The IHBC is offering a special ‘early launch’ of our Newcastle 2026 School Programme, to celebrate its brand new look and teeming new features, from our ‘Exhibitor Hub’ and adverts to a user-friendly styling that helps Virtual Delegates navigate this unique day of IHBC CPD & learning.
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Judges in the 11th year of the IHBC Marsh Charitable Trust Awards have agreed winners for 2026, as ‘Community Contribution…’ goes to, Marion Barter IHBC (RET NW), for her ‘commitment to… connecting heritage with community life’, and ‘Successful Learning…’ to Harry Richards of Paye Stone Ltd for his ‘detailed and thoughtful approach to stonemasonry.
Each award winner is to receive £500, a certificate, and a free place at the Annual School in the Southwest in 2027.
NOTE: IHBC’s 2026 Newcastle School has closed to in-person delegates, but the Virtual Day School is still open for booking HERE
RTPI members seeking IHBC member-rates for our 2026 Virtual School will find the booking code in your monthly bulletin
Online Day School Package
From £35 (Excl. VAT, for IHBC Members and School networks)
Community Contribution (Retired Member) Award – Marion Barter
Marion is a highly respected buildings historian and heritage adviser whose career spans over four decades in the historic environment sector.
Her eminent professional career encompassed working as a Listed Buildings Inspector for the Listed Buildings Resurvey of Wiltshire in the 1980’s, work as a conservation officer for Sheffield, and then working for English Heritage as an Historic Buildings Inspector in the Northwest.
After leaving English Heritage she worked in private practice and has been involved in the Education Sector. In respect of the latter, she co-authored the RIBA Conservation Guide (2024), a key professional text structured around ICOMOS training principles, and a reference source widely used to support the education and accreditation of conservation practitioners.
The judging panel were impressed by Marion’s longstanding and dedicated contribution to the conservation of the historic environment, which has continued after her formal retirement. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that historic buildings are understood and valued but also maintained in community use – connecting heritage with community life.
Marion continues to involve herself with local conservation issues through volunteering and community outreach. She contributes to community-led initiatives, including work to support the future of the Grade II listed Victoria Hall. The judges also commended her on the fruitful combination of her creative and professional interests to help bring positive uses to historic buildings and ensure their continued connection to communities. One example is her work as a trustee of the Glossop Music Festival, which brings high-quality cultural programming to the High Peak and makes use of historic venues, reinforcing their role as living community assets.
Marion said she was ‘thrilled to have been awarded the Marsh Prize this year. It is a huge honour to have been nominated by my amazing colleagues at the North West Branch and to have been selected for this national award’.
Successful Learning in Heritage Skills – Harry Richards
Judges admired the submission on Harry Richards especially for his detailed and thoughtful approach to stonemasonry and high level of skill demonstrated. Harry was an apprentice in stonemasonry at Paye Stone Ltd from September 2022-November 2024, whilst attending the Building Crafts College (BCC) in Stratford, London. He achieved a distinction in the level 2 Apprenticeship Scheme End Point Assessment and has been developing his on-site skills in heritage stonemasonry with Paye Stone.
image: Examples of Harry Richards’ college work. Architectural mouldings for apprenticeship training: engaged column base with complex internal mitre (right); Detail of egg and dart moulding (left).
His tutor, Nigel Gilkison, noted in his nomination statement, that ‘… Harry has been a very adaptable and enthusiastic apprentice, keen to learn about all aspects of his craft. At work and college, he has been communicative and enjoys sharing his learning with others new to the trade, he is an excellent ambassador for the craft of stonemasonry.’
Harry’s application provided detailed information, which was praised by the judges, whilst his skill development was also demonstrated in other Heritage Skill areas, such as tuck pointing of brickwork. The judges were also impressed by his supporting statement which contained some mature observations on sympathetic repair and the uncertain nature of working on historic buildings.
Harry said: ‘I am extremely grateful to have been nominated for the IHBC Marsh award and receiving it has been both encouraging and affirming in building my confidence. I appreciate all that stone masonry encompasses, from the creativity and craftsmanship to the conservation of heritage structures and traditional skills.’
‘A huge thank you to my tutors Nigel and Nancy for their unwavering support and enthusiasm, and for creating the perfect learning environment.’
The IHBC and Marsh Charity encourages IHBC members to nominate people who they consider worthy recipients, the recognition of their contribution, often the culmination of a lifetime’s dedication and knowledge, as with Marion, or mastery of specialist heritage skills, as with Harry, clearly means so much to the awardees.
An ‘in-person’ Award presentation is planned for the Annual Dinner of the on the evening of the IHBC Annual School of our Bristol 2027 School, details to be confirmed
For more information on the 2026 Annual School see HERE
For the Virtual School on 19 June see HERE and BOOK HERE
For more on the IHBC Marsh Awards for Community Contribution (Retired Member) and Successful Learning in Heritage Skills see HERE.
IHBC’s newest CPD Circular lists current, accessible & cost-effective ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) opportunities on our networks, updates on local Branch events, 2026 School webinars and much more.
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IHBC’s 2026 Day School, broadcasting from Newcastle on 19 June, boasts The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as our School ‘Friend’, offering reduced Virtual School rates to RTPI members as delegates while delegates will hear from former RTPI President Timothy David Crawshaw as he responds to a busy day of IHBC CPD.
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IHBC’s latest Council received impressively positive feedback, but was very busy, so this NewsBlog post spotlights a paper easily missed in this ‘exploration of conservation services’, our plans for a light-touch survey to shape our response the 3rd of our Parliamentary ‘5 Commitments to Help Heritage Skills in Conservation…’.
Continue readingOpportunity to join the new Designing Buildings (DB) intelligence market research Advisory Panel.
