Photo - Alan Mak MP with Stansted Park director James Cooper
Havant MP Alan Mak has describe a the newly-repaired Chapel at the historic Stansted Park country house and estate as “a fantastic restoration project”, which was enabled by a £400,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Chapel visited coincided on Friday 10 June with the opening day of Stansted Park’s annual Garden Show, and the Chapel housed an impressive floral display by Emsworth Afternoon Flower Club who contribute to the Garden Show every year.
Mak was given a tour of the historic country estate. Stansted is a Grade II Listed Edwardian country house set on a 1,750-acre estate within the South Downs National Park. The house began as a hunting lodge in the 11th century, but was developed over many hundreds of years.
Mr Mak was present at the opening of the Garden Show, which runs from 10 – 12 June 2016. The Havant MP met some of the 300 stall-holders, with over 15,000 visitors expected across the three-day show.
With special Plant Doctors and expert environmentalists on hand for green-fingered enthusiasts, as well as a multitude of stalls, shows and mazes to keep visitors entertained, the Garden Show is a perennial highlight of the Stansted Park calendar.
Mak was then given a tour of the estate by Director James Cooper, including the historic Mansion, Chapel, Farm Shop, administration offices and Walled Garden. Stansted Park receives an estimated 200,000 visitors each year, and Mak was keen to praise the estate as a ‘real destination’ for both tourists and local residents.
Following the tour, Mak said: “I was delighted to see Stansted Park’s newly refurbished Chapel, and help welcome visitors on the first day of their Garden Show 2016. It was great to see so many visitors enjoying the stalls and attractions. Well done to James and the team for putting on such a good show.”
The Havant MP added: “Our local area is a real hotspot for visitors across the country and from abroad. With excellent shopping facilities, outstanding museums and areas like South Downs National Park rich in natural beauty we must make the most of our assets to draw in more visitors and boost our thriving tourism sector further.”
Stansted’s Director James Cooper said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alan to the estate to give his support to the Garden Show and our ongoing programme of events and attractions. Our newly restored Chapel, which dates in part from Domesday, will be a real draw for visitors over the coming months.”
Mr Cooper added: “Stansted Park is a diverse and busy country estate, with extensive let commercial office space, a popular tea room, farm shop and garden centre, and facilities for weddings, birthdays and receptions throughout the year.”
--