I AM delighted to see how funds are coming in for our monument!

With the latest boost of £500,000 from Highways England, the Wellington Monument project team has now secured £2.6 million. This is incredible and I can honestly say I will be sitting back with a plate of – local – mince pies and a jug of – local –mulled cider this Christmas, and toasting all the hard work we have ALL done.

This includes Nancy Powell-Brace and her walk, local welly-wearing school children, John McCarten and Rosie Caley and the shed, Wellington’s own calendar and fabulous music gigs, plus countless others who’ve helped spread the word and support the monument.

I also want to thank all those incredibly generous people from all over the country who have been sending me donations to add to the monument fund. That is a lot of toasting!

Since I started in May, the support and welcome I have had from the community and beyond has been truly heart-warming. I am the luckiest person in the National Trust as I have the best job. I work for the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world with the most wonderful people around it to help me. I also laugh every day and some days I cry – but for the best reasons. The stories you have told me about why you love this monument bring a tear to my eye and make my job even better. We are getting there.

I will be switching on and illuminating your special obelisk on Christmas Eve to help Father Christmas find Wellington. Please let all your little ones know. This is also a sign to say thank you to all of you who have helped make this project possible. May I wish you all a Monumental Christmas and a peaceful, joyous New Year.

If you ever want to contact me, email me at [email protected] If you would like to make a donation, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/appeal/wellington-monument-appeal. Alternatively, you can post a cheque, payable to National Trust, to Emma Jones, Fyne Court National Trust, Broomfield TA5 2EQ.

EMMA JONES

National Trust fundraising and community engagement officer (Wellington Monument)