St Jago's Arch Restored

This article first appeared in a Gibraltar Heritage Trust Supplement

 in the Gibraltar Chronicle on 31st August 2010,

by Manolo Galliano.

SAVING 'NUESTRA SENORA DEL ROSARIO'

Few Gibraltarians passing by the building fronting the Main Street side of the Income Tax building at the southern end of town bother to even glance at the blocked-up doorway, located therein. This is a far cry from the hundreds of curious tourists from all nationalities who invariably stop to take photographs of it and also read the descriptive plaque inserted on the wall. The latter, which was set up in the mid 1960's, has completely incorrect information, as the said gateway was never transported from any other defunct church in any other district, but has been in situ since it was built as part of the original building in the early 16th century. This seems to be a sad state of affairs, especially taking into account that it is one of the very few relics of Gibraltar's past encompassing the Spanish occupation of the fortress and bearing in mind its obvious deteriorated state.

 

General view of the arch

Crumbling stonework on the pillars 

Stonework eroding away

This doorway is all that remains of a small chapel called the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary), built circa 1530/40. It is constructed of sandstone in the Renaissance style architecture, encompassing elegant fluted columns, an archway with roundels and an architrave decorated with rosette symbols. It is almost identical to the existing blocked-up archway which formed the main entrance to the church of the Franciscan monastery, remodelled and enlarged circa 1533, now the Governor's residence and situated inside the garages at the back of the Convent.

The hermitage appears in a series of preparatory sketches and drawings of Gibraltar undertaken by the Flemish artist Anton Van de Wyngaerde in 1567 as a commission for King Philip II of Spain. He had previously travelled to London in order to draw views of the capital for the said king on the occasion of his marriage to Queen Mary Tudor in 1554. These drawings, which are now in the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, include a small rectangular building at the southern end of the city, designated as Nuestra Senora del Rosario, which is shown as having a very ornate doorway, under a triangular pediment (the latter no longer in existence).

Alonso Hernandez del Portillo in his 'Historia de la Muy Noble y Mas Leal Ciudad de Gibraltar' written between 1610 and 1622, states that the Baluarte de Nuestra Senora del Rosario (now South Bastion) was so called due to the proximity of the hermitage to the said fortification.

Luis Bravo in his 'Gibraltar Fortificada' (Mss.Add.15.152 in the British Museum), dated 30 January 1627 and dedicated to Don Gaspar de Guzman, Conde Duque de Olivares, prepared various detailed plans of the fortifications of Gibraltar. In a bird's eye view drawing of the layout of houses and streets, the hermitage can be clearly seen in its present location, being shown as a rectangular building, topped by a cross, with its entrance to the main street.

The Revd. Geronimo de la Concepcion in his 'Emporio de el Orbe; Cadiz Ilustrada' of 1690, writing about Gibraltar, lists a total of 16 religious establishments including the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario.

  

1627 plan showing the hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario just to the left of the Southport Gates.

1753 plan showing the hermitage as a store house.

With the capture of Gibraltar by the Anglo-Dutch forces on 24 July 1704, all the churches, chapels and convents, with the exception of the Franciscan monastery (now the Convent) and the Church of St. Mary the Crowned (now the Roman Catholic Cathedral), were either looted or taken over by the occupying forces for other tactical purposes, including as stores. This was indeed the case with the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario which is shown as being utilised as a storeroom in the 'Particular Survey of the City of Gibraltar' undertaken in 1753. The said plan shows a small rectangular building with access to the main street, having a series of pillars, dividing it into two aisles and at the eastern end having four narrow steps going up to a platformed area, which would originally have been the sanctuary for the altar.

Doorway circa turn of the 20th century, doorway reads 'Ordnance Store Department'.

Main Street early 1900s after conversion of the barrack block.

During the Great Siege of 1779/1783, the southern side of the city escaped the worst of the damage inflicted by the heavy bombardment of the Spanish and French besieging forces and it is very possible that the hermitage survived this onslaught. Nevertheless, in 1883, most of the building was demolished in order to construct the Royal Engineers Barracks, later known as the St. Jago's Barracks. Fortunately, the western facade which contained the original ornate gateway was kept and incorporated into the fabric of the new building. The latter would, over the years house the St. Jago's School (1958-1972) and shortly after the offices of the Income Tax Department.

