The most important event that has happened at Copped Hall since the last newsletter has been the opening of the saloon on 20 May. Although the opening was held primarily to thank the funders, it does mark a significant moment in progress generally at Copped Hall, as it is the first time that we have a first-floor room that can be used for events. One has to bear in mind that the first floor was the principal floor where originally social events took place, particularly in the saloon.
Unfortunately, I could not be there for the opening, so I asked Alan Cox – as Vice Chairman – to read out my short speech which I repeat below.
“Chairman’s welcome from Obsteig in Austria.
A very warm welcome to all our supporters who are gathered in this wonderful, partially restored room, which is called the saloon. Unfortunately, I am not able to be with you. I am booked to attend a performance of the Oberammergau story in Germany. Oberammergau occurs once every ten years. In view of the date of my birth I really should not book so far ahead!
This restoration work is a milestone in the task which Alan and I undertook almost a quarter of a century ago. Then we had the idea of Copped Hall, in time, being a centre for educational, cultural and community purposes. These uses are now established at Copped Hall.
I would recall some words of Winston Churchill who was at Copped Hall in the 1920s: ‘We
make a living out of what we get. We make a life out of what we give.’
Thank you for coming and for the support you have given us in the past. Needless to say, we still need support for the next great milestone in the history of Copped Hall.”
The saloon was further brought back to life by two superb concerts in June and July, the first by the pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones and the second by the Fitzwilliam Quartet.
Elsewhere I see progress all around in the gardens and in the house. There have been numerous donations from individuals since the last newsletter which are much appreciated. We have also received a further grant of £10,000 from the Essex Environment Trust which brings their total amount given to £80,000. We are most grateful to them for their support.
This will be my last forward to the newsletter as Chairman, as my co-trustees have upgraded me to Life President of the Copped Hall Trust. So in future I will write my forward as President. I will also remain a Trustee. Alan becomes Chairman of the Copped Hall Trust. The post of Vice Chairman ceases for the time being.
Denys Favre