The NHIG are currently seeking volunteers to join their team. They currently have the following roles available:

Treasurer
Membership
Social media

For more information, contact Stacey Hibberd at secretary@nhig.org.uk

Applications close – 14 February 2025

‘The Ministry of Defence warns of cascading risks, including flooding and energy insecurity, leading to homelessness and increased civil unrest (MoJ, 2024). Rising temperatures in the UK could lead to an estimated 10,000 additional deaths per year by 2050, with the impacts of heat stress on health services and community resilience remaining poorly understood (UKHSA, 2024; Richmond and Hill, 2023). During the 2022 heatwave, 71% of Nottingham residents reported physical health impacts, and 31% struggled with work (Ogunbode et al., 2023). The Grantham Institute for Climate Change are sharing urgent research questions about trade-offs and synergies for thermal comfort in winter and in summer; what works in housing retrofit to address climate risk? (Bird, Wittke, 2024)

Housing energy retrofits can improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy costs; home adaptation measures like handrails and ramps enhance accessibility; climate adaptation measures can include shutters, shading and green spaces. However, these strategies have not been studied together in research or policy (Simpson & Connelly, forthcoming). At a time of interconnected housing, energy, health, cost-of-living and climate crises, this PhD research aims to re-imagine energy retrofit and home adaptation practices toward climate adaptation.

The proposal is focused on using participatory community-based approaches, alongside review of standards, policies and interventions, for the co creation of an open access resource for the sector. The primary goal of the study is to co-create a climate resilience retrofit toolkit with retrofit providers, home adaptation groups and communities.’

For more information, visit the website here

Submissions Close: 1 April 2025

‘At the suggestion of members, the Council of the London Topographical Society decided to fund a prize in honour of Dr Ann Saunders (1930-2019). Ann was an enthusiastic and distinguished historian of London and for thirty-five years the Society’s Honorary Editor and in that capacity helped many scholars, both young and old, to achieve publication of their work.

A prize of £1,000 will be awarded annually, depending on the response and at the discretion of the Council.

It will be awarded for an original and unpublished research essay on the topography, development or buildings of London in any period.‘

For more information visit the website here

Applications Close: 9 December 2024

This year’s Winter conference is taking place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th January 2025 at
College Court Conference Centre in Leicester. The theme is ” Pioneers in Vernacular Architecture:
examining the legacy of English Vernacular Houses, Houses of the Welsh Countryside and
other early scholars” and the attached brochure provides full details of the programme.

The Vernacular Architecture Group is able to offer two bursaries to assist registered full or part-time
students, recent graduates or professionals in the early years of their career to attend the conference.
The Committee is aware that the cost often makes attendance difficult for students and others who
might benefit from the lectures and discussions, and from the opportunity to meet people active in the
field.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Undergraduates, masters or doctoral students or those who have graduated within 5 years (with a preference for those studying vernacular architecture or a related discipline)
• Early career professionals working in the field or those with a junior professional role e.g. assistant heritage consultant, project officer or similar.

Candidates will be expected to:

• show evidence of an active interest in historic buildings, ideally vernacular architecture,
  including a list of relevant courses undertaken
• show evidence that they are active in the field, e.g. by membership of the VAG or other
  relevant groups, or through relevant work experience
• Explain how they hope to benefit from attending the conference

Applications and tutor endorsements/references should be sent by email to the VAG Secretary, Claire Jeffery, email secretary@vag.org.uk to reach her no later than Monday 9 December. The bursary will cover the full cost of the £217 residential conference fee but will not cover travel to or from the
conference or any other expenses. Applicants who are already members of the Group and propose to
attend the conference with or without the support of a bursary should ensure a place on the
conference by booking in the normal way. Anyone who has reserved a place at full cost but
subsequently obtains a bursary will receive a full refund.

Bursary recipients will be asked to write a resume of the conference for the VAG Newsletter. We hope
that they will be sufficiently inspired by the conference to join the VAG if they are not already
members. The VAG Committee would be grateful if you could bring this item to the notice of anyone
who is eligible and whom you feel would benefit from attending the conference.

Closes: 3 January 2025

 Preserving Legacies Leadership Cohort Program

 From November 1, 2024, to January 3, 2025, you can nominate custodian individuals or organizations for a place of cultural significance to join a passionate cohort of individuals determined to protect cultural heritage against climate change.

In partnership with the Climate Heritage Network, the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the National Geographic Society, Preserving Legacies is a global initiative that equips heritage custodians with climate heritage training, professional connections, and resources to implement climate adaptation actions that protect heritage places. In 2024, Preserving Legacies partnered with 20 remarkable heritage places worldwide, each a testament to resilience. With each cohort, we grow a dedicated community of practice committed to securing a sustainable future for heritage in every corner of the world.

Apply Here