Engaging Heritage

22/08/2025

Celebratory cuppa ☕️ as I mark delivery of the final evaluation report for the National Lottery Heritage Funded 'If these Walls Could Talk' project by Hampton Lovett Church. As volunteer run, conservation project of a grade 1 listed church in Worcestershire the team have achieved some great outcomes.

If you want to learn more then do take a look my website:
https://engagingheritage.co.uk/success-story-church-evaluation/

Hampton Lovett Church Worcestershire

12/08/2025

Do take a look at this wonderful video showing the conservation that has taken place at the grade 1 listed church of Hampton Lovett Church Worcestershire

I am currently finishing the final touches on the projects evaluation report, and it's amazing what a small dedicated team can achieve.

This is a short video showing you features of the recently restored C14th church tower. Thanks to National Lottery Players and our local community for makin...

11/08/2025

The Raven Hotel. Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire

Many of you will have heard about the fire that devastated the historic hotel yesterday. Situated at the physical heart of our small, market town the hotel was a reminder of when the town flourished and people visited the brine baths in the town.

The building has been empty for many years, and its future is the focus of many debates and public frustration.

Time will tell the extent of the damage, but that history may well all be lost forever, leaving The Raven to live on in the memor of locals and a photo to be shared in record books or internet archives.

Droitwich's situation is not unique. There are derelict buildings across the country that are problem buildings. Too expensive to repair, too historic to pull down, and massively loved by the communities around them.
So while our town mourns the loss of one such building perhaps we need to collectively re consider how we deal with our problem historic buildings and try to avoid too many other communities suffering this loss.

📷 no apology for pants photos...felt wrong try together a good shot of a smouldering building

07/08/2025

A reminder you have just one week left to register for Heritage Open Days, Registration closes at 5pm on 14 August 2025.

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/get-involved/how-to-get-involved.html

27/07/2025

Look at this lovely welcoming sign spotted in Wichenford, Worcestershire the other week. You are left in no doubt that this church is open and is really keen for you to come inside.

I know it isn't easy for churches to be open all the time, but here are some doable suggestions to help make your church just as welcoming as this beauty!

1️⃣ make sure there are the contact details of a key holder(s) on the notice board outside the church. Can I phone someone who might be able to let me in today or another day?

2️⃣ publish your opening times outside the church and on your website, social media, etc. Not just services but other opportunities for me to come inside.

3️⃣ consider a regular slot where you can open the church doors. This could be half a day once a month. Maybe offer tea and coffee too.

4️⃣ get that visitors book out to record the stampede!

None of these are expensive but enable more people to receive that warm welcome I know you want to offer. And if you ever want me to visit to see how you can make your church building more welcoming, just get in touch.

25/07/2025

As the project draws to a close, fabulous to see the amazing restoration up close

This is a short video showing you features of the recently restored C14th church tower. Thanks to National Lottery Players and our local community for makin...