The IHBC Wales Branch was delighted to host its first in-person event since the pandemic relaxations at Plas Mawr on 5 September, as it explored issues to re-surface with more depth and context at the 2023 Annual School, #IHBCSwansea2023, in a pre-School programme supported by #IHBC25 funding.
… funded in part through our 25th anniversary celebrations, #IHBC25…
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: ‘We’re all delighted to see our Wales Branch so successfully tackling not only the practical challenges of retrofit, but also the myriad complications of in-person events as we move beyond the pandemic.’
We’re especially happy that Jude Wheeler – serving as the IHBC’s Branch and Volunteer Support Officer, to help us all recover from the impacts of COVID-19 – was able to play such a central role in helping move the Branch forward.
… none of this would have been possible without the myriad volunteers and partnerships…
Of course none of this would have been possible without the myriad volunteers and partnerships that helped elect the new Branch Committee at the AGM earlier this year, as well as this recent wonderful, local and free CPD opportunity, sponsored Cadnant Planning and funded in part through our 25th anniversary celebrations, #IHBC25.
IHBC Wales Branch writes:
This free CPD and IHBC 25th anniversary celebration – co-sponsored by Cadnant Planning – was well received and attended, with all allocated places booked. The audience was a good mix of IHBC members of various categories as well as non-members who may potentially consider membership in the future.
The event focussed on John Edwards’ exploration of the ‘Retrofit of Historic Buildings…’, helpfully taking delegates through various papers and documents available; advising on how to adopt an holistic approach, and considering what effects doing one thing could have on another.
Damp, John highlighted too, is detrimental to energy efficiency, while halting deterioration and ensuring good maintenance are essential before planning retrofit actions.
Cadw’s Jill Fairweather continued the conversation as she raised consideration of the central role played by human behaviour in conservation outcomes. Jill also highlighted how biodiversity – especially but of course not only protected species – should also be taken into consideration when conserving historic buildings.
Eleanor Carpenter of Cadnant Planning had another perspective in that it highlighted the realities of meeting of clients’ needs in retrofit, and aligning these to best practice.
Special thanks were offered to all the speakers and contributors for their informative and entertaining talks, as well as to Carole Ryan-Ridout who stepped up to start the 25-year celebrations. Thanks also were passed on to Sheena Williams, Manager of Plas Mawr, host for the day.
The Branch would like to note their special appreciation of the role of John Edwards in liaising with Cadw, Plas Mawr and Cadnant to develop the event as part of the ‘pre-School’ programme for the IHBC’s Wales School in Swansea in 2023, and who also devised the CPD programme. Kathryn Moore – IHBC Wales Branch Event Secretary – has also played a key role, managing ticketing; arranging catering, and hosting and housekeeping the event, and deserves a very special thanks for her efforts.
Wales Branch and other members, as well as local IHBC networks, should also note that is the first of many events that will be held locally around Wales linked to #IHBCSwansea2023, with plans are already under way to host the next pre-School event at Aberyswtwyth.
We are always encouraging volunteers so if you want to get actively involved in the Wales Branch and with the committee either formally or informally please let Jude Wheeler know – at support@ihbc.org.uk – or any Branch Committee member or officer.
See more on the Wales Branch and on all IHBC Branches
