As Patron of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, I am delighted to lend my support to the Trust's efforts to raise the funds towards the restoration of this unique part of our national heritage.

Over the past one-hundred years, this magnificent building has faithfully served the people of Harrogate and the surrounding district in many different roles. The inherent versatility of Frank Matcham's brilliant concept for this theatre building has enabled the Royal Hall to be used for a range of purposes - from a cinema to a boxing arena, from an area for exhibition displays to a dance hall; from ballet to theatre performances, from school speech days to concert hall - the list is almost endless. It has truly justified the "act of faith in the future of the town" made by those far-sighted local leaders who were so inspirational in its creation and who saw it as a vital part of Harrogate's future prosperity.

I am pleased to learn that the restoration programme is progressing well, and that the Royal Hall is planned to re-open in three years' time in a condition which will reinstate the splendour of Matcham's original design. The successful completion of this ambitious project will not only have preserved an invaluable part of the historical and architectural heritage of our nation, but, equally importantly, it will once again have enable this wonderful old building to take its place at the centre of the social, economic and cultural life of Harrogate and its District. I would urge you to support the appeal in any way that you can.