huge windfall and we cannot thank the donor enough for his generosity."

"As well as being a place of worship, Holy Trinity Church is a historic building which embodies much of Rothwell's history. Being a very old building, it is in constant need of maintenance and currently needs to have its roof renovated. This money will enable the Trust to undertake the much-needed repairs to the roof," said the Trust's treasurer, Bill Roberts.

And Geoff Davis of the Arts and Heritage Centre added: "Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre is extremely grateful for this very generous donation. It will be used to fund the various maintenance and repair projects that are always ongoing in an old building such as ours. It will also help us to continue with our mission of preserving the heritage of our town.

Both the Market House and Holy Trinity church are iconic buildings in Rothwell, and it is essential to keep them in good repair. The money should ensure that they survive for future generations to enjoy.

While the size of this donation enormously helps the fund-raising efforts of all three organisations, it is not the end of the story. "We hope that the people of Rothwell will continue to support the efforts of all three organisations in striving to maintain and preserve the town's unique heritage," said Mr Ley.

The donor wishes to remain anonymous.