Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust

We attended the University of Derby's ‘Creating Sustainable Partnerships’ event at Derby Museums today. It was useful to hear more about how the University of Derby can support various organisations to achieve sustainable growth. It was particularly relevant to DHBT, as the focus was on the University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Education. Good to hear Eilis Scott, CEO of CROMFORD MILLS (The Arkwright Society) talking about how they have recently benefitted from partnership working, and to find out more about the University’s new Derby Business School, opening later in the year. We’re also directly benefitting from a partnership ourselves. Miles, our excellent Heritage Development Support Officer, is with us as part of an internship through the University’s Derby Talent Programme!

Following the success of our 'buildings at risk' (B@R) project in Amber Valley, we are now making plans to launch the B@R survey in Derby City! Our The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which enlists local local volunteers to help safeguard historic buildings, will officially launch in Derby with two public information sessions this April. Wednesday 2nd April, 3-5pm - The Old Bell Ballroom, Sadler Gate Find out more and book your free place here https://lnkd.in/eJBiJaNX Thursday 3rd April, 6:30-8:30pm - University of Derby Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street Find out more and book your free place here https://lnkd.in/eyTU738m Come along and find out how you can become a citizen surveyor by using a simple B@R app - all welcome and no previous experience necessary. If you've got any questions, please get in touch via email: volunteers@derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk

We are leading a campaign to get this major monument - Wingfield Manor - repaired and re-opened to the public. https://lnkd.in/eRyAYwDT

We want to hear from you! As part of our current The National Lottery Heritage Fund project we are exploring how we can deliver theoretical and practical heritage skills training across Derbyshire. We will also be launching and developing the 'DHBT Training & Skills Academy' so that we can improve the way we provide guidance and resources for use. Your opinions on what you'd like to see on offer will help us to tailor our training offer to best meet local needs. Every person who completes this short questionnaire will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win £100 of shopping vouchers, so don’t forget to give us your email address at the end to be in with a chance to enter. Click here to participate: https://lnkd.in/dzJSeE_7 Thank you for your time and valuable input.

Following the success of our 'social survey stroll' in South Wingfield, we've decided to head to Duffield next for some more group 'buildings at risk' surveying. Date: Saturday 22nd March 2025 Starting location: The Weston Centre, Tamworth Street, Duffield, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 4ER Transport: There is limited free parking for centre users in the charity’s four identified parking spaces adjacent to the building. Other spaces, located beside the Viceroy Restaurant, can be used free of charge until 4.00pm. Further parking can be found in the village and the centre is conveniently located for bus stops and the train station. Time: 1pm-approximately 4pm Details: We will meet at the Weston Centre, close to the heart of the historic village of Duffield, for a brief introduction led by our knowledgeable team. We will then set off on a gentle stroll into the village to complete some building condition surveys using our new ‘Buildings at Risk’ (B@R) app. Finally, we will return to the Weston Centre for a chat and light refreshments. Whether you have downloaded the app but need some support, or you’re a seasoned B@R app expert- all are welcome! You will have the opportunity to meet our friendly team and other like-minded people in a relaxed, sociable environment whilst getting some valuable experience completing condition surveys in the field. For health and safety reasons numbers are limited for this event, so if you would like to attend, please book your free ticket using the link below to avoid disappointment. https://lnkd.in/dFKTf4cs If you have any questions, please contact the team at volunteers@derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk We look forward to seeing you there! Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

