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All work - and some play!

Sue Carr
9/ 5/2005

THEY'LL never complain about the housework again!

Friends of Glossop Heritage Centre were tired just listening to their latest guest speaker - the housekeeper from Dunham Massey Hall.

National Trust worker Barbara Foster came dressed in character as the person who would have been responsible for running the historic hall in Altrincham.

Built in the late 17th and early 18th century, the hall was home to the Stamford family and was handed over to the trust in 1976 when the Earl of Stamford died.

Ailsa Thompson, a volunteer at the heritage centre, said: "Barbara brought lots of interesting artefacts and pictures with her and talked about the programme they have developed to get children interested in Dunham Massey.

"When children visit the hall they dress up as servants and are given tasks such as making butter and bread - but as they would have done in the housekeeper's time so it's much harder than now."

She added: "It was fascinating and everyone agreed it was one of the best speakers we have had."