WAKEFIELDCIVIC SOCIETYBuilding Interest in Wakefield

WAKEFIELD CIVIC SOCIETYBuilding Interest in Wakefield

www.wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk

NEWSLETTER 127 AUGUST 2010

THE HERITAGE ISSUE – DO WE CARE ENOUGH?

This rather sad looking structure is actually a grade II listed building – it is the old water mill down at the waterfront, adjacent to the new Hepworth gallery. Back in 2006, Wakefield Council, owners of the building, asked the Society to support an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to carry out a restoration that would allow the building to be used for community activity which included a proposal to develop education and community programmes based on the watermill. At the time, the Society supported the application, suggesting that the mill could be converted into a Museum of the Waterfront to tell something of the history of the waterfront and a reminder of the activity that has taken place there since around the 12th century. The Council did not proceed with the grant application and the mill has been left in this rather sorry state ever since. However, it seems that the building may now be under threat of demolition, no doubt seen as a cheaper option than restoration and ongoing maintenance. While clearly an eyesore in its present state, if it is demolished it will be lost to us forever whereas, for a relatively modest investment, we could have another attractive feature on our historic waterfront. But are we prepared to pay for that? As the annual Heritage Open Days event rolls round again, perhaps we need to re-think the approach to heritage in a modern city?

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President’s Page

What to do with our heritage assets?

I was contacted recently by The Wakefield Express to ask for my views about the latest Heritage at Risk report, published by English Heritage back in July and which included 10 properties in the Wakefield District. You may well have read the article in the newspaper where my comments were quoted. I pointed out that in today’s financial climate, there can be no quick fixes; property owners, whether they are private individuals, companies or local authorities have some tough choices to make about how and where they spend their money but if these historic landmarks are allowed to deteriorate indefinitely, they could be lost forever, not only for the people of today but also for the generations of tomorrow. You might think that I was hedging my bets with this response and that the Society should be lobbying harder to see our heritage assets being restored and preserved. But the fact is that property is expensive to maintain and, because of the restrictions imposed, listed buildings are perhaps even more expensive than most to look after and keep in good condition and we need to tread a fine line between retaining support for our cause and being pragmatic in recognising that other things will often take priority. So the question remains, if there is no money to restore a listed building, what should be done with it? As mentioned on the front page, we have heard suggestions that the old water mill at the waterfront should be demolished. The building is on the river bank and the ground floor will be prone to occasional flooding, adding another constraint on what it might be used for in the future. No one seems to know what to do with it so demolition is perhaps an easy and more affordable answer than restoring it, finding a use for it, and then maintaining it. Of course, if no money is spent on it, the building will continue to deteriorate and may even collapse through neglect – but demolition cannot be the answer, not least because it sets a precedent for other listed buildings in the city where owners say they cannot afford to maintain their properties.

Another of Wakefield’s buildings at risk – an early

mid-17th

Century malt house near Blacker Hall Farm which is in danger of collapse. Fortunately,

the owners are working on a restoration plan. (Details and photo – English Heritage)

Of course, owners of listed buildings have a legal obligation to maintain their properties and local authorities can take enforcement action to ensure that such properties are maintained but it begs the question about whether or not a local authority has the moral right to take enforcement action against an owner when the local authority also owns buildings that are deteriorating. A way forward – a BPT for Wakefield? One possible way forward might be to set up a charitable building preservation trust (BPT) that could raise donations and grants and work with owners and communities to look after our heritage properties. I recently attended a talk given by Graham Bell, Director of the North of England Civic Trust – a building preservation trust that takes on buildings that are in danger of being lost and which works with local authorities and private owners to manage the restoration of the properties. One thing Graham stressed, however, is that each building they take responsibility for has to have a management plan prepared – in other words, there has to be a use for the building otherwise preservation effort is wasted. But he pointed out that buildings can be sympathetically restored and put to new uses – as meeting rooms, offices, exhibitions spaces and so on. Perhaps Wakefield now needs its own building preservation trust – I would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in this concept.

Kevin Trickett

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Special Offers for members of Wakefield Civic Society Wakefield Civic Society is a member of Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic society movement. One of the benefits for the Society is that we can arrange the Society’s low-cost public liability insurance through Bluefin, the insurance partner for Civic Voice. However, further benefits are also available to our individual members through this partnership. As a member of Wakefield Civic Society, and because of our membership of Civic Voice, you are able to take out private health insurance or home, motor, travel, pet and heating insurance through Bluefin.

