Trust team delivers a fresh start to the year for Norton Priory

PLASTERERS, joiners, electricians, plumbers and painters have been breathing new life into a 900-year-old priory.

Nearly every member of staff at Halton Housing Trust spent at least one day over the past two weeks refurbishing the main gallery, painting walls, fixing lights and heating, improving plumbing and refurbishing the café, reception and public toilets at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

Claire McDade, Director at Norton Priory, said the efforts of the Trust staff had made a massive difference to her team and visitors alike.

“I sound like a broken record, but I just keep saying ‘thank you’ to everyone who has been involved,” she said.

“When you are a small, charitable trust working to care for a complicated and labour intensive 40-acre historic site this kind of support means a great deal to everyone involved.

“It has taken a huge weight off our shoulders and means everyone here can continue with their day job and not worry about things breaking down.”

Halton Housing Trust employees voted last year to make Norton Priory one of the two charities it supports in 2011.

It was decided that one of the biggest ways they could help was by putting their skills to the test by carrying out some improvements at the Priory.

Trust employees have also been working alongside Norton Priory staff and volunteers cutting down herbaceous perennials, coppicing trees in the woodlands, cutting back ivy from the cottage, pruning shrubs, weeding borders as well as clearing and raking paths ready for the priory’s first garden tour on Sunday, February 6.

Work has also included refurbishing education rooms at the Walled Garden.

It is estimated that the work carried out by the Trust is worth more than £30,000.

Other jobs completed have  included the full refurbishment of the viewing area above the 12th century undercroft and the plaster boarding of the main museum gallery where the precious medieval collection is displayed.

Halton’s wildlife will also benefit. Trust staff have been chopping down willow branches and weaving them into homes for rare long-eared owls.

The baskets will be strategically placed around Halton in a bid to support the owl population.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said he was proud of his team’s achievements during their two weeks of work at Norton Priory.

“The hard work and efforts of all our colleagues has helped breathe new life into this hidden gem within Halton. We have left a lasting legacy, which everyone who works at and visits Norton Priory will benefit from in the future,” he said.