Help Newhey Community Primary School class visit Grade-I listed Belton House

Year Six children at Newhey Community Primary School are hoping to visit the historic Belton House in Lincoln this summer.

The class has been reading the classic children’s novel, ‘Moondial’ by Helen Cresswell, and also watching the six-part 1988 televised BBC series, which was filmed at Belton House.

Earlier this year, the Year Six children interviewed actor Tony Sands, who played the main role of Tom in the BBC adaptation, which was also written by Helen Cresswell.

 

Read more: Year Six at Newhey CP interview actor from televised version of classic children's book 'Moondial'Published: 24 April 2021

 

 

 

A fundraiser has now been set up to give the class the chance to visit Belton House, which the children have longed to visit since reading and watching ‘Moondial’.

The fundraiser reads: “Being inspired further by this experience [interviewing Tony Sands], the children have longed ever since to visit the Moondial's home, Belton House in Lincolnshire, and relive the magic that captured their imaginations and sparked their literary flames.

“Covid-19 has hit school budgets hard, but it has hit every aspect of our children's lives harder. Before they make the already daunting step up to ‘big school’ in September, we need and would truly appreciate your help in giving Newhey CP's Y6 class the opportunity to visit the wonderful location of the Moondial, follow in the footsteps of its main characters, Minty, Tom and Sarah, and have a very well-deserved childhood adventure that will live long in the memories of this new generation of young fans.

“If our story and cause appeals to you (if you loved Moondial as a child yourself, for example), please donate whatever you can to help make this very special trip happen.”

‘Moondial’ follows the story of Araminta ‘Minty’ Cane, who is spending her summer holidays staying at Aunt Mary’s cottage next to Belton House, a Grade-I listed country house in Lincoln with extensive gardens. The house also featured as Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s residence ‘Rosings’ in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Minty is drawn to a sundial in the gardens – which she names ‘moondial’ due to its strange power and ability to allow her to travel back in time. There she meets Tom, a ghost from Victorian times who worked as a servant in the house. Together, they meet Sarah, another child from a different period.

Sarah and Tom are trapped in time and each have problems they need to escape from. Minty and Tom work to together to find a way to break free with many hurdles and exciting adventures and twists in the tale before they finally achieve their goal.

To donate, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/newhey-primarys-y6-moondial-trip