Home, Car, Travel, Pet and Heating insurance for members A range of personal insurance products are available through Bluefin to members of civic societies and their members who join Civic Voice. Each product taken out will benefit both the Society and Civic Voice.

Bluefin can offer you excellent value and high-quality cover from leading global insurance companies, designed for your particular circumstances. They know that members of Civic Societies are likely to look after their homes carefully, to be safe drivers, and sensible travellers. Good insurers recognise this, and reward their responsible customers with advantageous premiums for their cover. Bluefin works with insurers to obtain highly competitive rates for you – so why not give them a try? You can find out more about the insurance cover that Bluefin can arrange for you by telephoning them on 0800 854 074. Or visit their website at http://civic.bluefinaffinity.co.uk/ Although the Society cannot advise you in any way about insurance cover, every policy taken out by one of our members will financially benefit both the Society and Civic Voice at no extra cost to our members.

The UK’s leading health insurance intermediary – The Health Insurance Group – has teamed up with Civic Voice to provide discounted health insurance for all Civic Society members. Call 0800 389 7723 for more details or visit their website: http://civicsocieties.healthinsurancegroup.co.uk/

Free National Trust visitor pass

And don’t forget that there is still time to take advantage of your free pass to a National Trust property of your choice. As a special offer to the members of civic societies who have joined Civic Voice in its first year, the National Trust has offered to provide a free day access pass to its properties (one per member). The pass is transferable and can be given to friends or family if a member of the Society is already a member of the National Trust. So, whether you plan a trip to Nostell Priory or to a National Trust property further afield, why not obtain your pass now?

How to obtain your free day access pass The free pass is available to download by our members by using the following link: www.civicvoice.org.uk/nationaltrustcivicvoiceoffer.

If you do not have internet access, you can obtain your free day pass by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Civic Voice, Unit 101, 82 Wood Street, The Tea Factory, Liverpool, L1 4DQ. You will need to provide your contact details and say that you are a member of Wakefield Civic Society.

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The Threat of Mega Trucks (adapted

from the latest issue of Civic Sense) Our 2011 Design Awards

Civic societies have played an important part in the campaign to keep lorry sizes down over many years. While the Government rejected trials of 60-tonne 25.5 metre lorries on UK roads in June 2008 there is a risk that the European Parliament will allow longer heavier lorries to travel across member states.

Lobbyists argue that previous increases in lorry dimensions have resulted in more lorries driving around less full, causing more road congestion, more pollution and more exposure to accidents – the reverse of the benefits often claimed. The calculated environmental benefits of mega trucks rely on very high levels of load utilisation – in excess of that routinely achieved within the haulage sector; currently one in four HGVs is empty. If there are lower levels of use then the environmental performance of mega trucks would be worse than existing HGVs.

The promoters claim that these vehicles will be restricted to motorways, dual carriageways and major roads, but there is no mechanism available to keep them to this and these vehicles would need local access to distribution hubs off motorways/dual carriageways.

Our members who live near the M1 already report that articulated lorries already travel down roads that are not designed for them – and some get stuck because the drivers are following their sat-navs rather than the road signs. We will be watching developments in this area but you can find out more about the campaign at http://www.nomegatrucks.eu/

Heritage Open Days – 9th-12th September

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture. Once again, there will be a number of special activities and property openings arranged across the Wakefield District – look out for details at www.heritageopendays.org.uk or see the insert with this newsletter.

Already we are looking ahead to next year’s Design Awards. The Society’s committee has agreed that we will once again offer awards over five categories. These are: 1. Best new development (building or

environmental) 2. Best refurbishment (building or

environmental) 3. Best shop front 4. Best public house, café bar or restaurant

frontage 5. Best new residential development (6 or more

apartments or houses) In addition, the judges will have the option of making special awards for any scheme they consider sufficiently merit worthy. Nominations are now invited and can be made by anyone – members, developers, property owners. The property should have been completed or refurbished during 2010 although we will consider exceptional schemes from earlier years where they have not been considered before. To make a nomination, write or email (info@wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk) giving details of the scheme you wish to nominate and the category you wish to nominate for before 31st December 2010. Ideally, we would also like details of the property owner and the developers or architects who have been involved in the scheme where appropriate. It also helps enormously if you can provide us with digital photographs. Please contact us if you need more information.

Membership continues to grow It is very pleasing to report that we have had an influx of new members this year. Already in 2010 we have 27 new members, including one new corporate member (Mocca Moocho). Unfortunately, some of our existing members have not yet paid their subscriptions for this year so it is too soon for us to say what the total number of members will be for the year and we will have to wait until we come to write the Annual Report before we declare a figure – but the new members are very welcome and we hope that this trend continues. Dare we hope to get to 300 before too long?

