Devon Historic Buildings Trust launched the DHBT Conservation Award scheme this year with the aim of encouraging all those who work with historic buildings, whether they be listed or are important in a townscape or landscape. DHBT seek to ensure that all those who set out to use the very best conservation methods are rewarded. Often good conservation work is carried out to ensure a structure for future generations, but the work is such that is either not visible or un-noticed by the public, and it is such practice that is essential for the buildings’ longevity. With historic buildings and structures their care, conservation and in some cases, adaptation to a new use requires a variety of skills, and in most cases it is the understanding of the historic nature of the building, the understanding of its various parts and the bringing together of the range of skills that creates an exceptional result. The awards are in four categories:

1. Repairs of an historic building or structure
2. Restoration of an historic building or structure
3. A new build structure in an historic setting
4. Regeneration of an historic building or structure, or the regeneration of buildings in a group.

The Town Council entered the Butchers’ Hall Regeneration scheme in to the category of Regeneration of an historic building or structure, or the regeneration of buildings in a group. The scheme was shortlisted for an award and received a Commendation, presented by Lady Clifford, at an award ceremony held at Ugbrooke House on 19th October. Commendations were awarded for projects that made an important contribution to the repair, restoration or future of an historic building and demonstrated a good standard of conservation and/or design. The award recognises the contribution of Le Page Architects Ltd as Principal Designers of the scheme, together with A D Williams (main contractor), Clarke Bond (structural engineer), Westcountry Stonemasons and DFR Roofing Ltd. The scheme was part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.