Tivyside | Archive | 2004 | May | 12
From the Tivyside Advertiser, first published Wednesday 12th May 2004.
CARDIGAN Castle will feature among the 21 nominated buildings that will be showcased in the Restoration launch programme on BBC2 this Saturday evening at 9pm.
The buildings range from a wool mill in Scotland to a 12th century abbey in Nottinghamshire. The buildings have been chosen by a combination of factors.
Said Restoration presenter Griff Rhys Jones: "The buildings have to fulfil certain qualifications; they have to be historically and architecturally significant.
"Then it is very important that we cover the entire country. There are hundreds of buildings in most areas but we have to spread it around.
"And, finally, it's important that people feel they can help these buildings."
All the buildings have been chosen in consultation with heritage bodies across the UK and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Says Griff: "There's a whole range of buildings across the country, which are the ugly sisters, if you like, but do have fabulous future uses. I'm a great believer in the use. A building cannot be a whited sepulchre or it very quickly becomes a white elephant. It's very important that people look at the continuity of a building and that they are flexible about the use of it because not everything can become an arts centre.
"People need to make choices exactly as planners would: they want to save a building because it has a future use, it has a function, it will continue to play a role in the community and it's also architecturally important."
The new series - which starts later this summer - is accompanied by a campaign pack, which will encourage the viewing public to get involved and help volunteer campaigners as they appeal to the nation to save their favourite building.
"I don't particularly want to get involved in a telethon," declares Griff, "but these buildings do need money." o To obtain your free copy of the campaign pack 'How To Save An Historic Building" call 08700 100 150 or log onto the website www.bbc.co.uk/restoration
© Newsquest Media Group 2008