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Our visit to the Hepworth – the new Wonder of Wakefield

Over 100 members and guests assembled inside the new Hepworth Gallery on 9th June to have a look around the inside of this new building. Although work continues to fit out the interior, Director Simon Wallis had extended an invitation to us to see the inside of the gallery before the artwork arrives. Admission to the site was via Barnsley Road as the new footbridge, pictured above, is not yet ready for use but, as we were able to walk around the outside of the building, we began to get a feel for how the gallery will work as a waterfront venue when it opens next May. Once inside, we were first given a presentation about the architect’s design concept and an account of how the gallery took shape on the site by Project Director Gordon Watson. Simon then explained how visitors to the Hepworth will be able to see works from the national collection of British, modern and contemporary art, thanks to new partnerships with the Arts Council Collection, Henry Moore Foundation and Tate Gallery, through its Tate Connects scheme.

There then followed an opportunity for questions and answers where, almost inevitably some people expressed their dislike for the exterior design and finish of the building – not everyone agreed with this view, however, and some were prepared to stand up for the design and say that they admired it.

We then began the tour of the gallery. The first thing to point out is that all the exhibition space is upstairs on the first floor (there is a lift). As we entered the gallery area, people’s perceptions began to change – those who had expressed doubts about the exterior design were almost unanimous in their praise for the interior. It really is an incredible space – more than one person compared it to Dr Who’s Tardis – far bigger on the inside than looks possible from the outside.

And we had the benefit of seeing the space completely devoid of fittings, furniture or art; the rooms appeared vast and extremely well lit with natural light. There is a real sense of flow as you move from one gallery to the next and we were told what each room would be used for. Of course, one of the things you can do from the inside is look out of all the different windows to see different views of Wakefield and the river – perhaps imagining what it will be like to sit in the cafe with a coffee and a bun reflecting on the art exhibition you have just visited.

We concluded with a delicious buffet (provided by the Society, catered by Bon Bouche of Thomson’s Yard) and an opportunity to discuss the evening. From the comments made, it was clear that people were convinced by what they had seen and that they could see the new gallery will be a terrific asset for the city - one that will pull in visitors from far and wide – a new wonder of Wakefield!

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Our Excursions – high in the air and deep down in the ground

Another summer of really enjoyable, interesting excursions! Since our last newsletter, we have had coach excursions to Matlock Bath and Grantham and evening visits to Fairbairn Village and Holgate Hospital, Hemsworth. A lack of space prevents us providing full reports on these outings but we hope that the photos give you an indication of what you have been missing if you haven’t been able to join us. We’ve had some fun, seen some memorable sights and met some fascinating people – with plenty of opportunity to sit, chat and eat in between. Matlock Bath

Our journey to Matlock Bath included a ride in a cable car (well, two rides, actually as we rode up to the Heights of Abraham and then came back down again) and, for those fit and courageous enough, a trip down the Great Masson Cavern, an old lead mine, proved just as exhilarating – quite a climb down but with an experienced guide, well worth the exertion! Of course, then there were the 143 steps up!

One of the joys of a day out is taking the opportunity to sit down and have lunch. Here you see members and guests dining ‘en famille’ before the descent underground. Good weather, good food and good conversation.

Grantham Two mediaeval manor houses in one day – one occupied and one not. The first was Ellys Manor House at Great Ponton, where we were shown around by the owner. The house is built in the Flemish style (with stepped gable ends) and is notable for its surviving 16th Century wall paintings. Our photograph shows Civic Society excursionists meeting up with members of the Historical Society who were re-tracing the route of the funeral procession of Richard of York (the road to Fotheringhay).

Our second manor house was at Boothby Pagnell. Here the Norman manor house, dating from around 1200 but with later additions, is unoccupied and privately owned but open to visitors by appointment.

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Boothby Pagnell Manor House Fairburn

A pleasant evening visit to Fairburn where we were shown around the village by local residents and then a slide show of the village over a cup of tea and biscuits.

Holgate Hospital, Hemsworth

Another evening visit, this time to the hospital (now almshouses) bequeathed by Robert Holgate, Archbishop of York from 1545 to 1554. Born in Hemsworth, he became a rich and powerful man and was appointed President of the King’s Council of the North. We were shown around the restored grounds (below) and walled garden under a darkening and threatening sky – which certainly added atmosphere – and just managed to get inside for tea and homemade cakes provided by the ladies of Holgate Hospital Museum Steering Group when the rain came down. Still – an opportunity to eat cake and drink tea is not one to be missed and provided a very convivial end to a charming evening.