Our next Buildings at Risk app drop-in session will be on Friday 14th February. Location: Alderwasley Village Hall, Chapel Hill, Alderwasley, Belper, DE56 2RB Directions and Parking: From the A6 at Whatstandwell, drive up the narrow road signposted Alderwasley. After about a mile, at a junction, turn right up Chapel Hill. The village hall is on the right after about 100 yards. There is onsite parking for 14 cars. If using satnav use the address and not the postcode alone. What 3 Words location: ///rehearsed.lots.theory Time: Drop-in any time between 10am and 12pm Drop-in session for support with Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust’s new ‘Buildings at Risk’ app. Whether you have downloaded the app and aren’t sure how to get started, you missed our launch event and would like to know more about the project, or you have already been out and about surveying Grade II Listed Buildings in Amber Valley but have some questions- all are welcome! You will have the opportunity to speak to one of our friendly team members, who will do their very best to resolve any issues, offer support and answer your questions. If you have a specific query you would like us to help you with, why not email us in advance of your visit so that we can be better prepared to resolve it quickly on the day? Our email address is: volunteers@derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk We look forward to seeing you there! Can’t make it on 14th February? No problem! We are available throughout the week for email support, or you can arrange a 1:1 support session with one of our team members at our headquarters in Wirksworth. Email us to arrange a time and date to suit you. We are also currently organising an exciting ongoing programme of support and social events linked to our Buildings at Risk project. This project has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.

ILKON is a contemporary Arts Gallery in a former disused Methodist Church in Ilkeston. Founded by an attendee of Ilkeston Grammar (1967-1975), Chris Williamson, the project is in honour of his art teacher, Dr Richard Venning, who hugely inspired him to pursue a career in architecture. Chris has perfectly balanced the contemporary appeal of the building, whilst still being sympathetic and revering to its history. The gallery opened in 2023 and was awarded two commendations at our DHBT Architecture Awards in the December of that year. Join us on Sunday 9th February at 2pm for a tour of this wonderful building. To find out more, and book your place: https://lnkd.in/ej8gHHEy

Are you passionate about preserving history but struggling to secure project funding? DHBT's upcoming course, Real Estate Financial Modelling for Heritage Projects, will equip you with the skills and knowledge to approach partners and funders confidently. (Limited seats available) In this session, you'll learn: 📈 How to build a robust cash flow model in Excel to assess the financial viability of your project. 💻 The fundamentals of financial modelling and Excel. 🏛️ Traditional residual methods for real estate projects. 🪙 How to create realistic assumptions and forecasts to strengthen your financial case. This course is perfect for: - Professionals new to financial modelling. - Anyone involved in the renovation or restoration of historic buildings. No prior Excel or modelling experience is necessary! However, you will need to bring a laptop with a working copy of Excel. 💻 Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain the skills you need to bring your heritage project to life! This session is part of a series of training events delivered by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust. Made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. Find out more and book here: https://lnkd.in/eNf6xmFc

Save the date - Saturday 13th September 2025 - Derbyshire Conservation and Heritage Crafts Festival Location: Cromford Mills, Mill Rd, Cromford, DE4 3RQ  |  Event Time: 10 am  to 4pm This September, Derbyshire is celebrating its rich heritage with the first-ever Derbyshire Conservation and Heritage Crafts Festival! Hosted at the historic CROMFORD MILLS (The Arkwright Society) within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, this free one-day event will showcase a vibrant array of traditional skills. The festival has been organised by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT), Derbyshire’s leading architectural and building conservation charity, in partnership with Cromford Mills and WeaveKnitIt. From the delicate art of weaving to the sturdy craft of stone masonry, visitors will have the chance to watch demonstrations, learn from experienced craftspeople, and appreciate the importance of these time-honoured traditions in preserving Derbyshire's unique landscape. The festival aligns perfectly with Heritage Open Days, offering a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of Cromford Mills and the surrounding area of Derwent Valley Mills. Find out more and reserve your stall - Email:  tricia@derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk Made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

Theatres Trust hosted an excellent webinar today to launch the 2025 'Theatres at Risk Register'. I was delighted to part of the panel session, sharing some insights into the journey Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust and partners have been on with Derby Hippodrome. The Hippodrome (Grade II Listed, built in 1914) has been on the Risk Register since its inception in 2006. I was speaking alongside representatives from two very different buildings - Victoria Theatre, Salford and the Roundhouse, Dover - but many of the opportunities, challenges and approaches remain the same - particularly when it comes to issues of ownership, being 'project ready' and the importance of community support.