Our latest e-newsletter with the latest news and views from BCA.

BCA E-Newsletter March 2024

With the breeding season almost upon us it is really important that we protect some of our vulnerable birds

Last week we received a message from a concerned member about the potential plight of Lapwings around Bishops Lane.

BCA member Karen King wrote

"Hi, I would like to bring to your attention an issue in the Civic Association owned fields off Bishops Lane. The issue concerning nesting lapwings and the use of these fields by dog walkers who leave the public footpath at the edge of the field or from the lane to exercise dogs off the lead. We have heard and watched the arrival of the lapwings come to nest every March for the last 30 years. Last year the remaining pair were disturbed and left. Meanwhile dog walkers continue on a daily basis to exercise their dogs in the field off the lead letting the dogs roam over the whole field near to where the Lapwings usually nest, risking disturbing the birds and their nests. As numbers of Lapwings are falling and they are "Near Threatened" I worry about what will happen this spring and hoped the Civic Association might be able to help with the issue.

More than happy to help and add further information if required. Looking forward to hearing from you."

Simon Fussell writes:

I can remember back in the early 70's the fields were full of Lapwings or Peewits as we called them. Now they are hanging on in isolated pockets their numbers threatened by a number of factors. 

So what can we do? How can we help Karen and the Bishop lane Lapwings?

Lindsey Wakefield, Chair of the Biodiversity Group  makes the following points. "So much Lapwing habitat has been lost through shifts in farming practice, and birds that still return to sites in March are often battling against these changes and fail in their breeding attempts. Lapwings are long-lived birds - they return to the same spots each year and watching them fail for controllable reasons is heartbreaking. The issue of free running dogs should be the easiest threat to address if there is awareness and understanding."

The Photographs below (taken by Karen King) show where some of the issues are.

So we can all do something to help the Lapwings

Keeping dogs under control and being aware that from March to the end of July there will be ground nesting birds such as Lapwings that need our help to halt the decline in numbers is a good way to start.

To help raise awareness and suggest how people can help BCA will be putting signs up to let people know that there are ground nesting birds in the area and we will be raising awareness through social media.

Thank you for your support

Exciting opportunity for a heritage evaluation consultant

Following our recent success in being awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant, we are seeking a skilled and experienced heritage evaluation consultant to evaluate the project in line with National Lottery Heritage Fund guidance and best practice. The consultant must demonstrate experience of evaluating similar projects, from initial benchmarking through to the production of a final evaluation report that will be submitted to the funder, following an agreement of a draft by the Chief Executive.

We intend to appoint in March/April 2024 and anticipate that the work will take place throughout the life of the project which is currently due to end 31 May 2026. The exact timescale and approach to be agreed as part of the appointment process

Application will be based upon expressions of interest and interview.

For further details see the briefing document below. Application instructions can be found at the of the brief.

Heritage Evaluation Consultant Brief

Exciting Consultancy opportunity to help BCA undertake a comprehensive review of their governance, leadership, strategy, organisational structures, policies and practices

Buxton Civic Association (BCA) is delighted to announce a unique opportunity for an experienced Heritage Consultant to lead a comprehensive review of our governance, leadership, strategy, organisational structures, policies and practices. As the leading local environmental and heritage charity, BCA is transitioning from a relatively small, volunteer-led charity to a larger organisation, steered by a professional team overseeing operational management in collaboration with the Board of Trustees. We aspire to expand our membership and significantly enhance volunteer engagement, recognising the need for a thorough review and modernisation of our governance structures and working methods.

The appointed consultant will be instrumental in shaping the future of BCA, ensuring its ability to deliver on charitable objectives and sustain meaningful engagement with the community. This endeavour is paramount in securing a legacy that resonates with the next generation, fostering positive impacts on both the organisation and the town.

Join us on this journey of transformation, where your expertise will be integral to the evolution of a cherished local charity. You can be the catalyst for positive change, leaving a lasting imprint on the heritage and environmental landscape of Buxton and be a driving force behind a brighter future for BCA and the community it serves.

BCA are grateful for the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players in
funding this work.

To find out more and to apply download the Consultant Brief below

Consultant Brief - Governance/Leadership/Organisational Review

A quarter of a million reasons to be grateful at the start of 2024

Buxton Civic Association is delighted to announce that they will receive support totalling £249, 990 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ‘Resilience and Recovery’ funding stream over the next two years. This investment will enable Buxton’s leading environmental heritage charity to begin preparations for its diamond anniversary in 2027, by enhancing their volunteering, visitor, and membership programmes, giving further emphasis to developing widespread community involvement and public engagement. The money will also enable reviews of digital provision, marketing, retail, and governance, allowing the BCA team to bring in two full-time project staff to support tasks, alongside a variety of expert consultants. Much needed conservation equipment and materials will also be purchased.