Still time to enjoy one of our excursions! Our Secretary, Mike O’Donnell is still taking bookings for our final coach excursion of the year which will be to Hardwick Hall and Chesterfield on Wednesday, 15th September. Mike says: “This time we visit both Hardwick Old Hall and the newer Hardwick Hall which was built by thrice-married Bess of Hardwick. There is an audio visit to the Old Hall on arrival and there will be time for tea or coffee before visiting the main house. There are guides in each room so we do not intend to arrange a guided tour. Those attending have a choice at lunch-time - either a prepared lunch in the restaurant or bring-your-own. Naturally we hope for a sunny day as there are grounds and gardens to see as well. “In the afternoon we plan to visit Chesterfield and we are at present in discussion with members of the local civic society to prepare an afternoon programme. There is the famous twisted-spire church and there is also a blue plaque walk which identifies the more interesting buildings in the town. We will round off with tea.” Hardwick Hall is in the care of the National Trust so please remember to bring your membership cards with you on the day to avoid having to pay an entrance fee. If you are not a National Trust member, you can gain free membership by taking up the offer of a free pass – see page 3 for details. Please contact Mike to book – places are £12 each for the coach which will leave from outside Wakefield bus station at 9.00 am. Please let Mike know whether or not you are a member of the National Trust when you book. Mike can be contacted on 01924 298993. Have you any ideas for excursions for our 2011 programme? If so, we’d love to hear them. Please let Mike have your suggestions. As ever, we try to find destinations that will appeal to members of both the Civic Society and the Historical Society and to offer programmes that take us off the regular tourist track. Our day excursions are usually by coach but evening visits, which are more local, tend to be by making your own way to the meeting point. If you haven’t tried our excursions yet, we hope to see you soon and certainly in 2011!

Published by Wakefield Civic Society, PO Box 380, Wakefield WF1 3WTEmail: info@wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk Registered Charity No. 236034Website: www.wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk Member of Civic Voice

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Honour for Kate Taylor

Dates for your Diary

Members will like to know that, at the invitation of the Bishop of Wakefield, the Right Reverend Stephen Platten, Kate Taylor is to be installed as a Lay Canon at Wakefield Cathedral on Sunday 10 October. The service is at 6.30pm. Kate is currently the President of Wakefield Historical Society and is a former President, and honorary life member, of the Civic Society. She is also the Chair of the Friends of Wakefield Chantry Chapel. Her books on aspects of local history are well known and she gives many talks based on original research. Her past career includes serving as a vice-principal of Barnsley Sixth Form College and working for almost thirty years as an Associate Lecturer of the Open University. New Exhibition of Art and Photography Brian Holding of Gallery Arts has extended an invitation to Civic Society members to attend a preview of an Exhibition of Traditional and Contemporary Art and Photography at St. Catherine’s Church, Doncaster Road, Wakefield on Thursday 2nd September 2010 from 7.00pm-9pm. All welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Brian on 01924376282 or at brian@bholding.f9.co.uk

Enclosed with this newsletter you should find full details of our Autumn/Winter programme of meetings and social events. We do hope you will be able to join us. Meetings and events are open to all and are free except for the Autumn Dinner and Clarke Hall by Candlelight event. Details of the programme are being finalised at the time this newsletter goes to print so the details published here are subject to change. Please see the published programme for confirmed details and look out for further updates in our November newsletter. Thursday, 9th September – A Hepworth evening. Join us at Bishopgarth for a film about the life of Barbara Hepworth. (Places on the walk due to take place earlier in the evening are now taken). Free but please book. 9th September to 12th September – Heritage Open Days. Property openings and special events to mark this year’s Heritage Open Days. Guided walks of Wakefield on 11th & 12th – book via Wakefield Tourist Information Office. Thursday, 21st October – talk on the restoration of the furnace shaft at Caphouse Colliery. Friday, 29th October – our Autumn Dinner with guest speaker Paula Ridley, Chair of Civic Voice Thursday, 18th November – Talk on the Listed Buildings of Barnsley Thursday, 9th December - Clarke Hall by Candlelight (tickets required) Thursday, 20th January – talk on the archaeological excavation at Wakefield Cathedral (Joint meeting with Wakefield Historical Society) Thursday, 17th February – talk on the new Trinity Walk shopping centre development Thursday, 17th March – AGM and Design Awards

Editor: Kevin Trickett