40 C O N T E X T 1 1 7 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0 Notes from the chair Ten eventful years in context This is my third Notes – not that I am counting, or dreading Context deadlines. It was suggested that I consider the IHBC over the last decade.This seemed a tall task. Sometimes when I look back it all appears a bit of a blur. The memory certainly is of happier and easier times than now; when there was ample grant funding, no one to count how many conservation areas were appraised, energy conservation was a sensible way to cut down on household bills rather than a potential threat to historic fabric, when conservation officers carried out informal pre-application meetings with enthusiasm for free, and we basked in the warmth and love of an adoring and appreciative public. Happy days! In order to flesh out my hazy recollection of these halcyon years I went to the Context archive for a mental nudge, to refresh my memory of these golden times. Strangely, it was not all as positive and stress-free as I thought. The first Context of the new millennium contained an article called ‘The Economic Dimension’ (March 2001).This seemed remarkably relevant, I thought, until I read through the article a few times.The tone is a little bleak.Very broadly it states that the built heritage is not secure unless the economy is sufficiently healthy to take on the additional costs involved with older buildings and areas. I hope that today we would be much more positive. There is so much evidence which shows that the historic environment can be the impetus to economic regeneration, not a drain on it. Actually, as I read through the articles over the decade, this was increasingly the predominant theme. Conservation is a key factor in the economic health and vitality of our countryside, towns and cities. Context 81 (September 2003) featured the proceedings of the East Anglia School in Norwich. I am on the front cover of that issue, so a small prize to anyone who can spot me.When I say small prize, it might be that I can wangle a mention of your name in my next Notes, so don’t get too excited.The theme of the school was Conservation as a Catalyst and the tone was altogether more positive. My rosy memories were not entirely false. The annual school coincided with the launch of The Heritage Dividend, the first of many reports which showed the economic benefit of conservation. During this time we all became aware of the government’s Pathfinder proposals, which were considered to pose a threat to traditional terraced housing in urban areas.This seemed out of step with many of the conclusions published inThe Heritage Dividend. Context 82 (November 2003) included some inspiring stories about the way in which these areas could be revitalised and form the focus for community-led regeneration. The Heritage Lottery Fund was, and continues to be, a major source of funding for heritage projects. Half way through the first decade of the millennium an article in the September 2005 issue of Context included an evaluation of the HLF. At this time it had been in operation for 10 years and its funding was guaranteed only until 2009.The article described the positive impact the HLF had been able to achieve during its operation. By this time many of the articles inContext are reflecting the latest concern and enthusiasm for ‘sustainable communities’.The theme of the 2006 annual school in Plymouth was sustainable conservation.The school issue of Context includes some interesting reports which I enjoyed re-reading. It was disappointing to read the reports of the presentations about the heritage protection review as little seems to have moved on since then. But other matters, such as our interest and knowledge of many of the issues around the subject of sustainability, have developed hugely. The 100th issue of Context (July 2007) marked a special birthday. It also celebrated 10 years of the IHBC. The issue included a lovely potted history of the genesis of the institute by our past president David Lovie, who was a sort of midwife-in-chief during all these developments. Anyone interested in how we all got from there to here should read this. Context in May 2008 showed that among the intellectual and philosophical contributions to the magazine, the branches were still busy courting controversy and engaging with the membership in the crucial issues of the time. A report from the London branch described an event on the theme of renewable energy and the historic environment. ‘An Inconvenient Roof’ was a clever and memorable title. The general feeling of unease about sustainability and green matters continued as a theme through many issues of Context.The issue of September 2009 included a wonderful piece from Chris Wood with lots of technical data from the boffins to back up what we all seemed to know instinctively was the case. Interestingly the same issue of Context included what might be construed as a backlash against the prevailing assumptions about energy-saving measures.Typical IHBC, just as we all come to accept something as a given, there will be a little note of doubt from a corner somewhere, just to keep us all on our toes. Fittingly, the last issue of Context of 2009 included some truly gripping stuff about listing, and about the alien world before listing was introduced. Read this, because it really does bring home how far we have travelled. There is still a huge amount of work to do; but as the fashions or trends in conservation change and develop, we all change and develop (and improve) along with it. Jo Evans, [email protected] See the Context on-line archive at www.ihbc.org.uk/context_archive.htm CONSERVATION AS A CATALYST IHBC Annual School at Norwich Institute of Historic Building Conservation No 81 September 2003 The East Anglia School: yes, I was there.
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