David Green, who wrote the funding application shortly after joining the charity as its first Chief Executive in 2023 said, “We are very grateful to everyone at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and all National Lottery players for their support. This money should be seen as a much-welcomed strategic investment in heritage conservation and engagement within our community.” He added, “The investment is a hugely exciting opportunity for Buxton Civic Association, and the residents of Buxton, who we are encouraging to get involved. Over the next two years we will be developing a number of new ways individuals and partner organisations will be able to help conserve our town’s heritage, maintaining Buxton as a special and popular place. We are really keen that we use this opportunity to grow our relevance to local residents, and celebrate our fantastic natural and built heritage”.


Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live and supporting environmental regeneration. At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we want to ensure that heritage is valued, cared for and sustained by everyone now and in the future. We are pleased to be able to lend our support to Buxton Civic Association with the development of their programming and conservation of their local heritage, which will be crucial for Buxton and its community."

Buxton Civic Association is unique among Civic Associations, due to the number of assets it takes direct responsibility for. These not only include SSSI listed Poole’s Cavern, but also Grinlow Wood and Corbar Wood amongst others. BCA also campaigns actively within the town for high quality environmentally sensitive developments which encourage bio-diversity, whilst publishing a number of books and journals that celebrate the heritage of the town.

In 2020, as Buxton emerged from the pandemic, BCA embraced the chance to enhance its community engagement through the "Stronger Roots" initiative, a programme aimed at inspiring individuals to harness the positive impacts on wellbeing and mental health through closer interaction with nature. The programme facilitated a diverse range of woodland activities and volunteering opportunities. The resounding success of "Stronger Roots" inspired the trustees to continue its community-focused endeavours, and this Heritage Fund investment will allow the exploration of more diverse volunteering roles and visitor programming.

Anyone interested in applying for one of the project roles this grant will support, (Volunteering Development Manager, or, Membership and Marketing Officer), or volunteering with BCA should keep an eye on Buxton Civic Association’s website and social media, which will be used to promote opportunities and disseminate updates on the project to the community. (Contact - BCA (buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk) ) BCA also welcome potential partnership working opportunities from interested individuals and organisations.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in the strategic plan, Heritage 2033.

Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.

The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.

The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use

#NationalLotteryHeritageFund

www.heritagefund.org.uk

For further information about this exciting development or images contact David Green, Chief Executive Officer, Buxton Civic Association.
E: dave.green@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk Tel: 01298 26978

Volunteering Development Manager

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ‘Resilience and Recovery’ funding stream over the next two years, BCA are looking to recruit a Volunteering Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team of an ambitious local charity, Buxton Civic Association, unique among Civic Associations, due to the number of assets it takes direct responsibility for. These not only include SSSI listed Poole’s Cavern, but also Grinlow Wood and Corbar Wood amongst others. BCA also campaigns actively within the town for high quality environmentally sensitive developments which encourage bio-diversity, whilst publishing a number of books and journals that celebrate the heritage of the town.

As Volunteer Development Manager you will take the lead in developing volunteering opportunities with Buxton Civic Association, facilitating openings to volunteers across our nine historic woodlands, Poole’s Cavern, our visitor centre and our Sensory Garden in Buxton town centre. Buxton Civic Association has a long and successful track record of volunteering, with community support at the heart of the organisation, which must be maintained as we approach our 60th anniversary. It is important however that we look to the future, fully embracing best-practice and current trends in engagement, and attract new supporters. This post will aim to significantly develop and increase the levels of volunteering throughout the organisation. You will ensure volunteering with BCA is a mutually beneficial and enjoyable experience open to everyone with something to offer, helping to make us the organisation of choice for local volunteers

Volunteering Development Manager

Salary: circa £30k depending upon experience

Duration: 2 years fixed term (Initially project funded with potential to extend)

Location: Poole’s Cavern Buxton, Derbyshire (Hybrid working)

Hours: 37.5 Responsible to: Chief Executive

To apply for the post please download the recruitment pack below and send your CV and a covering letter portraying your relevant experience and how you meet the person specification to David Green, Chief Executive, via dave.green@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk

Please also include the equality monitoring form and include in your application letter where you saw the role advertised

Recruitment timetable

Applications close at 5pm on 28 January 2024.

