Looking forward to 2019 our calendar of dates in the South West is now better defined:

We will be holding our regional AGM in March at High Cross House on the Dartington Estate (1931-2 William Lescaze; above).  I recently attended a presentation at High Cross given by directors of the Estate. They introduced the architects and heritage consultants Purcell who have been appointed to manage the restoration and rehabilitation of this Grade II* listed building. The team includes Jon Wright, formerly a Caseworker for the Society, so we are encouraged to know that the project will be in good hands.  Their first task is to undo the damage done by inappropriate insulation, which was introduced into the cavity walls at High Cross and has caused damp and damaged the external render.  We look forward to hearing more as the project progresses.

On 13 April we will have a day visit to Looe and Polperro.  We are still at the early stages of planning this trip, but watch this space and look out for our regional e-bulletins with more information to follow.

Finally, another gem has come on the house market in our area. One of Mervyn Seal’s finest ‘butterfly roof’ houses, we visited Parkham Wood (1960, Grade II) in Brixham on our weekend tour back in 2016.  Now one of us could return to it to stay permanently for a modest outlay! Let’s hope this very original example of Mervyn’s work finds a suitable new owner.

Tony Stokoe