Mid-Norfolk Christian centre may have to close

Letton Hall, a Christian residential centre near Shipdham, is seeking immediate funding in order to avoid closure. Tony Rothe reports.

The 18th century building is run by the Letton Hall Trust, a Christian charity, and has offered residential facilities to many guests and groups for over 35 years. It has survived its share of highs and lows throughout those years, although during the Covid pandemic the centre was forced to shut for eighteen months, with no income. During that time the premises continued to need maintenance, which has used up their reserves.
 
Jon Horrox, the centre manager, explains: “The Trust is now in a very difficult financial position.  We were able to survive COVID and the pressures it placed on us and many other businesses with both government and private assistance.  However, in the last two years we, like many other charities, have seen massive increases in our running costs, particularly energy and salaries.  It has not been possible to pass all these costs on to our guests, and so our reserves have been depleted to a dangerously low level.”
 
The Trust has sought grants from both government and private grant-givers and has received some limited donations for emergency repairs.  However, they are now in a position where they need financial assistance to survive the upcoming months and to be able to meet the operational costs and legal responsibilities. The Trust says it will be forced to sell the hall if it cannot raise at least £30,000 in the next two months.
 
Jon continued, “We are exploring alternative sources of income to enable the Trust to continue to provide facilities in line with the Objects of the Charity ie to advance the Christian faith generally for the public benefit.  We do have a number of additional sources of income at their early stages, but without immediate financial assistance, these won’t come to fruition, and the Trust will not be able to continue to operate.
 
“We face the very real threat of closure by the end of the summer. We will be very grateful for any size of donation to support our work. Letton Hall needs all the help and prayer it can get at the moment.”
 
The Grade II* listed Georgian building was built between 1783 and 1789 and was once the home of the Gurdon family. It was the first domestic commission of the famous architect Sir John Soane. Now, its 130 beds across the main hall and converted stable block mainly host residential and school groups.
 
Donations can be made through the Just Giving page, directly to Letton Hall office, or the Letton Hall website.
 
The photos are courtesy of the Letton Hall Trust.

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