Drain/dampness problem

[Evelyn]

I believe that those who contribute regularly and from altruism to this forum should also be listened to.

It's clear that many do not want the site commercialised in this way.

[Norwayman]

I've heard that some of the people at SPAB actually earn money for the work they do. This is only a rumour, but if found to be true it would make me question their independence. Please tell me it isn't true - I thought they did it for love alone. Its such a shame that people are forced into these so-called "jobs" with commercial enterprises just to pay for food, clothing, and shelter.



http://www.rcpbml.org.uk/

[Evelyn]

SPAB, as with all the amenity societies, is not a commercial organisation but a charity.
In order to carry on its work day to day it has a core of paid employees - although as with all the amenity societies those employees could get paid rather more elsewhere so in some ways yes they do it for love. Some also are voluntary Trustees etc of other conservation organisations.

The SPAB free helpline is exactly that - free - and no-one at SPAB will be making money out of it. It's members subs and donations and legacies which keep that going. Some government funding also - for its statutory work in responding to listed building applications.

However. all the amenity societies and allied conservation organisations have many, many volunteers - Trustees, committees, and those who help in other ways. They don't gain anything financially from their work.

I have absolutely nothing to gain on a personal level by posting links to SPAB and suggesting that use is made of its services.

[Norwayman]

mmm... Government Funding.

[MJ]

So we have consensus?

You speak for everyone...

I think not...

<IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discuss ... s/wink.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=";)">

[Evelyn]

Some small amount to cover their legal responsibilities of responding to planning applications.

All the amenity societies have similar responsibilities.



http://www.ancientmonumentssociety.org.uk

[Evelyn]

Of course, other organisations such as the one linked to below have government funding too, but not enough and they have to generate income to try to continue to protect the historic environment.

Our government seems not too keen on the historic environment - especially the Deputy Prime Minister, John 'bulldoze the north' Prescott, but the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport seems to have certain difficulties too. As I am sure you are aware.

The new Culture Minister seems rather more keen, but that means he probably will be moved on fairly soon. It would never do for someone responsible for the national heritage to actually care about it.



EH

[Matt Green]

This forum is subject to mob rule. If someone disagrees with the most vocal posters they are the victim of a sustained witch-hunt to remove them from it.

Whether you accept it or fight it is academic.

Matt Green

[Evelyn]

Mark - I speak for myself. Others speak for themselves. I'd say that there are a number who have voiced concern about commercial links - this week and in the past.

I will continue to complain about them. You don't of course have to click on the links if you don't want to and read what I have to say. <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discuss ... /smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":)">

You certainly don't speak for me - and nor would I wish you to.

[Norwayman]

Wow, it looks like they do they same as SPAB. Imagine how much money they could save if they joined forces. All the saved money could then be used to save ancient buildings!

[Evelyn]

Matt - I rather think I have been the victim of 'mob rule' at times!

I can't however control what others do or say, regardless of what you may believe or have been led to believe. It's flattering that some think I can, but it's not so.

I'll continue to do pretty much what I've always done and if people don't like it - well, tough really.

[Evelyn]

No, they have different responsibilities, as I am sure you are aware.

Here's another...



http://www.georgiangroup.org.uk

[Norwayman]

A fascinating insight into the wasteful bureaucracy of Quangos. Thank-you Evelyn. Still, it keeps the unemployment figures down. I find it difficult to believe that any of the organisations you mention are truly independent though as they appear to be entirely dependant on donations from government and individuals. In fact, compared with Patrick they appear to have an overtly political agenda which they pursue at the highest level. At least Patrick sticks to making an honest buck.

[Evelyn]

Yes, a secret agenda which includes saving as much of the historic environment as possible - apart that is English Heritage, which seems to be trying to do the opposite. Running scared of the influence of CABE,who I now see advises Mr Prescott on how many of those tall buildings he can override the decisions of Planning Inquiries and allow. Now if you are looking for people with commercial links and making a fast buck look no further than some who serve on CABE.

Commons Select Committee inquiry - two oral sessions so far, one Tuesday morning, with conservation groups giving evidence.

The written evidence submitted should be on the Parliament website soon, as will the rough transcripts.

Many issue raised. Much about how poor many local authorities are, and the low level skills of too many who work as CO's... and of course the rubbish politicians who take no notice even when there are good and skilled CO's advising them.

So yes - political and at a high level. if you want the historic environment to be protected, then that's the level at which you have to operate.

Or maybe you aren't interested in the protection of the historic environment?? <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discuss ... /smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":)">

[Evelyn]

Oh - this one has no regular government funding. It relies on individuals who believe in its work to keep it going.


http://www.savebritainsheritage.org