Bedlington Building Detectives Wanted!

As part of the Bedlington Townscape Heritage Initiative we are running a small building recording project in Bedlington this summer. This will record some of the town centre buildings that have undergone many changes over time. The history of Bedlington is believed to date back to Saxon times, before the Norman conquest of 1066, and although it's unlikely that this project will uncover anything as old as that, many buildings are likely to contain fabric from centuries past.

There will be a lecture in St Cuthbert's church (Church Lane, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5EL) on Wednesday 10th August, starting at 6pm (finish by 7pm), by Martin Roberts of NEVAG (North East Vernacular Architecture Group and formerly Historic Buildings Inspector for English Heritage), who will discuss the basics of building recording.

Then, on Saturday 3rd September, with the help of NEVAG, we will spend the day recording at least two of the buildings in the town centre, either: 10 Vulcan Place (Gordon Mackinnon Photography) 15-16 Market Place (former Spend n Save) and 74 Front Street (Tallantyre). This will involve measuring up, studying old documents relating to them and preparing building plans and sketches of their details.

Both events are free. To register your interest, please contact Alex Smith at North of England Civic Trust on 0191 2329279, or email alex.smith@nect.org.uk

Also watch out for details of this years Bedlington Heritage Fair as part of Heritage Open Days. This will take place on Saturday 10th September and be coordinated with activity by St Cuthbert's church and Sustrans. It will build on the success of last years event.