4 NEWS EDITORIAL This is the first Winter issue devoted to a particular building material in conservation and we hope to devote each corresponding issue in future to a similar theme. There has also been some very useful feedback from past contributors bringing several cases or issues up to date, but we maintain diversiry by including a thought provoking article by Yvonne Lee on an alternative way of managing changes to architecturally important modern buildings other than by listing them, and Sally Stradling entreats you all to get more involved at all levels of the ACO. Please do and soon! Gus Astley has now taken over as the Membership Secretary from James Ross and Liz Marten is now Deputy Editor in place of Gus. Unfortunately a person to fill the post of Treasurer had still not been confirmed as we went to press. Please also read Alan Taylor's Notes from Council about the changing events within ACO. We need more of you to contibute to the workings of ACO at Branch and National levels - let us know you are out there. As Context continues to evolve, so does the structure of the Association. There have been several changes to the key Officers of the ACO as set out in the last Newsletter to keep the Association going until the AGM next March. Members should note in particular that Finally, we also pay tribute in this issue to the contribution made to the Association by one of its founding members, longest standing Committee stalwart, Treasurer, and all round great bloke - Peter Richards - who retired as Head of the Conservation Section of Essex County Council in October. We all wish him a very happy and well earned retirement. FORTHCOMING ISSUES - DEADLINESAND THEMES Copy deadline for the Spring I 995 issue will be 11 January I 995. We will be returning to the theme of historic churches and chapels (first covered in Context 28). We hope to be looking at the first year of the Historic Chapels Trust, looking at the problem of cemeteries; reviewing the workings of the new Ecclesiastical Exemption and looking at successful conversions of churches to new uses. Other contributions, experiences, technical notes and case studies are welcome at any time (space permitting), but if you have a burning desire to see a particular topic covered let us know. The following issue is COVER PHOTO The cover photo shows the staircase at Claydon House, Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire. As this issue is devoted to metals and also includes a short review of the revised Pevsner' s Guide to that county it seems appropriate to quote from it. "The steps themselves are in veneered mahogany (by Luke Lightfoot), with parquetry even on their undersides and flowing into the hall in serpentine curves. The balustrade is of the lightest, daintiest wrought-iron scrolls with ears of corn and a garland of husks running through". likely to be concerned with the pressures of tourism on heritage: is the relationship good or evil) Please supply your copy if possible in word processed form on 3.5 inch floppy disk (indicate what software it is written in). If you have any doubts about what is required, the Editor or Deputy Editor will advise. Articles under 2,000 words are preferred. The Editor wishes to impress on contributors that if they wish to submit short items promoting publications etc they must write a precis and submit it. The Editor will not do if for you. Please adhere to the deadlines - they are final! QUALITY OF THE SOUTHWEST ENVIRONMENT Following the publication of a RegionalStrategyfor the South West in February 1993, the South West Regional Planning Conference has published The Landscape, Coast and Historic Environment of the South West which identifies what special intrinsic quality, diversity and important environmental characteristics of the area are in a national context. The report emphasises that, while the regional landscapes are nationally distinct and fixed in the nation's psyche and these are important for tourism, there are other lesser-known ones which should also be safeguarded. The historic environment comprises I 9% of England's land mass bur 25% of its heritage designations; 20% of historic parks and gardens; 24% of its listed buildings; and 39% of Scheduled Monuments. Physical remains of past human activity have and will continue to be a significant influence in defining the distinctive character of the region. The report pays particular attention to the importance of historic landscapes, sites and monuments as the importance of historic buildings and settlements is generally well understood. The coastline of the South West has astonishing variety and subtlety, and comprises 55% of England's designated landscapes, 80% of the total coastline of Heritage Coasts and 60% of chat in an AONB. It is the combination of these and their overall quality which makes them of such national importance. It is believed chat the report is the first to deal comprehensively with all three issues at a regional scale. The report sets out 61 guidelines which will assist the local planning authorities and other bodies in preparing plans and policies and in the development of new environmental initiatives. The report can be obtained from The Secretariat, South West Regional Planning Conference, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset TAJ 4DYat a cost of £15.00. BAGGRAVE HALL:AN UPDATE In Context 32 (December 1991) I wrote about the problems of enforcement at Baggrave Hall - listed Grade II*. (The previous owner under whom all the damage had been done fled the country.) From December 1990 for over two years I wrote regularly to the new owner urging char repair works be done and a full restoration be put in hand. An architect spent several months on site drawing up detailed plans and records of the building and a fullti me agent was appointed to oversee the restoration. Listed building consent was obtained. The restoration of the Hall was tied to a Section 106 Agreement in connection with some discreet development within the park (the restoration to cake place before the new development was begun). Now, four years after the present owner acquired the building and following the financial difficulties of the previous owner, restoration is nearing completion and the house will be ready for occupation before Christmas this year. Of particular note is the replacement in solid oak of some eight steps of the 1590s newel staircase, where the steps are fashioned as if in stone, and a new limestone floor has been laid (the previous one had disappeared). The Gothick gazebo (Grade II) - a charming garden building of no economic use - has been roofed and fully restored. The scabies of 1859 have been repaired and converted back into use as stables, the stable yard has been stripped of its asphalt and re-cobbled. Although the building had been empty and derelict over three winters under its present owner, the wait has been worthwhile as it enabled derailed plans to be drawn up and no works were undertaken hastily. The lessons to be learnt from this happy ending are: keep in close contact with owners and agent; if Section I 06 agreements (for enabling development chat might otherwise not be granted) are tied co a listed building, ensure char the work to the listed building is done first. Rosalind M Willatts is Conservation Officer at Harborough District Council. The views expressedare her own and not thoseof Harborough District Council. CONTEXT 44
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