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Oxford Preservation Trust Awards 2010 - Nominations now invited
A Community Award is added to the
Oxford Preservation Trust Awards, now in their 33rd year.
Oxford Preservation Trust is inviting entries for this year's Awards, which are once again being sponsored by Kemp & Kemp Property Consultants.
This year a new Award has been introduced, which recognises the contribution that local communities and their projects can make. Debbie Dance, OPT Director, says ‘The idea of the new Award is a recognition of the way in which individual groups and neighbourhoods can make a difference. We have seen an increasing number of projects of this nature come forward in recent years and now they have a category of their own. A place is about its people and this is nowhere more true than in Oxford with its rich and diverse communities. We hope that local people will come forward with their ideas of what makes a better place and look forward to receiving these entries.’
Steven Sensecall, Kemp & Kemp’s Senior Planning Partner adds, ‘This is our third year of sponsoring the Awards, during which time they have grown from strength to strength. We are delighted to support the Trust in this way, and what better way to celebrate Oxford and our own involvement here for more than 50 years.’
Projects must be accessible to the public or seen from a public place. Previous winners include the Nature Reserve at North Hinksey, the restored Stones Almshouses at St. Clements, and the conservation and repair of the ceiling at the Sheldonian Theatre. Nomination forms are available to download or contact us on 01865 242918 or via email
Tuesday 2nd March 2010
15th anniversary conference celebrates the importance of South East England’s heritage
Key players in the heritage sector from across the region gathered in Oxford on Monday 7th December to discuss and debate the importance of heritage to South East England.
Trust Director, Debbie Dance, was one of the speakers at the Conference to mark 15 years of HLF funding in the south east.
Read more
Monday 7th December 2009
Debbie Dance appointed Chairman of Historic Towns Forum
The Historic Towns Forum (HTF) announced the appointment of Debbie Dance as their new Chairman at last week’s Annual General Meeting held at Chichester.
This appointment marks a major move forward for the HTF. Debbie, who is widely recognised for her part in the £40m Oxford Castle project in her role as Director of the Oxford Preservation Trust, brings to the organisation a wide range of skills and a broad perspective on the management of historic towns. A commercial property surveyor by profession, Debbie has been involved in conservation for many years and has led a number of successful projects most notably in Birmingham and Oxford. Debbie is a champion for heritage and education in Oxford and holds a range of national and local appointments relating to the built heritage.
Outgoing Chair, Sam Howes (Deputy Chief Executive at Chichester District Council) welcomed Debbie and said that she had impressed the appointment panel with her enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the role of Chair and the work of the Forum. “In short, Debbie will provide the HTF with strong leadership and new ideas which can only be of substantial benefit especially during these challenging economic times,” he stated.
Director, Chris Winter, said that she was very impressed by Debbie’s work and her holistic approach to historic towns and was looking forward to working with her. “The HTF”, she added, “was not alone in feeling the impact of the recession but she was confident that with continuing support and strong leadership the organisation would continue to develop and offer guidance and advocacy on all aspects of managing the historic built environment.”
Introducing herself to the HTF Members at the AGM Debbie said “I am delighted to be taking on this role at HTF. Bringing together the skills I have in working across the commercial and charity sectors and combining this with the strong local authority links at HTF will make a powerful force. HTF is unique in giving opportunity to those of us involved in historic towns to share our experiences and to give this group a voice. I look forward to making my contribution to this.”
The Historic Towns Forum (HTF) – formerly English Historic Towns Forum (EHTF) - has been supporting professionals working in the historic built environment since 1987. The Forum’s events and publications focus on perennial and topical issues, drawing together practitioners across the disciplines and sectors. This collective then offers a strong platform from which to lobby policy makers on behalf of historic towns and cities.
HTF, through its Membership and Partnership schemes, offers everyone with an interest in the historic towns and cities of UK and Ireland an opportunity to exchange and develop ideas, and facilitates exchange with European colleagues. Further information Historic Towns Forum
Thursday 29th October 2009
2009 Environmental Awards Announced
Eight plaques were awarded at the Awards Ceremony on 6 October Read more
Wednesday 7th October 2009
Welcome to the new Trust Chairman
We are delighted to welcome Professor Roger Ainsworth as the new Chairman of Oxford Preservation Trust.
