Membership: Activities

Membership continued to increase during 2006 and we now have over 1,400 members. It is very heartening to gain this support for the work of the Trust, and the continued loyalty of our many members is much appreciated.
The excursions programme continues to go from strength to strength under the excellent guidance of Mrs Kilpatrick. Mr John Ashdown led a repeat tour of Historic College Kitchens, and led a June walk to enjoy the views of Oxford’s setting and skyline from the west, ending at the Conduit Well House at Harcourt Hill. Oxford’s Observatories proved a popular choice under the expert guidance of architectural historian and Trustee Dr Geoffrey Tyack. The high spot of the afternoon was climbing the steep steps of the little observatory behind the University Parks. The historic churches trips led by Mr Richard Lethbridge, Vice Chairman of the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust and author of ‘Oxfordshire Churches’, continue to be over-subscribed each year, and this time the visit took in ‘Bloxham for length, Adderbury for strength, Kings Sutton for beauty’.

Other memorable occasions included an afternoon visit and cream tea at University College courtesy of Mrs Elizabeth Crawford, College Bursar, and an excellent lecture and walk by Dr Katherine Bradley on nineteenth century shopping in Oxford. Dr William Whyte led a walk to look at ‘Oxford Architecture Old and New’ from Jacobsen’s St Catherine’s, through Harris Manchester, Mansfield and St John’s, ending at the Castle. Wytham Woods Conservator Mr Nigel Fisher guided us around these unique woods, and answered questions over wine and supper. We continue to organise regular tours to the Painted Room in Cornmarket Street thanks to the generosity of Oxford Aunts.

Our participation in Heritage Open Days was as lively as ever, and an illustrated lecture on the LNWR Swingbridge followed by a site visit, led by Mr David Mather, was fully booked. There were visits to the Carfax Conduit, the Well House and the Painted Room. In Abingdon, our medieval merchant’s house attracted a record number of visitors. The house remains open throughout the year for pre-arranged visits.

Extract from the Trust’s 2006 Annual Report

© 2002-7, Oxford Preservation Trust