Chairman's Jottings - TrustNews Jun 14
Some time ago, Andrew Napier wrote an article in the Hampshire Chronicle concerning what seems to have become known as the Casson Block in St George's Street. I know that Sir Hugh came to give a talk in Winchester and was a little disconcerted to be escorted past this building on the way to his lecture venue. I seem to recall that there is a similar building in Chichester and it would be interesting to hear what their thoughts are concerning their ‘Casson’ building. As always, architecture, like all design disciplines, is subject to fashion. Most architects at that time were being taught to express the structural elements and that prefabrication was the way forward. Incidentally, we were also taught to disregard anything Victorian! It so happens that the Casson Building encapsulates many of the design ideas of the time, that is the mid 1950s to mid 1960s. In fact it is a particularly good examples of this period and l think well worth looking after and respecting. I do think that whoever designed the ramp that slices through the cobbled area should be reprimanded; it is awful and detracts from the well-considered space.
A party of Winchester Trust members were recently entertained by FAST. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust, about which Antony Proudman has written in more detail on page 6. We had a most interesting morning conducted by two authoritative guides (retired members of FAST when it was a going concern). One of the guides has been responsible for reconstructing the Cody 1908 ‘flying kite’ which is the centre piece of the museum. The tour must have been good because several of our non-mechanical members were surprised how enthralled they became. I suppose the only depressing fact that came to light was that the FAST scientists once led the world, even Boeing using their services. They were responsible for advising on the design of so many iconic aircraft including the Concord. After Concord the government disbanded this first rate knowledge base – it is difficult to understand why! There was a total contrast in the afternoon, when we were conducted around a slice of French history in the form of Napoleon III’s tomb within a chapel founded by his wife Empress Eugenie, designed by a French architect and I think using French masons.
As many of you will know, Shione Carden has stated that she wishes to retire from chairing the PAG panel. Shione has been guiding and running the panel teams for over 20 years. Each team checks and comments on incoming applications which Shione and more recently Robin Freeman has been editing, collating and then sending the final comments on to the local planning authority. Robin Freeman temporarily filled the editing role during Shione’s recent spells in hospital. However he does not want to prolong this temporary editorship and we are looking for someone else who would be willing to run the PAG groups activities; ideally the job could be divided into two thereby halving the work load. We would very much welcome any member or members who would like to volunteer. Please contact either Mollie or Janet on a Monday or Wednesday morning, if you are able to contribute to this very interesting and rewarding Trust activity.