Who could have surmised in the early 16th century, that the use of the place would change so drastically from ecclesiastical to the military and then to the educational, finalising in the financial! 

22nd January 2014: The restoration of the arch has been undertaken by the Gibraltar Museum and was officially unveiled last night by the Minister for Heritage. A superb restoration to a feature of our urban heritage. http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=32557  

HERITAGE NEWS 016

First issued: 17th January 2014

Heritage Journal No20 Out Now

Heritage Journal No20 has arrived and is now on sale.

The journal contains a facsimile copy of the Treaty of Utrecht  and a variety of articles. Manolo Galliano translates and annotates a description of Gibraltar from 1682 by Fray Geronimo; Charles Durante interprets the frontispiece of the 1682 document; Marti Crespo gives an account of the Great Siege as recorded through the unpublished diary of Father Francisco Messa, Parish priest of St. Mary the Crowned at the time; Ernest Reading traces a relative who died in action in World War I; Charles Durante analyses Gibraltar and the Pillars or Hercules in three poetic texts; Michael Sanchez researches the operations of U-Boats in and around Gibraltar between 1941 and 1944; and Richard Garcia gives an account of the visit of the George Borrow Society to Gibraltar. The Journal also includes an updated Gibraltar Bookshelf and Cumulative index. The journal is available from local bookshops at £6 and from the Gibraltar Heritage Trust office where members can claim their membership discount on production of a valid                   membership card.

New Blog

We have started a new blog. The Trust sends out these e-newsletters on a regular basis to our members updating them of heritage related news and events. The archive of newsletters have been published on-line to improve public access to this information as we feel it is important to relate heritage related news to the community and keep everyone as up-to-date as possible. Members will continue to receive e-newsletters ahead of the information appearing on the blog. The blog can be viewed at www.gibraltarheritagetrust.blogspot.com

Risso Bakery Update

Our online petition is growing in signatories at a steady rate. If you have not signed it yet please do via our Gibraltar Heritage Trust Facebook page or come into our office at 13 John Mackintosh Square. We have written directly to the developer and are awaiting a reply.

HERITAGE NEWS 015

First issued: 8th January 2014

Welcome back

Welcome to the first e-newsletter for 2014. Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year break.  

For us the end of the year was overshadowed by the decision at the DPC for the demolition of the ex-Risso Bakery in Engineer Lane. This building has been in a poor state of repair for over a decade, but the Trust voted against the demolition, taking the view that at the very least the façade can be saved and integrated into the design for the new hotel. This would maintain the historic streetscape of Engineer Lane.

We have started an online petition to try to get the developer to reconsider their plans and retain the façade. If you have not signed it yet please do at http://chn.ge/1koYUYW .

This whole episode had opened up the debate on the issues we need to address on the conservation of our old town. They are issues that the Trust has been grappling with for many years, but we feel that the debate needs to come out into the open and engage the general public. It is our Heritage and we all have a duty towards its care.

If any of you wish to become more involved in the work of the Trust please do get in contact. Our details can be found at the foot of this newsletter.

Enigma Machine Presentation

The Kasuma Trust are organising an Enigma Machine presentation on the 20th January at 7:30pm in the Garrison Library, which is aimed at adults. The presentation will be given by Dr James Grimes , a mathematician, lecturer, and public speaker.  

Find out more at:

http://enigma.maths.org/content/

The event is free of charge but they would like people to RSVP so that they can guage numbers. If you would like to go please contact: angela.almeida@kusumatrust.gi  

Christmas Gathering

The Trust closed the year with a gathering for members at the Garrison Library. Mulled wine and mince pies were served and a general discussion on Trust issues was had. We hope that this event will grow and help us to keep in better contact with our members and their concerns.

HERITAGE NEWS 014

First issued: 12th December 2013

LAKONIA – 50 year anniversary

You will have hopefully read the coverage on the unveiling of a memorial plaque to the sinking of the TSMS Lakonia covered in the local press. The plaque has been commissioned by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust in commemoration of the terrible night when the cruise ship, carrying mostly British and Irish passengers, caught fire off the coast of Madeira in the Atlantic. Following the disaster 58 victims were buried in North Front Cemetery in Gibraltar, but since then most have been repatriated. There are just 14 graves remaining now - nine in the Protestant area, two in the Catholic area and three in the Jewish cemetery.  Until now there was no official commemoration of the event.

The Trust was privileged to have helped facilitate this event together with the online forum Andalucia.com.

