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New heritage law for Jersey
New legislation unanimously passed by the States of Jersey will make it compulsory to report archaeological finds to Jersey Heritage within a fortnight of their discovery, with those who fail to comply facing fines or imprisonment. Heritage (Jersey) Law 202 is designed to create a statutory practice for reporting, recording, investigating, and preserving archaeological and historical objects found outside formal excavations on the Channel Island. Previously, Jersey (which is not covered by the Treasure Act 1996, nor the Portable Antiquities Scheme) had relied on customary law and unwritten conventions; the new law brings its practices in line with the UK and much of Europe. A reward scheme, to be shared between finder and landowner, is also set to be introduced for certain discoveries.
Blue plaque for Mencap founder
Historic England have unveiled a blue plaque at 8 Westfield Avenue in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, in honour of Judy Fryd (1909-2000), founder of the learning disability charity Mencap. When Judy’s eldest daughter, Felicity, showed signs of developmental delay, she found that no mainstream school would accept her. In response, Judy founded the association that would later become Mencap at the Westfield Avenue address in 1946; it quickly grew into a national movement. The next nomination period for the National Blue Plaque Scheme opens in May; see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/national-blue-plaque-scheme/make-a-nomination for further information about the process.
Funding to revitalise historic Scottish towns
Historic Environment Scotland have announced almost £4m in funding to help revitalise the historic centres of Girvan, a harbour town in Carrick, South Ayrshire; Govan, a former burgh that is now part of south-west Glasgow; and Tarbert, a historic fishing village in Argyll. These resources (part of the Heritage & Place Programme) will be invested in the repair and reuse of historic buildings, as well as in strengthening local traditional skills.
Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at HES, said: ‘Our Heritage & Place Programme is one of the key ways community-led regeneration of Scotland’s historic environment can take place. The programmes in Tarbert, Govan, and Girvan all have traits in common, as they focus on revitalising historic buildings in disrepair, but they are also tailored to their unique history and community – from Girvan’s past of traditional skills, to Govan’s iconic Pumphouse, to Tarbert’s fishing heritage.’
Text: Kathryn Krakowka / Photo: Historic England
