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These activities include the production of teaching kits and the organisation of exhibitions, visits, competitions and other educational programmes for schools. They also extend to commissioning TV programmes in Chinese and English, sponsoring an international conference on archaeology and commissioning historical research projects to document various aspects of Hong Kong's history. The trust relies on donations to fund its very worthwhile activities. Parties interested in finding out more about the trust's work or to donate funds to support it should contact the Antiquities and Monuments Office at 136 Nathan Road, Kowloon or telephone 2721 2326.
Lord Wilson and Lady Wilson were accompanied on their visit to Kam Tin by Mr Au; Mr Edward Ho, Chairman of the Council of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust; Mr Benjamin Tang, Deputy Secretary for Recreation and Culture; and Mr Ian Petersen, Secretary of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust.
Staff of the Antiquities and Monuments Office and the Architectural Services Department explained to Lord Wilson that Kam Tin had been selected for the establishment of a heritage trail because of its rich historical background and the existence of a number of significant historical buildings and other interesting features within the same area.
The proposed trail, which will be about two kilometres long, links up 16 historical buildings and structures from Shui Tau Tsuen to Shui Mei Tsuen in Kam Tin. Lord Wilson and the party inspected eight of them, including Yi Tai Study Hall, So Lau Yuen (study hall), Loi Shing Tong (ancestral hall), Tree House, Tang Ching Lok Ancestral Hall, Cheung Chun Yuan (martial arts school), Tang Chan Yui Kuen Ancestral Hall and Chou Wong Yi Kung Study Hall. Along the way, the party met senior village representatives who came to greet the Wilsons and show them their historical buildings of which the Tang clan are justifiably proud.
Lord Wilson was very impressed by the buildings in Kam Tin and felt sure that people living in or visiting Hong Kong would be most interested in visiting and learning about them.
He noted that many of the buildings and structures would need to be restored. In addition, a number of improvements would have to be provided along the trail, including sitting-out areas, foot-paths, signage and information boards, car parks and toilets. It is estimated that it will cost about $27 million to establish the trail.
Funding has already been secured and detailed planning is under way. The Lord Wilson Heritage Trust would be able to contribute by promoting Kam Tin's history by producing maps and educational materials.
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