The Deputy Mayor Councillor Suzanne Hartwell and her consort Geoff Deakin attended the official opening of the Ingestre Orangery in Staffordshire.
The orangery has been restored to its former glory by the Friends of Ingestre Orangery – a group of people living in or around the Staffordshire village of Ingestre.
The Deputy Mayor and her consort were invited along with the Mayor of Stafford Borough Councillor Gareth Jones and the Mayoress of Stafford Borough – Mrs Renee Robinson.
Councillor Bob Lloyd, cabinet member for economic investment, also attended the opening. He said: “It was a real pleasure to be invited to the opening of Ingestre Orangery. I remember visiting Ingestre Hall when I was much younger so it brought back fond memories.
“Phenomenal efforts have been made restore the orangery and I want to congratulate everyone who has been involved.
“This was a project very deserving of our grant and I am sure it will benefit visitors to Ingestre from Sandwell and the local community.”
Deputy Mayor Councillor Suzanne Hartwell added: “After visiting the Orangery and its grounds, I am delighted to see that the restoration has been completed so successfully.
“Friends of Ingestre Orangery have made an incredible start by trying out numerous activities and events so that they can cater for the needs of local families and the wider community.”
Sandwell councillors gave a £150,000 grant towards the work to the Ingestre Orangery which was also funded with a National Lottery grant of £1,018,500.
The Orangery, built in 1613, was used for growing exotic fruit and plants by the Chetwynd-Talbots and later the Earls of Shrewsbury until 1959 when the estate was sold.
The hall, orangery and surrounding land were bought by West Bromwich Council as a residential arts centre for children, and is now owned by Sandwell Council.
