Context 156 - September 2018

C O N T E X T 1 5 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 25 IHBC ANNUAL SCHOOL is possible from this iconic listed building, which remains the focal point of the community. And if you are wondering what happened to Drummond’s bid for world peace: the portrait of Elvis now hangs in the galley of the most northerly lighthouse in the world. Unfortunately, world peace remains elusive. Tom Copp Communication and inclusion in the regulatory process Speaker: Deborah Mays, head of listing advice, Historic England ‘Danger. Listed Building. Keep Out!’ That, said Deborah Mays, was exactly what Historic England was not about. Mays, head of listing advice at Historic England, took on the shared heritage theme of this year’s annual school by giving a comprehen- sive review of the initiatives Historic England is undertaking to ensure that heritage is accessible and relevant to a diverse audience. Setting the scene required a brief description of the position Historic England takes within the regulatory framework; as the public body that secures the preservation of monuments and buildings through listing, championing and advising on the historic environment. From this framework, Mays went on to explain the relevance of heritage, with consideration given to how best to achieve greater involvement and appreciation. This includes the annual DCMS ‘Taking Part’ survey; ‘Heritage Counts’; heritage action zones; ‘Enrich the List’; enhanced advisory services and ‘100 Places’; ‘Heritage Calling’; and blogs, debates and social media. Mays explained that this research was providing valuable insight into how best to reach out to people. Heritage action zones, where localised areas of heritage recognition and rejuvenation aim to improve people’s social and economic circumstances, have proven to be a good way to leave an area with more engagement and information. The process to achieve this varies for each zone, leading to unique and relevant protection, and action plans that will lead to positive impacts for all people residing within, and visiting, these areas. Listing remains a vital mechanism for the protection of heritage and involves many diverse groups outside of the Historic England team to support the listing process, including experts, colleges and universities. Mays made it clear that the process was also open for more public interaction, through offering suggestions for listings and commenting on the listings proposed. Equality and diversity have benefited from targeted projects such as ‘Pride of Place’, a guide to understanding and protecting LGBTQ heritage. Once a site is listed, there are even more opportunities to interact by using ‘Enrich the List’, a means for people to make their own information and image contributions to the preserved history of a location. Tuckers’ Grave public house in Somerset is a good example: The morning speakers (from left to right: Alison McCandlish, Andrew Shepherd (standing), Debbie Mays, Elena Mamani, Bill Drummond and Paul Mullan