Gibraltar Chronicle article of the event can be read here: http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=32016

The TSMS Lakonia on fire

Chairman of the Trust, Dr Keith Farrell, introduces the ceremony.

Survivor,Philip MCGovern with Chris Chaplow looking on, gives his memories

Rescuer Gordon Holmes gives his account

Father Andrew, Mission to Seamen, reads a payer

Msgr Bear reads a prayer  

Rabbi Hassid says a few words

Minister Linares at the unveiling

GHT representatives with Mr J. Imossi, Greek Consulate; and Lakonia survivor and family.

GHT Calendar 2014

As recently advertised, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust Calendar for 2014 is out now. This year’s calendar focuses on Gibraltar’s role in World War One as 2014 sees the centenary of the outbreak of the war. Although no actual fighting took place in Gibraltar itself during the Great War (1914 – 1919), Gibraltar proved its worth on many levels.

The Rock served as an important refuge for steamers avoiding submarine attack, coaling station, a safe port for obtaining supplies of fresh water and provisions, repairing port for damaged vessels and last but not least as a naval station and dockyard of the highest order for the British and their Allies. Thousands of Sailors, many of them crews of torpedoed vessels were brought to Gibraltar for recuperation. The arrival of Hospital ships with wounded men was the occasion for Gibraltar to come forward and show its charity towards these men who had been disabled in the defence of the British Empire. Many local men signed up to the cause also and the ‘Gibraltar Volunteer Corps’ (a forerunner to the Gibraltar Regiment) was formed. The civilian population did Gibraltar proud in their support of the cause of the war. Gibraltar’s right to the title ‘Key to the Mediterranean’ was fully demonstrated during the Great War.

The Calendar comes with its own envelope for posting overseas and is available from local bookshops and the Trust offices in John Mackintosh Square.

Government call for Northern Defences expressions of interest

The Government have issued a notice calling for expressions of interest from companies interested in developing the Northern Defences.

This area of Gibraltar, know locally to many as ‘The Jungle’ has been derelict for decades. The site is large and comprises of parallel terraces which run along the cliff face which were excavated in the 18th Century.  Termed the King’s, Queen’s, and Prince’s lines they give access to a series of immense excavations behind, forming subterranean galleries or barracks, capable of containing several thousand soldiers in time of need, and entirely protected from shot or shell. The Northern Defences, as they are collectively known, were developed to fire out over the isthmus and provide flanking fire for the Landport defences. So formidable was this cover that it earned the significant name of the ‘Mouth of Fire’ from the attacking Spanish and French forces.

The Trust was notified by Government of the intention to call for expressions and we have had some limited discussion on what we think the best way forward for this site is. The notice is clear that any proposals are to convert the site for the restoration / conservation, embellishment and re-use of the Northern Defences for touristic and recreational purposes.

The Notice states that:

“Regard must be given to the sensitive conservation and re-use of the monuments and tunnels within the area which are listed under the ‘Gibraltar Heritage Trust Act 1989’.

Proposed schemes and ideas must integrate

a)         the conservation and sensitive re-use of listed monuments & tunnels;

b)         the conception & creation of a first class tourism attraction;

c)         full or partial retention of the open land for the use of the community as an amenity or leisure resource”

As a Trust we would like to invite any prospective developers to approach the Trust at an early stage to discuss, without prejudice, any ideas they might have for the site. Any enquiries would be treated in the strictest confidence.

Main Guard Update

Work is continuing at a good pace on the refurbishment and restoration of the Main Guard building. We are very excited to see a section of scaffolding coming down today revealing to the public a sneak peak of the new colourscheme and finish. 

HERITAGE NEWS 013

First issued: 18th November 2013

Annual General Meeting

Many thanks to those of you that took the time to attend our Annual General Meeting. We feel it was well attended this year and was a good opportunity to speak to the Minister for Heritage on a number of issues which are of concern to us. It was also a good opportunity for the Board to report on completed and ongoing projects and the plans for the future. We hope that once our building renovation is complete more of you will make use of our building and will be able to engage more with the issues we tackle on a daily basis.

Development & Planning Commission Update

There have been a number of significant planning applications heard before the DPC at the most recent meeting held on 12^th November. We hope to use the medium of this newsletter to update you and also to gauge your opinion on upcoming applications. All of these applications are available for public viewing at the Ministry for Town Planning on the 3^rd Floor of the Europort Building.

