NEWS Peter' s in f1 uence was widespread. wonder just how many ACO members either worked direccly or indireccly with him, and were affected by his knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject? As well as chose who worked as part of his team at some point in their careers, there are all the officers from the Essex districts and other adjoining counties, and from English Heritage who worked on the list resurvey or came co Essex as Inspectors. I calculate this as comprising about a quarter of the ACO membership! His dedication to the aims of the ACO and support since its conception deserve particular recognition. At the Crafts Council meeting in 1981, when the ACO was founded, he cook on the unenviable task of Treasurer. I remember this well. After his election there were requests for volunteers for the role of Membership Secretary. As one we all looked at the floor and a deathly hush fell on the room - I then recall Pecer's voice saying 'Tm sure John Davey could do the job"! When I joined Peter's Section in 1976, the place was buzzing. Cecil Hewitt and Dave Stenning would be storming around the office raving about a latest timberframed 'find' and Jack Graham would be organising his latest trip co yet another exotic location. In my first month Peter cook me on a memorable visit to Harwich to meet a formidable lady who was proposing to restore one of the many derelict listed buildings in rhe old town. She went on to implement her own 'revolving fund'! It was in her sitting room chat I first heard those immortal words ... "I'll have a Bells please". My memory of the remainder of the visit is rather hazy. Like everyone else I shal I always appreciate my opportunity to have been part of the 'Essex Experience'. Peter encouraged me to develop my interest in conservation and, like so many others who worked with him, enabled us to study at the Architectural Association and progress our careers. Like fledglings we have left the nest and gone off in all directions co spread the word and discover timber-framed buildings throughout the UK (or as Peter would call it, "Greater Essex"). Peter will be greacly missed in the Coun ry offices and elsewhere, CONTEXT 44 but certainly his involvement with building conservation will continue. We all look forward co seeing him at the annual ACO bash (if nor before). Peter, I know that all your friends in the ACO will join me in wishing Wendy and yourself our very best wishes for a brilliant retirement - just think of the time you'll have for all that jazz! John Davey, Guildford Borough Council Chris Smith writes: As Chairman of the Association, I have often bored you all rigid repeating the fact that the strength of the Association is no more than the strengths of individual, active members. That remains the case. Elsewhere in Context, you will see char forthcoming changes may test the Association's current strength. In very few cases, however, can it be said that the ACO rested so clearly on the strength of one individual, for so long, and with such a feeling of security, as we did on Peter Richards. le is fircing chat I should say a few words on his retirement. John Davey writes of how graceful he and many others were co work with Peter at Essex. I must say chat the pleasure was equally great for those of us on ACO Council. As Treasurer, he combined probity with undemanding common sense. As an advisor on the acrivi ties and policy of the Association, he never lee us veer far from our original objectives - which he had a part 1 n formulating. Large organisations attempt to achieve continuity by appointing professional staff. With this new found freedom, they rotate senior posts of responsibiliry frequencly. It would be impertinent of me co comment on how well chat works. In an Association of this size, continuiry is only assured by the durability and long service of individuals, and Peter had no peer. Presumably, the local jazz club and his family are going ro benefit from these qualities from now on. I know the Historic Buildings and Areas Advisory Committee of English Heritage will - as long as he remains a member. I trust chat will be for a long time. At least that way, I will be sure of seeing him from time to time and checking chat I have not strayed into some tired old heresy he first heard and disposed of years ago! THE NEW PATENTED METHOD OF GENTLE CLEANING CHEMICAL FREE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THE SWIRLING VOR'IEX THAT IXJES NO HARM STONEHEALTH LIMITED 73 London Road • Marlborough • Wilts • SNS 2AN Tel & Fax: 01672 511515 ~- J'&ptl)ellmp lll lumbing & ~eating ~pecialist 1!.tallbJor<k!Contractor Manufacturers of Lead Components for the Building Industry 'FAIR VIEW', SHUT END, KINGSWINFORD, WEST MIDLANDS DY6 7LR Tel: 0384 296814 * RAINWATER HEADS (Ancient or modern, replicas or new design) * RAINWATER PIPE AND FI'ITINGS (Square or round) * CHIMNEY BACK GUTTERS AND APRONS * SOAKERS AND SLATES (Any diameter or roof pitch) * BOX GUTI'ER OUTLETS * RAINWATER CHUTES * DECORATIVE CAPPINGS AND BEADINGS * DECORATIVE CASTINGS (i.e. Roses, lions heads or your own design) * CLADDING AND PANELS {For fascias or soffits) * ORNMiENTAL WINDOW BOXES, PLANTERS, URNS AND FLOWER TUBS * WALL PLAQUES (Made to order) * INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENT - PLEASE ENQUIRE All the above items can be manufactured in the workshop and delivered to site - Installed if required USE LEAD - THE TRADITIONAL AND BEST MATERIAL * NO MORE WAITING FOR WEATHERINGS TO BE MADE ON SITE * ALL SIZES AND TYPES OF WEATHERING MANUFACTURED * ONE-OFF ITEMS MADE TO SPECIFICATION * JUST SEND DRAWINGS/DIMENSIONS ETC * ALL STANDARD CODES OF LEAD SUPPLIED * GEOTEXTILE UNDERLAYS - Lotrak, Bidim B5 etc * COPPER OR S.S. ANULAR RING NAILS AND CLEAT STRIP * INSTALLATION BYSKILLED CRAFTSMEN TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS We also carry out Leadwork on site - Bossing and Welding BOX GUTIERS * VALLEY GUTTERS * LEAD ROOFS - FLAT OR PITCHED WOODCORED ROLLS * HOLLOW ROLLS * HIP AND RIDGE COVERINGS DORMER CHEEKS * CLADDING AND PANELLING * SAND CASTING CHILL MOULDING * GENERAL FLASHINGS AND WEATHERINGS * DESIGN ADVICE * For more information please call -- 0384 296814 7
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=