Chairman's Annual Report 2006/2007

Organisations rely upon everyone involved be they Directors/Trustees, Staff, Members, Friends or Volunteers. Devon Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) is no exception. Without opportunity, financial support and the dedication and commitment of all involved DHBT would have a bleak future.

I am pleased to say that we do have these ingredients but lack opportunity in the buoyant property market that currently provides private finance to acquire property in need of restoration. Recently DHBT was approached by a Local Authority Conservation Officer for assistance to become involved to acquire a very important house being only one of three examples of its type in Devon. This was a classic situation for DHBT but offers in excess of £1 million were sought in competition in a matter of days leading to a private purchaser acquiring and being prepared to invest further millions! In another case a smaller property in need of restoration was offered with a Guide Price of £90,000, it sold for about double this figure!

You will appreciate that DHBT cannot easily compete in the current market. Nevertheless, I quote from the DHBT booklet of 1973 referring to the vital role of the Trust. ‘The need does not diminish and the recession has increased the number of requests made to the Trust.’ Any downturn in the market and a reduction in the availability of private money should restore market opportunity to the Trust.

Although during the last eighteen months there have been no actual projects many potential opportunities have been investigated and assistance given to those seeking help from DHBT. Investigations have included the following:

Torbay Cinema, Paignton White Lodge, Clyst St. Mary
Rougemont Castle, Exeter
The Oratory, Stoodley Knowle, Torquay
Buckland Court, Widecombe-in-the Moor
D Day Embarkation Ramps, Torquay
Linden Lea, Oil Mill Lane, Clyst St. Mary
Triumphal Arch, Stover, Newton Abbot
Bishop’s Court Barn, Clyst St. Mary
The Linhay Drying House, Cockington, Torquay.

I give my sincere thanks to everyone who has been involved in these investigations.

Please be vigilant and seek every opportunity for DHBT to become involved to continue its aims and objectives of preservation. DHBT has the will to acquire, restore and sell so please, in the first instance pass information to Debbie Parnall or myself.

The success story of the Haldon Belvedere continues. I cannot adequately express my thanks for the excellent work of the Belvedere Steering Group under the leadership of our Treasurer Tim Legood and our Manager, Ian Turner, his staff and the wonderful efforts of the volunteer stewards who assist at weekends. The Belvedere is a real flagship for DHBT and contributes to our finances and to the local economy through those who wish to marry and their guests attending weddings at the Belvedere during each year.

The future of DHBT rests in the hands of the Trustees and Friends. In a difficult market more needs to be done to rekindle the spirit of seeking out projects that on adoption will then build a strong team to further the reputation and credibility of the Trust. I perceive the present famine in activity conspires to undermine the inherent determination to succeed. I invite everyone to consider how they may individually assist DHBT and increase activity to preserve the built environment for the benefit of the people in Devon and all the visitors to the County.

Finally I must thank our Company Secretary, Debbie Parnall and our Treasurer Tim Legood for their loyalty and commitment to DHBT.

CHAIRMAN - JOHN LAURENCE