Restoration Village 2006

[Nemesis]

Well, although I wanted all to win, far too many Buildings at Risk everywhere, and I did love the workshop which won, I am sad really for Pen Yr Orsedd. That in the end got my (several!) votes.

This is a village of 200 and the repair of the buildings and financial input into the place would have brought real jobs and some hope for the village.

Let's hope it doesn't end there.

I do think that Restoration prog makers maybe should consider some wider responsibility to fund a case officer to help those communites who they feature (and make money from for the progs no doubt) in seeking grant aid etc.

Here's more about Pen Yr Orsedd

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/sites/nantlle/pages/penyrorsedd.shtml

 

[EmmaT]

I agree - I thought the winner was deserved. Ironically I actually voted several times for Compton, as it's very local to me, but felt that the winner was the more interesting building.

I'm also sure that many of the projects in the final will have benefitted from the publicity surrounding the contest (as demonstrated in the Friday night programme where they showed how insterest/visitor numbers had changed since the regional programmes), and it would be good if they had someone to guide them going forward - I imagine these things can be fairly complex!

 

[Nemesis]

Sadly they don't - after the prog that's it really, until the next time when they want to feature you in the progs. A great deal of work and effort for many and then that's it.

It's bad. A Project Officer could and should be employed to help those who made it to the final but didn't win..


In fact (whisper...) the cash still has to be applied for for the winner - there have been major delays over the Victoria Baths and the last time winner SPAB formally objected to the plans as being unsuitable (some demolition and a rather overpowering new community building of dubious architectural merit...) but the local authority passed them anyhow.

 

[EmmaT]

Ah yes, as long as something benefits that amorphous concept of the 'local community' and 'we're doing it for the kiddies' then it's OK. No matter what they're doing...

It's interesting, as I'm usually pretty media cynical (working in the industry...), but Restoration left me with a nice fluffy feeling about helping ancient buildings. I wonder how many of the people who paid their £1 per call understand the process - perhaps it would be fairer if each building received the money from the number of calls that voted for it. Obviously the 'winner' would recieve most, as they had the most calls, but then at least others would have some funds.

 

[plumbers mate]

If it is a good project and has a proper business plan etc the work will probably continue as the people involved will be fairly knowledgeable and have contacts.
Those with lots of volunteers who can do things, especially preliminary clearance and final sorting out, plus a large local support group who have the resources to raise funds etc, they will be alright.
It's those with a good idea/project, no skills, no large support group and no funds to use to raise funds (coffee/craft mornings only work if the locals can afford to buy the coffee/crafts etc) - they are the projects which will suffer yet they are probably the most needy of financial input from outside.

 

[Nemesis]

Well - Castle House has been very, very difficult for the SAVE Trust... but evetually I think things are looking up.
My lips are sealed.

It's all hard work though.

I hope Pen Yr Orsedd keeps going - I think that there is a great deal of help can be acquired for that.

 

[David Q]

Still supporting the concrete castle then? Sorry but cannot work up any enthusiasm for that one. Sorry about Pen yr Orsedd though, that was a really beneficial plan for the locals.

 

[Nemesis]

Well I love it - historically so interesting and important - even if design wise it's a bit of a pup!

Yes, things are moving on with it, after a bit of a glitch.

I think Pen Yr Orsedd won't be given up on either.



[Open Image] [Hosted by PhotoGalaxy.com]



[Open Image] [Hosted by PhotoGalaxy.com]

 

[plumbers mate]

It's got a charm of it's own - like the Ugly House at Bettws y Coed which isn't really ugly.

http://www.betws-y-coed.co.uk/attra/ugly/ugly.htm

 

[Penners]

I don't think the Ugly House is ugly at all. That's more than can be said for the concrete castle - what a monstrosity! Should be saved, though.

 

[Nemesis]

Grade II*

 

[Penners]

An important part of our architectural heritage, no doubt. Perhaps unique (at least we can hope so!)

 

[Moo]

Somewhere in Naarch we've got a concrete church - honest.

 

[Me!]

Considering the vast number of churches you've got in Naarch, that's hardly surprising!

 

[BMcD]

I love the Ugly House and the story of it I also like the look of Castle House but know nothing about it however one of my favourite buildings (among many) is considered ugly it is made of concrete and is Grade II*

http://www.open2.net/modernity/3_14.htm

But I fear I'm alone here on this one

 

[Nemesis]

Castle House - concrete 1851!

Sorry for brevity - still trying to save a rollercoaster!

 

[BMcD]

That's life

 

[Nemesis]

I know - but if we don't try where are we?

Concrete etc - see 20th c Soc.

I like the tower.

 

[Nemesis]

http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/VandA_5185.html

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/26455-popup.html

PS I have tried also to save Gateshead car park... Owen Luder...

 

[BMcD]

Thanks for the link I tried Googling Castle House but din't get much.
One point though, I thought Portland cement was invented by Joseph Aspden in 1824?