Special ceremony for Tower campaigner (From The Bolton News)

Special ceremony for Tower campaigner

7:00am Sunday 28th June 2009

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A YOUNG girl who asked for Prince Charles’ help to save Turton Tower was honoured in a special ceremony in the grounds of the historic building.

Natalie Heaney, aged 11, was presented with a commemorative photo recording the moment she presided over the ceremony at the start of the 15th century tower’s new era.

The picture shows Natalie turning the key to open the door after the tower was officially transferred from Lancashire County Council to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Turton Tower had faced an uncertain future due to years of wrangling between the two authorities over funding, and the threat of closure to the public was looming.

Natalie, from Bromley Cross, was so upset by the prospect that she wrote to Prince Charles to ask for his help.

She was delighted when His Royal Highness wrote back to express his support.

Now the future of the tower is secure, and the Walmsley School pupil said she felt proud and grateful that the Friends of Turton Tower had decided to honour her.

She said: “I didn’t want the tower to close down and I really like the festivals there. I helped out with the dog show this year.

“I’m hoping to take the photo into school. My mum has put it on the wall in my front room now.”

The photo presentation was organised by the Friends of Turton Tower, a voluntary organisation which runs fundraising events in aid of the 600-year-old building.

It was watched by Friends chairman John Grove and former chairman Beryl Woffenden, as well as local councillors Colin and Jean Rigby, and Natalie’s mum, Angela Heaney.

Mrs Woffenden said: “It was rather lovely to have Natalie there because she is one of the future generation.

“Hopefully Natalie, who has a great love for Turton Tower, will join others in her generation to care for it.

“Turton Tower is secure for the future now, which is what the Friends have been working towards for three years, since Lancashire County Council decided to withdraw its funding.

“The Friends have worked very hard for that, and the local community has been very supportive of us in trying to do that.”

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