ACO BUSINESS NEWS NOTES FROM THE CHAIR Copy deadlines always come at the wrong time. Lots of ACO members have written to express views about the proposed new constitution. Most wish only to fine tune; a few hope for radical change; and one person resigned! The Council has not discussed these responses yet and any decisions taken about recommendations to the Annual General Meeting will not make it into this issue. I trust that as many people as possible will come to the AGM to ensure that all issues are fully discussed. Meanwhile, other matters may be in your minds. The average ACO member's workload was almost certainly increased by the recent storms. In the worst areas, numbers of mainly timber framed buildings have been destroyed. Other distraught owners will be getting very excited about the difficulty of getting either grant aid in time or the right contractor on site - and we know who they will want to fix it. You might wish to take some (slightly 1990 SPAB REPAIR COURSES This year, ACO has again been able to reserve two places for these extremely useful and important courses. One place is available on the Spring Course which is from 30th April to 5th May and one on the Autumn Course from 1st to 6th October. Unfortunately, we were not able to fill last year's places. But we do hope that there are some new up and coming Conservation Officers who would like to benefit from this opportunity. Many of you already have considerable experience in dealing with building repair and for a large number of those who want to go on the course, employers are willing to provide the funding. However, if you are not in this situation and are just starting out on your career in building conservation then you could be eligible for one of the ACO sponsored places. If you would like to apply for sponsorship, please write me a letter explaining your situation and why you think that you are eligible. Any applications will be considered carefully by the National Committee and its decision notified to you as quickly as possible. Liz Marten, Secretary CONTEXT 25 evil) consolation from the howls of anguish about to issue from those who own listed barns, had fought their way through to a residential conversion permission but not yet carried it out, and are about to realise that their excuse for a house in the country has just been blown away. But even that will only result in appeal work for someone! It was a pleasure to hear recently that one of our colleagues has receivtd the accolade that his untiring and endlessly enthusiastic work in the field deserves. Peter Richards of Essex has been invited to sit on the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee of English Heritage. It is typical of Peter and explains why he is so much liked and respected that he sees this as a credit to his authority, local government historic building work and to this Association. One matter which will undoubtedly come before that Committee and on which this Association will be invited to comment is the Government's intention to consider changing the law concerning SUBSCRIPTIONS Over 70 members have still not paid their 1989/90 subscriptions. Is your conscience troubling you? If so a cheque or bankers order for £8 sent to me (address on contents page) will let you sleep nights. Give me a ring if you want a banker's order form. 1990/91 subscriptions are due on 1st April 1990. Peter Richards, Treasurer YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE BRANCH For those members in local planning authorities, it is most important that opportunities are taken to meet. This should occur within the county areas, so that matters and issues of common interest are discussed, providing benefit for individual development and for Local Authorities. Throughout the UK there are not sufficient numbers of suitable qualified/ experienced conservation officers or planners with experience of dealing with development control/local plans to meet the demand for conservation/ environmental work. Despite the emergparts of listed buildings which may be moved. Michael Howard' s answer to a Parliamentary question about the matter signals a redefinition which may cause concern. Although it was accepted by all parties that the statue in question was part of the listed building, the Secretary of State declined to take action because "...He is not satisfied that it is in general an appropriate use of listed building legislation to control what would widely be thought chattels .....(he, therefore) .....considers that the whole issue of controls over movable fixtures in listed buildings needs examination." Personally I don't like "movable fixtures''. In the age of the very big Poclain, what isn't? No doubt this is a view both facetious and over-cynical. Certainly, those of you with experience or views will want to air them. Please do write to the Secretary or me in order that we may be sure that we represent your views on this matter. Chris Smith, Chairman ence of conservation as a force, now with great public support, it is still regarded as a planning "backwater" - reflected usually in the poor recognition through salary and status. It is essential in these circumstances that exchange of experience and ideas takes place. As a model, in West Yorkshire the District Conservation Officers Meeting is held quarterly and includes, in addition to the District Officers, a representative of the West Yorkshire Archaeology Service. Matters discussed relate to ACO interests including events. The minutes of the meeting are referred to the District Chief Officers Meeting. This arrangement works and could be reflected in North Yorkshire, Humberside and and South Yorkshire. It is suggested that ACO County convenors be established under the Branch Contact. The nature of county wide meetings between the County and District Council representatives could be formulated to suit local circumstances. Anyone undertaking conservation work should be involved. All local planning authorities should be involved. Already some authorities in North Yorkshire and Humberside are moving along these lines, with the establishment of the North Yorkshire Conservation 29
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