Hall pays tribute to stalwarts who helped in renovation project

Artist Tom Eccles was renowned for his acute sense of the heritage of Lytham and painted images of its cobble walls, its atmospheric old buildings and its people, creating many happy scenes of bygone days.

He painted a winter scene of the Hall for the Friends of Lytham Hall to make into very popular Christmas cards and the Hall’s activity plan officer Marianne Blaauboer said: “It was wonderful to have such a talented local artist who could interpret the area so brilliantly.

Jean Wilding-Walsh, a past councillor, Alderman and Mayor of Fylde who died last month, was a generous supporter of the Hall from the outset and as vice-president of the Friends of Lytham Hall, worked hard to raise funds towards the restoration of the Hall.

Through the Friends, she paid for the restoration of the bell at the entrance to the courtyard in memory of her husband Eddie Walsh and she was active in the Civic Society and generally took a keen interest in Fylde developments.

Marion Coupe, chairman of Lytham St Annes Civic Society added: “Jean was also a vice president of LSA Civic Society, an ardent supporter of many local campaigns who was dedicated to whichever cause she pursued.”

John Miller, chief executive of Heritage Trust for the North West, the charity managing Lytham Hall, said: “One of the things that sets Lytham Hall apart from other heritage restoration projects, is the wide community support from businesses, groups and individuals alike.

“People like Tom Eccles and Jean Wilding-Walsh were instrumental in the early days of Lytham Hall. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their input, and will remember them fondly.”