of work has still to be done on the interior which has suffered from extensive outbreaks of dry rot. In October, the group met in Newcas0 tle, and in November the Northumberland and lfowcastk Society held a conservation forum as part of the celebration of its 60th anniversary chaired by Neville Whittaker, the Director of the Civic Trust for the North East. Speakers included Mrs Jennifer Jenkins, Alan Beith MP, Miles Danby of Newcastle University, and William Hugonin, Agent to the Duke of Northumberland. Keith Murray Northern Ireland CONSERVATION IN NORTHERNIRELANDIS Nor ''TAKENFORGRANI'ED" This is the title of a new publication recording and illustrating the repair and refurbishment of the Province's historic buildings and celebrating the first decade of the Historic Buildings Council. Almost 1,000 schemes have been carried out among the 6,500 listed buildings or within the 22 Conservation Areas. The schemes are widely scattered and include most types of structures. Grant assistance ranges from ~8 for repair of thatch to over £370,000 towards the restoration of Belfast's Palm House. In Northern Ireland responsibility for listing, designation of Omservation Areas, grant-aid and planning control lies solely with the DOE(NI) and the work devolves on the Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch. This unit had its beginnings in 1969, in advance of legislation, when 2 architects were appointed to draw up a list of buildings of architectural or historic interest. ~fuen grant-aid was introduced in 1972 these architects assumed the role of advisors, drawing up schedules of 11 repair and inspecting the work. Centralisation of operations facilitated consultation within the Service, including, of course, Listed Building Consents. Historic buildings have not escaped the results of the troubles and unique difficulties have been produced despite which the work of conservation has carried on in an impartial way. We look forward with the hope of at least equal success over the next 10 years. COLINHATRICK Chief Historic Buildings Architect Department of the Environment (NI) Other groups SPABBARNSSURVEY The SPAB Barns Campaign Organiser is Miss Sarah Dennison, and anyone know;;., ing of volunteers to survey parishes not'already covered should contact her at 37 Spital Square London El 6DY or 01-377-1644. SPAB has also published notes on its policy for conversion of farm buildings which any conserv~ ation officer would find very helpful. TOUROF ITALIANHILL TOWNS- URBAN DESIGNGROUPEASTERNREGION The Eastern Region of the Urban Design Group have arranged a study tour of Italian hill towns from April 27th to May 5th 1985. The hill towns of Tuscany represent a unique fusion between buildings, landscape and way of life,and have long b€en .a source of inspiration for architects and urban designers. This tour is an opportunity to see the best of them, and to meet local experts on their growth and conservation. cost of the tour will--be £260 for eight nights' stay and travel from London. Det&ils from Alan Stones, Fullerthorne, Church St., Kelvedon, Essex co5 9AH; telephone 0245 352232 ext 299.
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