BA12720 – Windmill Hill Road – proposed office/watchtower  - GoG Project

As a Government project this application is not subject to the full planning process but comes to DPC for comment and guidance rather than approval. Initial reactions to the application were that it was too high and too large a development on the fortifications which are a listed monument. We asked whether the original building (the Naval Signal Station circa 1900s), or parts of it, could be saved and reused. This was confirmed not to be possible. We agreed in principle to a building of this nature on this site as this is what this site has always been but continued to object to the height and the massing and the lack of access to the historic walls. The building has now been significantly revised and downscaled. We are still not satisfied with a number of features and are to meet with the architects to try to influence the design further.

BA12186 – 29-37 Engineer Lane – Proposed new hotel

This application is of serious concern to the Trust. The Trust has for over 10 years been consistent in its resistance to the outright demolition of this building and the gradual removal of parts of the building such flooring and support joists which has led to the dilapidated condition of the building today. This site is in the heart of the Old Town, just off the Main Street. To lose a building of this character is against Policy OTC4 in the Old Town Guide which includes a presumption against the demolition of buildings in the old town. The building is typical of local architecture, is in the centre of the old town and its demolition would set a precedent for demolitions in the old town. The Risso building at Horse Barrack Lane shows how beautiful this building could be following restoration of the façade. The Trust objected to the principle of the demolition of this building. Having read the structural reports in detail the main overriding reasons given for its recommended demolition is the ‘higher long term life cycle cost in relative terms when comparing with the life cycle costs of a new building’. A building renovation will almost always be more costly than a complete new build but the counterbalance for this is the inherent value that a historic building with character has and the level of clientele it can attract, moreover in a historic city with a thriving tourism industry such as Gibraltar. The reports highlight a number of structural concerns with the building, however the Trust feels that the reports do not look at a third option of a partial demolition which could save at least the facade of the building and thereby preserve this historic streetscape. We have no objections to some increase in height, set back into the site which will allow the provision of a higher number of beds, but the proposed 10 stories we feel is excessive. The application was deferred to December’s meeting for possible revisions to the scheme, but the Trust was very much on its own arguing against demolition on this one and the building is still in very real danger of demolition which will set a precedent for demolitions in the old town.

BA12795 – South Jumpers Bastion – Rosia Road – proposed office development

The Trust was pleased to see the Government put this site out to tender last year and has had a number of meetings with the successful tenderer and developer in the run up to this application.  We were pleased to see a proposal for the conservation and re-use of this listed monument and are very interested in the methods proposed for the addressing of the historic flooding problems. The Internal gorge of the bastion is to be restored and the access walkways to the vaults reprovided. The interior of the vaults are to be conserved and adapted to office use. At the request of the Trust public access to the back of the building and the walls has been built into the scheme. These were all positives but we felt that a frank discussion was required at the DPC on this application due to the following reasons:

1)      the site has been derelict for approx 30 years and the project proposes a new use and future for the monument which is very positive, however the ‘cost’ to the monument is also significant.

2)      the proposed office use requires an extra 2 floors of office space above the bastion. This will constitute building on the City Walls, a policy which has been consistently applied for the last 10 years at this Commission with a number of positive effects on the exposure and reuse of our City walls as a leisure facility.

3)      The Trust felt that the proposed height is excessive but accept that some sort of cover is required over the bastion gorge in order to make the site useable.

An open discussion ensued at the DPC which resulted in a vote being taken and the project being passed. As a Trust we maintained our objections to the height of the building but also understand that there are commercial factors to be taken into account. The DPC was clear that this project has been approved strictly on the particular factors involved with this site and is not a waiving of the policy. Future generations will judge the Commission’s decision on this one.

BA12815 – Gort’s Hospital – proposed storage facility

The Gort’s Hospital complex is one of the more complete and intact hospitals dating from the WWII period on the Rock. It’s conversion into storage units is regrettable as it constitutes the loss of the complex from a historical point of view and the possible touristic value it brings to the completeness of Gibraltar’s WWII and tunnelling story which is unique in the world.

The above said, the Gibraltar Museum have been working closely with the applicants to try and minimise the impact of this new use on the complex and a number of items have been removed for safe storage by the Museum. A complete pre-disturbance survey has been completed for the sake of record keeping, but a watching brief has also been conditioned on any further stripping works to document anything new that might appear or is worthy of salvage.

