Heritage Lincolnshire has, for almost 30 years, been a charity dedicated to conserving the rich history of Lincolnshire (and this includes both North and North East Lincolnshire) for the benefit of people who live and work in the area. Gail Graham, Development Manager for the organisation, gave the Society a knowledgeable talk on the work it does. She acknowledged that not everyone has heard of Heritage Lincolnshire but have heard of its most well-known events: Heritage Open Days (25 years of them!) and its Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival (during May and June) and South Lincolnshire Walking Festival (during September and October).
Based in Heckington, in mid-Lincolnshire, it was the first such UK organisation to focus on heritage and culture. Its work is comprehensive, providing consultancy services, training workshops, archaeology services, family-friendly events, history interpretation, and supporting community engagement towards Heritage Lottery Funding applications.
Last year’s extremely dry summer revealed more ‘humps and bumps’ in the landscape hinting of historical land use. Indeed, Carenza Lewis’ ( TV’s Time Team presenter and now Professor of Lincoln University), question at the time was, “If you have a drone, why aren’t you using it!” Previously unknown forts, buildings within castles and layouts of historical gardens have all been revealed – proving new study areas and increased the public’s interest in all things historical.
The organisation has on its staff much variety in expertise be it conservation, archaeological or educational. Whatever it it involved in, a great wealth of dedicated volunteers are relied on to carry out its work. Attracted by an interest in the area in which each lives, they get involved in various projects and make lasting friendships in the process.
Heritage Lincolnshire’s Heritage at Risk Solutions Officer, supports any community in its endeavours to preserve much-loved yet neglected buildings and return it into use again. In this role, Heritage Lincolnshire is the most active building preservation Trust in the East Midlands. About this aspect of work, Gail told of an inherited and rare Lincolnshire mud-and-stud building which required equally rare traditional building methods in its renovation. Towards funding for any project such as this needs a ‘viable alternative use’ to ensure its future which in this case is a unique holiday let.
Their current project – work is due to start next week! – is the Old Kings Head in Kirton. 16th century though thought by many to be older, it is unusual in that it was built as a secular building but without links to a land-rich owner as would be expected for a building which obviously had wealth behind it. Any project such as this starts with members of a community with a wish to preserve a building a poor repair. Heritage Lincolnshire’s role is first to train that community in raising awareness and get the building recorded as being one At Risk. No building is taken on without there being consultation in viability of new use. We were told that the Old Kings Head would cost £2.8 million to return to a sustainable use – which is nothing like its market value in Lincolnshire!
This brought the talk onto our own Ice Factory. Important as it is for Grimsby’s heritage, the word ‘heritage’ in itself polarises opinions; economic values are attached whilst other issues not considered: one man’s ‘beautiful building’ is another’s ‘pull it down’! 166 buildings in Lincolnshire are considered ’At Risk’ and whereas philanthropy in the past saved many buildings, it is now Lottery Funding but now even that amount of funding is reducing.
The need to preserve buildings will however remain with us and a spin-off is a need to keep traditional craft skills alive. Towards this, Heritage Lincolnshire are involved with encouraging young people to get involved in learning these skills and there are now 21 trainee places to help ensure this happens.
The talk was well received – though we have to say it was not in the best circumstances due to technology failing in on the night – and left us in no doubt of the complexities in building preservation, raising awareness, education and funding.
For further information about Heritage Lincolnshire’s work, events and courses please access their website: www.heritagelincolnshire.org