Our ‘Buildings at Risk' (B@R) team were out kickstarting their 2025 programme of volunteer events on Wednesday morning!
The first event of the year was a fully booked ‘Social Survey Stroll’ in South Wingfield, starting from DHBT’s most recently completed ‘Building at Risk’ restoration- Wingfield Station.
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 over a hot drink, followed by introductions led by Anna Cluley, DHBT’s Heritage Development Officer. Volunteers were then treated to an engaging, informative potted history of Wingfield Station by John Abbott, Managing Director of Wingfield Station 1947.
After John’s talk, 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 of Grade II listed buildings using the B@R app. The conveniently placed ‘Stationmasters House’ at Wingfield Station 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 Amber Valley countryside and into the picturesque village of South Wingfield. Along the way, volunteers had the opportunity to work in their groups to complete building condition surveys on fourteen varied buildings and monuments, get advice from their group leaders and share their interest in local heritage (and a wide range of other subjects!) with likeminded people.
The sun shone and a thoroughly enjoyable, sociable session finished with some stunning views of the Grade I listed Wingfield Manor. The group then returned to Wingfield Station for a chat, a well-deserved hot drink and a range of delicious cakes from the onsite café. An extremely successful, enjoyable morning for all!
If you missed our ‘Social Survey Stroll’ in South Wingfield, 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.
Follow us on social media @dhbtrust to be the first to hear about further ‘Buildings at Risk’ volunteer support and events throughout the year!
This project was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Players.
Photos - Miles McIntosh
