An ‘unsettled’ weather forecast didn’t deter our ‘Buildings at Risk' (B@R) team on Saturday as they led another well-attended ‘Social Survey Stroll’ in Duffield, starting from the Weston Centre.
The team welcomed a wide spectrum of people from within the local community, as well as those from further afield in the county and beyond.
The event started with a relaxed registration and a chat between the team and volunteers, followed by an introduction to the afternoon’s programme of events led by Anna Cluley, DHBT’s Heritage Development Officer.
After Anna’s introduction, volunteers were split into small groups, each supported by an experienced member of the DHBT team, and given some hands-on training in how to complete a simple building condition survey using the B@R app. The conveniently placed ‘Tamworth House’ around the corner from the Weston Centre proved the perfect training opportunity.
After the training exercise and answering some volunteer questions, the group set off on the ‘stroll’ aspect of the event. An excellent, varied route organised by University of Derby intern, Miles McIntosh (Heritage Development Support Officer), led the group through the beautiful, historic Amber Valley village of Duffield.
Along the way, volunteers had the opportunity to work in their groups to complete building condition surveys on twenty-one varied Grade II listed buildings and monuments, suggest some un-listed historic buildings for local listing, get advice from their group leaders and share their interest in local heritage with likeminded people in a relaxed, sociable environment.
The weather was incredibly well-behaved and a thoroughly enjoyable, sociable session finished at the Grade I listed St. Alkmund’s Church. The group then returned to the Weston Centre for a chat, a well-deserved hot drink and a snack. An extremely successful, enjoyable afternoon for all!
If you missed our ‘Social Survey Stroll’ in Duffield, but would like to get involved or receive some support with our ‘Buildings at Risk’ project, send the team an email to:
We are always happy to provide online support or arrange a 1:1 support session at a time to suit you.
We are delighted to be expanding our ‘Buildings at Risk’ project to Derby City at the beginning of April. If you would like to find out more about the initiative, why not come along to one of our two public information events?
The first will take place on Wednesday 2nd April in the ballroom of The Old Bell on Sadler Gate from 3-5pm and the second on Thursday 3rd April at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre from 6.30-8.30pm. You can book your free ticket for one of the sessions using the links below.
This project was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Players.
