Thousands Flee National Trust as 'Anti-Woke' Rival Gains Traction

<p class="mol-para-with-font"> Tens of thousands of National Trust Members have left their memberships due to competition from a rising 'anti-woke' rival group. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Last year, it experienced a significant loss of 89,000 members, whereas Historic Houses reported having 85,000 members and saw an increase of 10,000 annually. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The organization Historic Houses was established in 1973 as an autonomous association and operates on a non-profit basis. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Members can utilize 303 sites spread throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland , with more historic homes than both the National Trust and English Heritage combined. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Its £68 annual membership is significantly cheaper than its rivals at £96, who increased its prices this year by nearly six per cent. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Ben Cowell, director general of Historic Houses, said: 'We don't own any of these properties so we've got absolutely no remit to instruct owners on what to do, and nor do we want to. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'The whole point is that these places are independent. They are their own masters and can be run in whichever way they want and they can display things how they wish. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Our role is to support and guide them, however, the decision regarding what they do with their homes remains entirely up to the owners. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWuNG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWuNG.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWFLI" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWFLI.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWFLJ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWFLJ.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWDin" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWDin.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWuNK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWuNK.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> He added to the Telegraph I don’t view it as a contest…Obviously, people have their personal views regarding the National Trust, yet we collaborate very closely with them, and they perform exceptionally well. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Historic Houses provides various attractions and locations that many might be unaware of, and these sites can now be visited unexpectedly.' </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, the downturn in the National Trust's fortunes is attributed to their ' woke Thus, enthusiasts of grand estates prefer the less politically charged option. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> This follows an extensive history of controversies related to social justice issues with the organization. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Just last month, members were 'appalled' by the decision to hand back the running of a Tudor mansion to its previous owners after a £3.3million restoration was carried out. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The charity has owned it since 1946 prior to the Throckmorton family taking possession. requested to take back the running of Coughton Court in Alcester, Warwickshire, from February 2026 . </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> But the announcement sparked a furious backlash from members who have been told they would then no longer be able to visit the country estate for free. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Customers also complained when in 2023 its calendar excluded Christmas and Easter, while including other religions' festivals. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWFLN" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWFLN.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWpSE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWpSE.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWDiu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWDiu.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The 'inclusivity and wellbeing' calendar, which was been provided for volunteers, includes Hinduism's Diwali, and Islam's Eid and Ramadan - with no sign of Christian holidays. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The chairperson of The National Trust sharply criticized the organization’s ‘progressive’ stance and pledged not to be drawn into political disputes. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> René Olivieri, who became the chairperson in 2022, stated back then, "Although we have the right to pose inquiries regarding the historical background of the over 200 structures under the Trust's management ', new viewpoints' cannot 'overshadow' other perspectives. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> In 2020, the Trust found itself entangled in controversy following allegations from dissenting members who claimed it was 'disregarding our heritage.' releasing a document about the colonial past of its buildings that contained numerous errors '. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The charity found itself at odds with the splinter group Restore Trust, whose members were furious about how certain assets had been labeled as controversial due to supposed connections to colonialism and slavery. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Among nearly 100 National Trust locations, the residences of Winston Churchill and Rudyard Kipling are included, as stated by the charity. referred to as having connections with slavery and colonialism . </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Members had threatened to cancel subscriptions and boycott the charity, as the organisation was accused of 'playing the woke tune'. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> While last year, It led them to make their scones vegan using vegetable-based spreads. rather than using butter, much to the displeasure of numerous patrons. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWpSG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWpSG.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWAZx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWAZx.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> They accused the Trust, which has 280 cafes, of failing to protect a piece of British heritage and said the plant-based scones taste like 'dry biscuits'. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, the National Trust still remains one of the largest landowners in the UK, with more than 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves and celebrated 130 years in January. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> It was set up by three Victorians in 1895 who were concerned by the rapid rate of industrialization and so formed the organisation to protect England's historic buildings and natural beauty spots. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> National Trust property is one once inhabited by an eccentric royal or prominent statesman with a taste for rare artwork and lavish drapes. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, not everyone adheres to this norm — ranging from a 16-sided feminist cottage to the abode of renowned designer Goldfinger. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The National Trust stated: "Increasing inflation, elevated expenses, and a significant reduction in household disposable income led to individuals finding it more difficult to pledge for yearly subscriptions or memberships during the fiscal year of 2023/24." </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'As a result, paying visitors to places in the Trust’s care increased by 12 per cent year on year, an increase of 332,000 in numbers. Our total visitors rose by 5 per cent – to 25.3 million – that financial year.' </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> historic homes were contacted for their input. </p> Read more

Thousands Flee National Trust as 'Anti-Woke' Rival Gains Traction

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Tens of thousands of National Trust Members have left their memberships due to competition from a rising 'anti-woke' rival group. Last year, it experienced a significant loss of 89,000 members, w…

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