Professor Ainsworth has been a member and strong supporter to the Trust over his many years living in Oxford. He has been a Trustee, appointed by Oxford University, for the period 1989 and 1994, and was a member of the Plans and Executive Committees. Having lived in North Hinksey for over twenty years, he is very aware of the contribution that Trust land has made to the western approach, cycling past the Hinksey Meadowland and along Willow Walk on his way into St Catherine's College where he is the Master, a post he has held since 2002.
Professor Ainsworth is a distinguished engineer and holds a number of important posts, memberships and awards, and has written widely on his subject. He is a Professor of Engineering Science at the Oxford University and has a background in industry, working for Rolls-Royce and, later, the Atomic Energy Research Establishment.
Professor Ainsworth is a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University and an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College where he was an undergraduate in the early 1970s. He is currently the Chairman of the University's Buildings and Estates Subcommittee.
Roger is excited about his new role as Chairman of the Trust. He has a commitment to helping break down any perceived barriers between the town and the university and sees both parties as having compatible aims. 'Oxford is a place renowned for its scholarship, history, and character, and I feel we are fortunate to have such a vibrant Trust in this city. The work of the Trust is widely respected, and Oxford should be proud to support it. We are in a unique position to influence Oxford for the better, and I will help in any way I can to ensure our voice is heard.'
Monday 17th August 2009
New Chairman for the Trust
We are delighted to announce that Professor Roger Ainsworth, Master of St Catherine’s College and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, is to become the 14th Chairman of the Trust
We say goodbye to Sir David Yardley, retiring after 20 years as Chairman of the Trust and thank him for all his support.
Wednesday 1st July 2009
Unlocked wins Oxfordshire Business Award
Oxford Castle Unlocked was delighted to receive the The Four Pillars Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award at the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2009.
Tuesday 23rd June 2009
Restoration Complete at the Victoria Fountain
Architectural lighting which will illuminate the recently refurbished Victoria Fountain will be switched on by representatives of Oxford City Council and Oxford Preservation Trust on 17 March.
Oxford City Council and Oxford Preservation Trust have been working in partnership to transform this charming Victorian structure which sits at The Plain in Oxford.
The restoration work included stone cleaning to the base and columns, restoration of the clock dials and wind vane, decoration of the clock tower and underside of roof and general roofing repairs.
A new information plaque nearby will tell visitors about the fountain and the site’s previous history.
The fountain was built to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It was inaugurated at a ceremony in 1899 by HRH Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria. The architect was EP Warren who was also responsible for the Eastgate Hotel.
Councillor Colin Cook, Executive Board Member for City Development, says: “I’m very pleased that the fountain has now returned to its former glory. It is an important landmark for Oxford and I hope residents and visitors will appreciate its significance.”
Debbie Dance, OPT Director, says: “We have been delighted to have worked with Oxford City Council to achieve the restoration of the Victoria Fountain. The City Council officers’ commitment to the scheme, and the East Area Parliament’s unwavering support, has made the project a pleasure to be a part of. Our other partners, Magdalen College, CPRE Oxfordshire Buildings Preservation Trust, the County Council and Magdalen College School have also played their part in making this happen, for which we thank them.”
Councillor Nuala Young, Chair of East Area Parliament, says: “I am delighted that the work is now completed on the Victoria Fountain. It is a lovely building on the gateway to East Oxford which many people see when they are entering or leaving the city. Councillors of East Area Parliament worked hard to ensure that this monument was returned to its former glory for many people to see when they visit the city.”
The scheme was funded by East Area Parliament, Oxford Preservation Trust, Oxford City Council Historic Building grant, Magdalen College and CPRE Oxfordshire Buildings Preservation Trust and cost a total of £15,700.
The work followed the paving works on Magdalen Bridge, the High Street and Plain which were carried out by Oxfordshire County Council.
Oxford Preservation Trust funded the architectural lighting at the fountain.
Tuesday 17th March 2009