New National Trust boss aims to make history a people thing

She was profoundly affected by thoughts of what the poor endured all those years ago.

And that is precisely the reaction she wants to provoke in others who may visit the old building.

For as new director-general of the National Trust, Miss Reynolds is aiming to make places such as the Nottinghamshire workhouse really work for her organisation.

She wants to bring history to life as part of a campaign to ensure the trust fulfils its original purpose of "benefiting the nation."

The workhouse, one of the trust's more recent acquisitions, is the only intact building of its kind remaining.

It was built to a particular design which separated not only the sexes, but the "worthy" and "unworthy" poor.

"It is a spooky place," said Miss Reynolds, "and it poses big questions as to the way society treated the poor in those days and how we do it today."

The trust is now restoring the workhouse but in a way which retains the unique atmosphere. It will open to the public next year.

"I am sure it will be irresistible to people as a place to visit," said Miss Reynolds.

The trust's new chief wants to see the organisation focus on countryside and "below stairs" history.

She is keen to see the charity shed its "remote" image and highlight the lives of ordinary people.

Miss Reynolds, who took up her new job on January 1, says the trust is set to play a pivotal role in the future of the countryside by using its 105 years of experience to show how the problems facing rural land and communities can be tackled.

"In the 20th century the trust effectively saved the country house, through leading by example and generating a body of public legislation and support.

"Now, at the start of the 21st century, I think the trust should aim to do the same for the countryside."

The former director of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, who was born in Alston, Cumbria, also stressed the need for the trust to shed a somewhat "remote" image. She sees this being achieved by working more closely with communities.

For visitors to the charity's houses, gardens and farming estates, this means there will be more emphasis on "below stairs" history and the people stories which help bring history to life.

She says the history of farm workers, thatchers, foresters and craftsmen of the big estates is just as fascinating as the lives of those who owned them.

The trust will expand the work it is already doing in this sphere.

Tenant farmers on trust land can also look forward to some action.

Miss Reynolds said there will be a vigorous continuation of measures to help hard-pressed farmers - especially in the North-East.

"We have extensive land holdings in this area and these have tenant farmers whom we are helping to diversify - especially in the current economic crisis for farming - and look at ways of raising their incomes," she said.

She said that in upper Wharfedale there was a farmer who was adding to his activities by marketing his breeds of sheep and cattle as being "National Trust-land reared."

"This is a lovely example of how we are supporting a farmer to get a better return from his land," said Miss Reynolds.

Ways in which the trust can help include aid for farmers who want to convert to organic production, with marketing or even not putting up rents to ease pressure on families.

"We are acting as responsible landlords and investing for the future," she said.

Wider community interests will also be in the spotlight.

The trust often owns not only the land but substantial parts of villages, including shops and post offices and Miss Reynolds says there are lots of examples of how the charity has supported shops to help them stay open.

Letting on favourable terms is just one way.

"Where we have these kinds of properties we do see the social side as important as the environmental value," she said.

As the mother of three young daughters, Miss Reynolds is well placed to appreciate the value of trust properties as family attractions.

"We need families to be going to our sites," she said.

"We are very much aware that the day out is crucial to family life, for people to be able to enjoy time together. It is terribly important.

"We need to ensure we offer value for money as well as protecting the appeal of the trust for families."

She said the trust's many properties along the North York moors coastline were a good example of how this could be achieved.

She uses her own children as a guide as to what might click with youngsters. "They are a good sounding board," she said.

And her children are "thrilled to bits" about mum's new job.

"They care passionately about the countryside," she said. "But they are quite critical as to what forms a good day out. They don't want outings to be too educational but to offer enjoyment as well."

She said the trust had already been changing direction in its community approach and this was to be intensified.

Local community officers are being appointed to ensure people know what's on offer.

"The National Trust is a wonderful organisation and a hugely successful one," said Miss Reynolds.

"But as we enter a new century we must make sure we are listening to what people want.

"Society is changing and we have to make sure we connect with people and provide opportunities relevant to people's lives today.

"This is a high-pressure world and what we are providing is vital - time away from it all."

And where would she like to see her new job take her and the trust?

There was no hesitation. "Engaging with people would be top of my list," she said.