ILKLEY Civic Society members have congratulated David Blackburn who has been awarded a Marsh Charitable Trust/IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) Award.

This award celebrates the work of a retired IHBC member for their contributions to civic and heritage projects and encouraging the preservation of local heritage. It aims to help keep the essential conservation skills and knowledge alive through training, teaching, shared experience and example.

David was presented with the award at the IHBC's 2024 Reading School Annual Dinner.

Making the award The Marsh Trust said: "David retired in 2016, latterly as British Waterways’ Conservation Manager in northern England, IHBC Yorkshire Council representative, and expert adviser to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"Since retirement he has given his time and expertise free of charge to civic, community and amenity works, conservation and regeneration. David has committed his time to Ilkley Civic Society, demonstrating his wealth of community conservation activity.

"He has developed applications for Assets of Community Value to local lists, created heritage walks, provided guidance for residents, commented on local planning, and he developed the annual Awards Scheme for Conservation and Design projects in Ilkley.

"David has worked with local councils to identify and campaign to get certain buildings listed through evidence based proposals. David has worked with the Bradford Building Preservation Trust to run a new project that aims to conserve and find a reuse for a cemetery chapel.

"He was also a volunteer national assessor and judge for the Waterway Renaissance Awards that recognise and reward canal and river-based projects. David is a volunteer for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal shortboat ‘Kennet’ where he assists with crewing the vessel and provides education about its history and heritage to the public. Throughout his career and in retirement, David has lived and breathed for the conservation of built heritage."

Entries for the award are judged by a panel consisting of representatives of the MCT and IHBC and the awards are presented at the IHBC Annual School in June each year.

Anyone interested in how people care for our places may nominate an individual for the award, whether they are, for example, a teacher, fellow practitioner, client, civic representative, property owner or planner.

Nominations for the Award can be made via the IHBC website.