Buildings & Tourism

Buildings and maintenance department;

Ford & Etal estates are responsible for the upkeep of some 250 houses, cottages and other buildings, over the entire estate lands.

Roofs, chimneys and walls have to be maintained, repaired and improved. Work involving internal fittings such as kitchens, fireplaces, plumbing and electrics are done in discussion between the estate’s clerk or works and the tenants. Building regulations and fire safety checks are also the responsibility of the estates. Some outlying farms have their own private water supplies, which have to meet a growing member of stringent regulations on water quality.

Tourism and Leisure department;

The promotion of Ford & Etal estates as a visitor destination and the organisation of the school and other group visits lies with the tourism and leisure department. This includes the promotion of various craft workers and small businesses around the estate.

These enterprises often revolve around the use of older buildings that have become surplus to requirements or are no longer suitable for modern farming practices. Our policy is not to let them deteriorate but to offer them as small business locations. This is turn provides a potential source of employment for local people who can support the village shops and pub or who have young families to attend our village school. All of this helps to ensure that we maintain a vibrant local community.

CHURCHES

ST MARY THE VIRGIN, ETAL
This small but beautiful Victorian church wasdesigned by William Butterfield.

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, FORD
Parts of this historic border church date back to the 13th century, but it was mainly restored in the 19th century by William Dobson.

ST PAUL’S, BRANXTON
12th century church, where James IV's body was brought after the battle at Flodden. Please check the notice boards in the porches for service details.

THE VILLAGE HALLS
The Village Halls on the estate are available for hire for a variety of occasions.

CROOKHAM VILLAGE HALL
Tom Turnbull 01890 820 222

LADY WATERFORD HALL, FORD
Dorien Irving 01890 820 503

BRANXTON VILLAGE HALL
Bill Walker 01890 820 274

ETAL VILLAGE HALL
Steve Taylor 01890 820 566,
Maria Merritt 01890 820777,
or email: etalvillagehall@aol.com

Over the winter of 2005/2006 and due to be finished in February 2006, Etal Village Hall is undergoing a major refurbishment. This comprises the addition of a meeting room, a new kitchen, toilets and computer room. Also to be installed is a renewable energy heating system along with complete insulation of the building, and double glazed windows. The hall will still maintain its character with its high ceiling, oak beams and oak floor.