Continue readingThe IHBC’s heritage business register HESPR – our Historic Environment Service Providers Recognition quality assurance service – sends members exclusive ‘News and Tender Alerts’, with the Director’s tender taster for NewsBlog readers this week is a project from Europe that looks to improve renovation etc with evidence-based guidance, to 08/07/2026 and £215K+.
JOIN HESPR, FROM £145PA (TO 2 EMPLOYEES)
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image for illustration: Saltdean Lido. Hassocks5489 CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
A 14-year project to restore a coastal lido to its former glory has scooped a prestigious architecture prize, reports BBC News South East.
Continue readingNew national polling commissioned by the Landscape Institute (LI) and conducted by Ipsos has found there to be overwhelming public interest in greener, better-connected and better-planned housing developments across the UK.
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image for illustration: Wadworth Brewery, Devizes by Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Opportunities to create new homes from historic buildings across England are showcased by Historic England’s 2026 Heritage Investment Prospectus.
Historic England writes:
The prospectus highlights 20 historic sites where owners are actively seeking investment partners or buyers, alongside examples of where empty historic buildings have been successfully transformed into vibrant, characterful homes for people. From former breweries, factories and mills to historic schools, banks and swimming baths, the buildings highlighted are part of the heritage that is woven deeply into our daily lives. Historic England research shows that by taking their potential and using them to shape future neighbourhoods they can continue to contribute to our identity and sense of belonging.
Working with partners, Historic England can help developers to unlock these vacant spaces, de-risk developments, and ensure new schemes enhance local character and build community pride in place.
If all 20 sites in the prospectus were developed, up to 1,500 characterful and comfortable new homes could be created. Taking into account land adjacent to the sites as well, the prospectus opportunities could unlock up to 2,500 new homes.
Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, co-CEOs Historic England said:
‘This prospectus represents our commitment to supporting growth and housing needs across England. We want to work proactively with developers to deliver transformational projects that protect our heritage while creating lasting value for investors and communities. Heritage is one of the major reasons why people feel positive and proud about the places they live. The heritage sites in this prospectus are brimming with potential and they could really be anchors for local communities again. But they need investment and we know investors and developers need advice and support to bring them back to life. That’s where we come in – we’re here to help guide developers to deliver transformational projects which give a future to our historic buildings, whilst also creating value for investors and communities that really lasts.’
Historic England offers helpful, constructive advice that can add value to developments. Speaking to Historic England early can help to de-risk development schemes, saving money and giving certainty. For all of the sites featured, Historic England regional teams are ready to work with new investors to bring forward sustainable regeneration.
England’s Historic Environment Forum (HEF) is calling for contributions to new annual report on heritage sector resilience, to 19 June.
Continue readingAn RTE News Documentary follows its analysis on derelict buildings in Ireland: Watch ‘RTÉ Investigates: Left to Rot’.
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image for illustration: St Pancras Station, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The third symposium in memory of Mark Girouard looks at women’s contributions to architectural history in Britain and Ireland, with sponsors including the IHBC.
Continue readingThe IHBC has launched its call to register ‘Interest’ in our new ‘Leaders in Learning for Practice Network’, for service leads in built and historic environment conservation-led learning & training programmes & courses, with resources allocated, advocacy a priority, and plans to be shaped by Network members.
Continue readingIHBC’s 2026 Day School, broadcasting from Newcastle on 19 June, boasts The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as our School ‘Friend’, offering reduced Virtual School rates to RTPI members as delegates while delegates will hear from former RTPI President Timothy David Crawshaw as he responds to a busy day of IHBC CPD.
Continue readingIHBC’s latest Council received impressively positive feedback, but was very busy, so this NewsBlog post spotlights a paper easily missed in this ‘exploration of conservation services’, our plans for a light-touch survey to shape our response the 3rd of our Parliamentary ‘5 Commitments to Help Heritage Skills in Conservation…’.
Continue readingThe Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has featured a ‘Muslims in Real Estate’ take on how equity and access are best shaped through design decisions, not post-occupancy fixes.
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IHBC’s heritage business register HESPR – our Historic Environment Service Providers Recognition quality assurance scheme for heritage services – emails members weekly ‘News and Tender Alerts’, and this week features Designing Buildings (DB) on Spelling it out.
JOIN HESPR, FROM £145PA (TO 2 EMPLOYEES)
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image for illustration: Mechanics Institute, Swindon via Wikimedia Commons
Major safety concerns have been raised after youths were seen allegedly trying to trespass inside a historic building in Swindon just a month after it was set on fire, The Swindon Advertiser reports.
Continue readingThe Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru is urging the next Welsh Government to prioritise investment in the planning profession if it is to deliver on its ambitions for Wales.
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image for illustration: Grimsby Minster, RexSueciae, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Three heritage funds have opened for Expressions of Interest (EoIs), including the new £92M Places of Worship Fund, as well as the second rounds of the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund and Heritage Revival Fund
Continue readingThe Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has launched a new digital learning ‘ecosystem’ inspired by the look and feel of 3D gaming environments.
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image for illustration: Part of the Barbican by Ziko, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The City of London Corporation has approved the planning application for the Barbican Renewal Programme, securing the future of Europe’s largest multi-arts centre and safeguarding one of the world’s most significant Brutalist buildings.
Continue readingThe Gendered City, explores ‘feminist participatory urban practices and rethinking how cities are designed, experienced, and governed through a gender lens’.
Continue readingThe IHBC has launched its call to register ‘Interest’ in our new ‘Leaders in Learning for Practice Network’, for service leads in built and historic environment conservation-led learning & training programmes & courses, with resources allocated, advocacy a priority, and plans to be shaped by Network members.
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