THIS year, as you know, I have put together some nature-based events. When I totalled up how many of you who joined in, it was nearly 1,000 people.

The next event is Carols by Candlelight. When we advertised the date this year, we had more than 1,000 responses overnight. It has become so popular that we are having an online booking system so that seats can be reserved on the coaches. This just proves how much Wellington Monument means to us all.

I am at the monument this week with the design team. They are looking at ideas to make the new information around the site engaging and interesting for everyone. I also have a walk up there with Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust. Hilary has pushed the monument to be one of the trust’s top three fundraising projects. It will be great to be able to tell her how much the monument means to the community and beyond. I will wax lyrical, I promise. However, with the stories that I have heard from you, it is not hard to be passionate about it.

We, in the project team, have been called ‘terriers’. We are determined to make this the most exciting conservation project the National Trust has been involved in. We are also fighting for every bit of funding we can secure – like terriers again. I hope next time I write, we might have had confirmation of a huge grant we have applied for – we have sunk our teeth in!

Whatever happens, with you on board with us, with Christmas cards, calendars and collection tins, we can do this. Wait until I tell you more about The Monumental Trek sponsored walk in May – now the wellies will definitely have to be worn for this one. Contact me at [email protected] or phone 07779 454246. As always, I look forward to hearing from you!

Emma Jones

National Trust fundraising and engagement officer