TV cameras were in Broomfield Park this week filming the ruins of Broomfield House and interviewing Councillor Del Goddard about the prospects for its future. The footage is intended for a programme which is expected to be shown on BBC next month. The following report is by Colin Younger of the Broomfield House Working Party.
Filming for the BBC-commissioned programme as a follow-up to the 2003 series “Restoration” series took place in Broomfield Park on 11th November. The two presenters, Ptolemy Dean and Marianne Suhr, were filmed in the Conservatory discussing their original visit to Broomfield House in 2003, and outside the ruin viewing its current state. It seems unlikely that they would be doing anything less than shaking their heads in sorrow! Indeed they may have been heard to use the words “national disgrace”, but how much will be aired remains to be seen.
Councillor Del Goddard is interviewed in Broomfield BandstandLater, under the Bandstand, Councillor Del Goddard was interviewed, and from what we heard spoke positively about recent efforts to restore the House and open it to the community, and what might happen next. Various members of the Working Group were then interviewed about their ideas and ambitions for the House. We are all very conscious of the funding issues involved in re-opening the House and Stable yard, and hope that the film might reach an individual or organisation with both sympathy and the funds to help raise the capital needed.
The programme also squeezes in restoration work on three or four other historic properties in the London area. It will be broadcast in the BBC1 Monday 7.30pm slot possibly as early as 2nd December.
