Adapting Market Towns to the Needs of the 21st Century
A talk to be given on Wednesday 13 April, 7.30 at the Beaumont Hotel, Hexham
The pending relocation of Hexham’s bus station, redevelopment of the existing bus station site, proposals in the Northumberland Parking Strategy, increasing use of cars, and the current tough economic times are likely to have a long term effect upon Hexham’s character and economic vitality The medieval origins of the town centre and its steep topography give rise to particular problems for traffic and access. The success of future development in Hexham requires an understanding of the best in current urban design if Hexham is to retain and enhance its attractiveness, vitality and vibrancy.
Against this background Hexham Civic Society has arranged a free public talk “Adapting Market Towns to the Needs of the 21st Century” on Wednesday 13 April , 7.30 p.m. at the Beaumont Hotel, Hexham. Tea and coffee will be available before the talk.
The talk will be given by Ben Hamilton-Baillie who is one of the leading exponents of integrated street design in the UK. He worked with the late Hans Monderman, former Head of Road Safety in the north of The Netherlands, to steer the European Union’s four-year research project on shared space. His consultancy practice in Bristol continues to research, monitor and develop innovative approaches to traffic in towns, addressing issues of speed, road safety, accessibility, walking & cycling and economic vitality. Ben is working with Northumberland County Council in Bamburgh, Hexham and Morpeth. He also advises CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, on street design, and helped English Heritage produce the regional “Streets for All” guides.
It is expected that his talk will include some initial recommendations and sketches for Priestpopple, the head of Beaumont Street, and the Loosing Hill roundabout.
Everyone is welcome to Ben’s talk and to participate in the discussion that will follow.
Tim Tatman
Secretary, Hexham Civic Society
23 Hencotes
Hexham
NE46 2EQ
Tel. 01434 609265
Mobile: 07742950474
Email: hcs@hexhamcivicsociety.co.uk
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EVENT: Wednesday 28 April 2010 10.00 – 16.30
Heritage Skills Symposium and 2010 Programme Launch Event
North of England Civic Trust – Come and join us for the first event and the launch of the 2010 Training and Events programme in the beautiful surroundings of Brancepeth Castle, near Durham City.
Wednesday 28 April 10.00 – 16.30
Heritage Skills Symposium and 2010 Programme Launch Event
Special Event
Brancepeth Castle, Nr Durham
Join us at the fourth annual heritage skills symposium where you can hear more about projects going on throughout the North East. Hear about the exciting new Engineering Heritage Skills training project, explore the Trowels to the Rescue pilot project examining approaches to heritage at risk, the AONB’s great Living North Pennines Project, Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and the training undertaken on listed buildings, find out about the new Limestone Landscape project and the exciting skills training undertaken by the Clervaux Trust at Clow Beck amongst others.
Free. E-mail skills@nect.org.uk for further information and book a place.
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EVENT: Saturday 8th May 10.00 – 16.30
Homeowners Day
North of England Civic Trust – Join Alan Gardner, James Innerdale and Jules Brown for an event that may be of interest to yourselves or your contacts:
Saturday 8th May 10.00 – 16.30
Homeowners Day
Special Event
Snods Edge, Shotley Bridge
Join us for an informative day where owners and custodians of pre 1919 and listed buildings can come and find out more about their properties. Find out about the local building styles and materials, understand why historic buildings are different, dispel the myths about damp and timber treatments, new design solutions in a historic environment and why not only the character of the building but also its surrounds are important.
Free. Book your place by contacting skills@nect.org.uk
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Northumberland Heritage Open Days 2009
Get in!
Welcome to the biggest free Heritage Open Days event that Northumberland has ever seen!
From Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 September, more buildings in Northumberland than ever before will open their doors or hold special events, tours and walks – and all completely free of charge!
The nation’s largest annual celebration of architecture, history and culture, Heritage Open Days takes place over four days every September, as part of European Heritage Days, which sees 49 countries throw open the doors of thousands of historic places for people to explore for free! In 2008, over 1,600 organisers staged a total of 3,717 property openings and events across England. It was the biggest Heritage Open Days programme ever, attracting around 1 million visitors over four days.
This year more buildings and events than ever before are taking part in Northumberland, many of which are either not normally open to the public, or usually charge and entrance fee.
Heritage Open Days is not just for the heritage enthusiast, though. There are lots of family and children’s activities on offer, and the chance to discover some of Northumberland’s hidden gems. And with plenty across the county to excite and educate this year, such as historical re-enactments in Berwick Town Hall, a Woodhorn at War tour, an ecological self-build at Belford using local timber and sheep’s wool insulation, and a talk by John Grundy in Morpeth Chantry, you are spoilt for choice!
Or how about simply relaxing by listening to Ellington Colliery Band at the newly restored Blyth Bandstand, enjoying a fantastical tea at Whalton Manor Gardens or a guided walk through the woods at Bothal?
Come along and join us for a great day out. It’s all free!
NECT is co-ordinating this countywide event, together with Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Heritage Forum and English Heritage, with sponsorship from The Sir James Knott Trust, Northumberland County Council and Heritage Lottery Fund.
http://www.nect.org.uk/index.php?page=northumberland-heritage-open-days
NORTH OF ENGLAND CIVIC TRUST
Join us for an exciting four day heritage skills festival on the 28th – 31st August 2009 on Bowes Moor where we will be undertaking a number of heritage skills such as:
- Lime Burn – with Peter Coverdale
- Lime pointing – P&S Coverdale ltd.
- Green Oak work – with Martin Clark of Grampus & P&S Coverdale ltd.
- Crucks in buildings – P&S Coverdale
- Heather Thatching – with William Tegetmeier
- Blacksmithing – AW Artistic Blacksmiths
- Charcoal burning – Adrian Wood
This is an informal weekend with plenty of opportunities to have a go and become involved in the activities listed above. There will be an area for camping with basic facilities or for those of you wanting more comfort; we can provide you with a list of near by accommodation.
Book your place by contact Joan at joan.robson@nect.org.uk or 0191 232 9279 by Monday 10th August.
