A Greater Manchester charity that offers holidays for those most in need, has launched an appeal for donations of wellington boots and warm coats. 

As Mellor Country House near Stockport throws open its doors on 1 March for the new season, it is keen to kit out their guests with wellies and warm coats so they can enjoy the countryside, many for the first time.

Mellor Country House, near Marple on the edge of the Peak District national park hosts approximately 650 people a year and up to half are children.  Anyone on low income and in desperate need of a break who would otherwise not be able to afford one, is welcome to book at the house which can accommodate up to 26 people in 11 bedrooms at any one time.  People can stay up to seven nights for as little as £12 per night for adults and £6.50 for children on a self-catering basis.

The house was purpose-built in 1907 to provide relaxing and restful breaks in the beautiful countryside of Mellor for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get away anywhere. Funds were raised by mill owners’ wives and originally intended for mill workers. The holiday home has continuously offered accommodation for the poor and vulnerable in the wider community for more than 110 years.

As Lord Hallam Tennyson, eldest son of the renowned poet, said at the opening of the house in 1907, he hoped “a blessing would fall on this house of rest which would invigorate not only the flagging pulse but send the light of day into a darkened heart”. The charity has not changed its ethos and this wish still rings true today.

Completely self-funding and with only one paid member of staff, the charity is run by an army of more than 40 volunteers led by Margaret Powell.  As chair of the Mellor Country House charity, she explained: “We encourage the children and their parents to explore our three-acres of gardens, woodland and paddle in the little brook running through the grounds. Our guests are from low income inner-city households, and many have not been to a rural area before. Inevitably people often arrive ill-equipped for the countryside. So our guests can enjoy playing outside, we are keen to stock up on wellington boots and warm coats in readiness for opening the doors for the new season.” 

Sharon Adamson, who has been Mellor Country House’s house manager for more than 20 years added: “There’s an increasing number of people in Greater Manchester who cannot afford to put food on the table let alone have a holiday. We provide a restful, relaxing and recreational retreat for some of the region’s most vulnerable people. The historic home offers a safe, secure and uplifting environment in a stunning location. The holidays promote health and well-being and can have a lasting impact on people’s lives. While children play, parents interact and share their experiences, knowledge and sometimes even their food.  This helps them to solve problems, gives them respite from often a chaotic, unstable and stressful life at home and prepares them to cope better with any difficulties that lie ahead.” 

In addition to the bedrooms, the house also has a disabled suite on the ground floor, a well-equipped shared kitchen, dining room, lounges and children’s playroom. The grounds include a secure play area for toddlers, a paved patio with barbecue, and a private lawn area with benches and seating for quiet reflection.

Anyone able to donate wellington boots and warm coats should drop them at the house – 299 Longhurst Lane, Mellor, SK6 5PP.

The house is open from 1st March until the 31st October.  Anyone in serious need from Greater Manchester who would like to stay at heavily subsided rates (£12 per night for an adult and £6.50 for a child)  should call  0161 427 1893 or emailmellorcountryhou@btconnect.com to check availability and book.

For more information visit https://www.mellorcountryhouse.co.uk/

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