50 C O N T E X T 1 0 5 : J U LY 2 0 0 8 Vox pop Peter Aiers, who played a large part in helping put together this issue of Context, is major projects manager at the Churches Conservation Trust, which cares for 340 of the finest historic churches no longer used for regular worship. Who has been your greatest inspiration? I am inspired by many people, most of whom I have the pleasure of working with in the historic churches field. There is a collection of people with really exciting ideas who will secure the future of historic churches, many of them represented in this issue of Context. What has been your best idea? So far my best idea has been the Gutter Maintenance Programme for the Diocese of London. I intend to have many more. What would you like to have been if you had not become a conservationist? As a boy I wanted to be a milkman as I liked the milkfloat. The army was considered and I am still certain I have a great future in the advertising industry (I doubt that anyone else shares this view). How do you reply when at a party someone asks what you do? I take a deep breath and try to explain. The response is usually ‘that’s really interesting’ as they try to relate to it in some way. Grand Designs is usually mentioned and it is amazing how many people know which churches are on the market. What is the biggest frustration in your job? Although we achieve a fantastic amount, there is a great deal of opportunity out there and we could do a lot more if only we had more time, people and money. What would you like to be doing in five years time? I would like to be looking at a completed project at All Souls Bolton which has been delivered on time, to budget and is sustainable for the future. What is your favourite building? If pushed it has to be Salisbury Cathedral, as this building awakened my interest in ecclesiastical architecture. Your favourite place? There are so many beautiful places it is hard to say, but as long as my wife and daughter are there I am perfectly happy. Your favourite book? Although I feel I should be saying The Pattern of English Building, I’m afraid that it is probably a short story ‘The ManWho Planted Trees’ by Jean Giono. It tells a tale of all that is best about man’s relationship with nature. What do you do in your spare time? I try to get away with watching as much cricket as possible. I live very close to Northants County Cricket Ground. What organisations are you a member of? Northants County Cricket Club, England Rugby Supporters Club, National Churches Trust Grants Committee, Faith In Maintenance Steering Committee (an SPAB project), National Trust, and IHBC. Which one issue would you particularly like the IHBC to campaign on? Obviously I would like the IHBC to campaign on the need for a greater investment in the sustainability of our historic places of worship.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=