The Friends group formed in April 2009, following a presentation by a Firbeck resident who gave a passionate and detailed presentation "The Golden Years" focusing on the period in the 1930's when Firbeck Hall operated as an exclusive country club, offering some of the finest accommodation, dining and leisure facilities in the UK.
Since then the building has had a variety of uses associated with healthcare, most recently as a recuperative treatment centre for injured mineworkers. The hospital closed in the early 1990's and the site was acquired by a private owner in 1996. Sadly since then, the hall has steadily fallen into a state of disrepair; parts of the buildings and grounds have become overrun with invasive vegetation, protective lead has been stolen from the roof and the interiors vandalised by occasional intruders.
Whilst site security has been improved to discourage further breaking and entering, the steady dilapidation continues and no formal plans for the restoration or development of this Grade II listed building and the surrounding site have ever been submitted. The Hall appears rather derelict and Firbeck village residents have grown increasingly concerned for the future of this attractive and important building that occupies 44 acres of wooded and conservation land, making up a substantial proportion of the village footprint.
FoFH does not wish to be viewed as a protest group, but seeks to encourage the local council and other relevant authorities to take the necessary action to ensure that the buildings and land are preserved, maintained and where possible developed into a positive future use. The group has no agenda or requirements for future uses of Firbeck Hall beyond it's preservation. FoFH is of course well aware that any commercial development will require substantial investment and thus a viable business case.
FoFH has a growing membership of well over 300 people who would like to see this fabulous building restored and in daily use once again.
Membership of Friends of Firbeck Hall is by subscription and is available for a nominal £1 to cover administrative costs. We publish a quarterly newsletter with an update on our campaign progress interspersed with interesting articles of historical, social and environmental interest.
If you would like more details and would like to join our campaign, please send an email to: fofhmembers@aol.com
