The Trust Advisory Panel - TrustNews Summer 1993
The Trust's commitment to 'care for the character of the Cite' is underlined by the setting up of a panel of experts to help people care for the character of their houses.
Much of Winchester's charm is to be found in the mainly nineteenth century streets which spread out from its ancient centre. Here, as in many towns and villages across the country the character of homely terraces and seemly family houses is being altered as the original features are being renewed, often in inappropriate materials.
The Trust appreciates that it is sometimes difficult for householders to find information about suitable replacement doors, windows and so forth or about craftsmen with the skills to make repairs to a good standard. To help in this direction, the Trust is currently producing a leaflet for wide distribution in the City, which will encourage people to make use of the professional expertise in the Trust by bringing any problems of this sort to an Advisory Panel.
In advance of the distribution of the leaflet, Trust members are invited to consult the Advisory Panel. Suggestions and advice can be had on how best to tackle problems of older houses, without spoiling their character, and without necessarily spending any more. For instance, ill-fitting doors and windows can usually be repaired and draught-proofed, or there are firms which will provide replacement doors, windows etcetera which are much more appropriate to the style and period than those commonly advertised.
In the first instance, members are asked to write to the Secretary of the Trust at the Heritage Centre, 52/54 Upper Brook Street, giving a brief outline of the problems and the assistance, or advice required, or in the case of emergency, members can telephone the Trust Secretary on Winchester 851664, or leave a message on the answerphone.