This application was submitted some months after a tender notice for the site appeared in the local press taking the Trust and the Gibraltar Museum by surprise. We have since made representations to the Minister and are starting to receive prior warning of upcoming tenders so that we can feed in our comments ahead of the tender being advertised.

Major Upcoming applications:

BA12850 – Redevelopment of Rosia Bay for Leisure use

Planning Permission is being sought for the development of Rosia Bay into a leisure area with swim club, waterpark pool, dive centre, marina berthing and associated activities. The plans are available for view at the offices of the Town Planner. We also have a copy at the Main Guard should anyone wish to view it.

BA12839 – Proposed refurbishment and development of residential units. Plata Villa, Witham’s Road

An application for the refurbishment of the Plata Villa building into residential units and also the construction of 8 maisonettes in the grounds surrounding the main building. Plans are available to view at the offices of the Town Planner. We also have a copy at the Main Guard should anyone wish to view it.

We would encourage you to take a look at the plans for yourself and give us your views.

HERITAGE NEWS 012

First issued: 8th November 2013

Annual General Meeting

A reminder that the Trust’s Annual General Meeting will be taking place at the Garrison Library on Thursday 14^th November at 6pm. Please do take the time to attend as your feedback is important to us. The Minister for Heritage, the Hon. Steven Linares, will be present and will be giving an update on Government Policy and projects with regards to heritage.

Annual Dinner

The Heritage Trust’s annual dinner took place last Thursday 31st October. The dinner was very well supported by the membership who took the opportunity to enjoy a heritage themed evening in the pleasant surroundings of the Rock Hotel. The dinner was attended by the Minister for Heritage, the Hon. Steven Linares and also the Trust’s Patron, HE Sir Adrian Johns. The event was the last Trust event for Sir Adrian and the opportunity was taken to thank him for his support over the years. The evening was rounded off with a talk by guest speaker Thomas Knowles, Deputy Head of Investment at Historic Scotland who spoke on heritage and small nations and the latest technological techniques that Historic Scotland is using to document, record and manage their historic monuments. Many have already shown interest in attending nest years dinner, making sure that this event goes from strength to strength as a way of celebrating Gibraltar’s Heritage and also creating debate on the latest heritage issues where we see that many of the issues faced in heritage conservation are not just unique to Gibraltar.

This year’s Heritage Awards were also presented at the dinner. This year’s awards are a mix of building refurbishments and three properties, a large scale restoration of Harding’s Battery and for a website promoting stories from Gibraltar’s history.

HERITAGE NEWS 011

First issued: 23rd October 2013

Annual Dinner

There are still tickets available for the 3^rd Annual Heritage Dinner being held on the 31^st October at the Rock Hotel Restaurant. Tickets are priced at £5 per head which includes a three course meal, coffees and half a bottle of wine per person. The dinner will be attended by Minister for Heritage the Hon. Steven Linares and HE Sir Adrian Johns, the Trust’s Patron.

The menu is:

Starter: Field and wild mushroom soup flavoured with port, stilton crouton

Main: Breast of chicken wrapped in Serrano ham and sage leaves, pineapple wafer, Madeira jus

Dessert: Raspberry pavlova with mascarpone cream and crushed pistachio

Coffee

This year’s guest after dinner speaker is Thomas Knowles from Historic Scotland who will be speaking on ‘Heritage and Small Nations’.

Please contact the office by Monday 28^th October if you wish to attend.

HERITAGE NEWS 010

First issued: 2nd October 2013

Members Tours

A guided tour of Harding’s Battery and its environs took place a couple of weekends ago. The tour was led by Trustee Ian Balestrino and as well as a thorough explanation of the history and workings of  Harding’s Battery, the tour also took in a number of stops and features of the area. The tour was enjoyed by all.

The planned Operation Felix outings due to take place in the month of October have unfortunately had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope to run these in the new year as there is a great deal of interest in the tour. We are contacting those of you who had booked on to give you a refund. If you have not heard from us, please get in contact with the Office.

Heritage Awards

The nomination period is now closed for this years round of Heritage Awards. Thank you to those who have put nominations forward. The winners will be announced at this years Annual Heritage Dinner at the Rock Hotel on 31^st October.

