NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED REPORT ON THE YEAR’S ACTIVITIES APRIL 2014 TO MARCH 2015
There have been regular meetings of the Trust’s Council of Management and the Projects Committee to continue to work to seek to protect, preserve and enhance the built environment of Nottinghamshire. Additionally the Strategy Committee has met to determine the way forward to secure for the Trust a vibrant future.
Working towards the future will mean changes as we seek to become more active in the changing circumstances the Trust is encountering.
Officers of the Trust have become more involved with the UK Association of Preservation Trust events, especially in the East Midlands. These provide an insight into the problems faced during restoration projects in other areas as well as enabling those who attend to gain knowledge from the lectures given.
The Trust very much regrets the nationwide diminution of Conservation specialists at local government level and welcomes those districts locally which continue to support conservation work. Planning applications submitted by District Councils are responded to, particularly at Newark and Sherwood. Gedling and occasionally Rushcliffe, Mansfield and Bassettlaw by David Atkins and Alan Wahlers on the Trust’s behalf. Many queries are brought forward too by individuals seeking advice on their properties and the complex problems which sometimes accompany them.
The MAIN PROPERTIES which have been given attention during the year have been:-
Blidworth Windmill in Bassetlaw for which a grant was obtained for a condition survey and a feasibility study which produced options for ways forward.
Colwick Manor Farm in Gedling continues to be monitored with little progress as inappropriate replacement schemes are proposed.
The Manor House at Bingham in Rushcliffe has had several schemes for its future use put forward and the Trust continues to press Rushcliffe Borough Council to support saving this notable building which is substantially at risk.
Also in Rushcliffe, at long last, the Thoroton Dovecote restoration was completed early in the year.
The Trust’s participation in Heritage Open Days was marked by a Dovecote Trail which included Thoroton, Flintham and Sibthorpe Dovecotes with co-operation with Flintham Museum. Marion Edwards enthusiastically gave support to the Heritage Open Day and as Administrator is extremely efficient and meticulous in her work.
Negotiations over the Robin Hood Hotel restoration project at Newark began in earnest in 2014 resulting in a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for a feasibility study. Guidance from the HLF and UKAPT has helped to forward this restoration. As Chairman of the Trust I am enormously grateful for the considerable amount of dedicated work which has been carried out by David Atkins and Peter Duncan. The principle aim is to stop demolition of this Hotel (pictured below in the 1950’s) and propose possible future uses
Work is in hand to broaden and strengthen our Team of Trustees with the emphasis on gaining members/patrons with professional abilities. We have also started the process of amending and updating our Articles of Association.
Teresa Bastow became Treasurer in March 2014 but ill health intervened and David Atkins has taken over until another has been identified.
Looking to the future it is planned to hold the Harry Johnson Award again in 2016 and we plan to stage a second Heritage Building Craft Fair in Southwell Minster to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Trust in two years’ time.
It again remains impossible to mention everyone who assists the Trust and these volunteers all help to further saving our Nottinghamshire Built Heritage.
Maureen Stockwood