Annual Dinner

The 3^rd Annual Heritage Dinner is being held on the 31^st October at the Rock Hotel Restaurant. The event promises to once again be a good evening of heritage related events. This years guest speaker is Thomas Knowles from Historic Scotland who will be speaking on ‘Heritage and Small Nations’.

Dinner tickets are available at £35 for a full dinner including half a bottle of wine per person.  Please book with us ASAP.

GHT Polo shirts

We have produced a limited number of navy blue Fruit of the Loom polo shirts with the Trust Logo that are available from the Trust Shop at £14.99 each. If there is sufficient demand from the membership we will produce more. Come in and take a look whilst stock lasts!

HERITAGE NEWS 009

First issued: 18th September 2013

We hope you’ve had a good summer. Here at the Trust it’s been a while since our last e-update to you, but we can assure you that the work has continued as busy as ever despite the summer months. We hope to make these a frequent feature of your inbox once again and the forthcoming months certainly promise to be jam-packed!

Southport Wall

Works to restore this section of wall at Southport Gates have now been completed with the Minister for Heritage officially ‘unveiling’ it on the 6^th September. The works have seen a systematic repair of the wall by conservation specialists under the management of the Gibraltar Museum and in consultation with Technical Services. The finished product shows just how spectacular our city walls can be when cleared of all creeping/ destructive vegetation. The RML has also had a new coat of paint and had the Royal Army Ordnance Corps coat of arms painted in the correct regimental colours. The next phase of the project includes the lighting of the wall at night time and the installation of interpretation panels.

The adjacent project to restore the St Jago’s Arch is also well advanced. This old church doorway (which is actually in situ) has suffered badly from weathering and traffic pollution and had also been the subject of an earlier restoration (possibly circa 1970’s) which was only serving to aggravate the problem. We’ll bring you more information on this when the project is completed.

Heritage Awards

Do you know of a person, organization, building, group, project, that deserves a Heritage Award? The nomination period for this year’s round of Heritage Awards is now open. More information about the awards can be found on our website www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi The closing date for nominations is the 31^st September 2013.

Gibraltar Archives

The recent news that the Government Archivist has become the new CEO for the Gibraltar Football Association has left a gap in this essential research and archival service. The Trust is voicing its concerns to the Government who assure us that plans are in motion to keep the service running with suitably qualified professionals. Although the Heritage Sector has lost a professional archivist, our loss is the GFA’s gain. We wish all the very best to Dennis Beiso in his new position.

MOD Integrated Rural Management Plan

The Conservation Group of the MOD estate management plan has met 3 times in the last 7 months and progress is being made to catalogue and consolidate lists and responsibilities for all heritage assets within the MOD estate. The Conservation Group is made up of representatives from the Heritage Trust, the GONHS, the Gibraltar Museum, the Dept of the Environment, Town Planning and various departments within the MOD. We will keep you updated of progress as it is made.

Integrated Traffic Survey

The Trust is participating as a stakeholder consultee in the Government’s integrated traffic plan. Of concern to the Trust are large infrastructure projects which might affect monuments such as our City Walls. The consultation is at an early stage. We are also advocating the use of the city walls as official cycling/walking routes. Such a policy will see the investment in conservation of these monuments whilst at the same time giving them a use of benefit to the whole community. A reduction in traffic in Gibraltar is something that will not only benefit our environment and health but also our monuments. We will be attending follow up workshops and keep you updated of developments.

Treasurer Retiring

Mr Roy Harding, our long standing Hon. Treasurer is stepping down from his post after 10 years of balancing the Trust’s accounts and a further 10 before that as a Trust member. His invaluable contribution was officially acknowledged last year when he was the recipient of a Heritage Award for his contribution to the Trust. Roy will remain a member and will continue to come into the office on an ad-hoc basis but for social reasons and not work. Our thanks to you once again Roy.

The Trust’s new Hon. Treasurer is Adrian Stevenson of the AMS Group who is already familiarising himself with the role.

Clean Up the World

The Trust will once again be supporting the Clean Up the World Campaign on Saturday 21^st September. If you are willing to help out and join us on a site for a few hours, please contact us with your name and contact number and we will make sure we let you know where and when to meet on the day. Please note there is a Trust visit to Harding’s Battery in the morning so you may wish to join in after that.

Upcoming events

The programme of events for the September 2013 to March 2014 period is now out and has been posted to all out members. If you have not received your copy contact us at the office and we will send a duplicate out to you.