Proposed interview date 9 February 2024.

Interviews will be in the format of a panel interview, presentation, and tour of the site, giving you an opportunity to meet members of our team, including trustees and staff.

Appointment will be subject to two satisfactory references, one of which should be your current or most recent employer.

While we are advertising the role as full time, we are open to suitable applicants who would be open to job sharing on a part time basis.

Volunteering Development Manager Recruitment Pack

Membership and Marketing Officer

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ‘Resilience and Recovery’ funding stream over the next two years, BCA are looking to recruit a Membership and Marketing Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team of an ambitious local charity, Buxton Civic Association, unique among Civic Associations, due to the number of assets it takes direct responsibility for. These not only include SSSI listed Poole’s Cavern, but also Grinlow Wood and Corbar Wood amongst others. BCA also campaigns actively within the town for high quality environmentally sensitive developments which encourage bio-diversity, whilst publishing a number of books and journals that celebrate the heritage of the town.

As the membership and marketing officer you will take the day to day lead in further developing digital and paper-based resources promoting Buxton Civic Association, Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park, our nine historic woodlands, alongside working to develop and market our membership scheme.

Salary: circa £29k depending upon experience

Duration: 2 years fixed term (Initially project funded with potential to extend)

Location: Poole’s Cavern Buxton, Derbyshire (Hybrid working)

Hours: 37.5 Responsible to: Chief Executive

To apply for the post please download the recruitment pack below and send your CV and a covering letter portraying your relevant experience and how you meet the person specification to David Green, Chief Executive, via dave.green@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk

Please also include the equality monitoring form and include in your application letter where you saw the role advertised.

Recruitment timetable

Applications close at 5pm on 28 January 2024.
Proposed interview date 13 February 2024.

Interviews will be in the format of a panel interview, presentation, and tour of the site, giving you an opportunity to meet members of our team, including trustees and staff.

Appointment will be subject to two satisfactory references, one of which should be your current or most recent employer.

While we are advertising the role as full time, we are open to suitable applicants who would be open to job sharing on a part time basis.

Membership and Marketing Officer Recruitment Pack

News and Views from BCA November 2023

BCA E-Newsletter November 2023

A chance to celebrate BCA's Volunteer Trustees

The dedicated trustees of BCA volunteer their time and knowledge selflessly and deserve recognition, especially during Trustees Week. They and their efforts are often hidden in the background, but they play an indispensable role in guiding and nurturing Buxton's leading local environmental charity, enabling it to achieve its goals in looking after the built and natural environment of Buxton. Their voluntary service is a testament to the power of community spirit.

Coming from a diverse range of backgrounds and bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles their contributions extend far beyond the boardroom; they offer strategic direction, foster innovation, and ensure that the charity's mission remains aligned with the needs of the community it serves, all while volunteering their time without any financial compensation.

Their motivation is fueled by a genuine desire to make Buxton a better place to live in and to visit, and their unwavering commitment to the causes they support is inspiring.

It’s time to hide when the witches come out to ride

As some back ground to Poole’s Cavern’s Creepy Cavern Tours in the cave of terrors, we have done a little research on the meaning and origins of Halloween.

Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31st, and has a fascinating history that goes back centuries. While today it's a time for costumes, trick and treating, and haunted houses, the origins of Halloween are rooted in ancient traditions and beliefs.

Let's take a journey through time to discover the mysterious beginnings of this traditional holiday.

Halloween's origins can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, the festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when darkness prevailed, and the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be at its thinnest. This made it easier for spirits and supernatural entities to cross over into the mortal world.

During Samhain, Celts would light bonfires to ward off evil spirits and offer sacrifices to appease the wandering dead. People would also wear costumes, typically made from animal skins, to disguise themselves from malevolent spirits. This tradition of dressing up continues in the form of modern Halloween costumes.

In the early eighth century, the Catholic Church adopted the pagan celebrations of Samhain by introducing All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day) on November 1st. This was a day to honour all the saints and martyrs. The night before All Saints' Day became known as All Hallows' Eve, which eventually evolved into Halloween.

The Church's influence didn't eliminate the ancient traditions entirely, though. Many of the customs, such as lighting bonfires and wearing costumes, persisted in a somewhat altered form, now intertwined with Christian rituals.

Halloween, as we know it today, took shape in the United States during the 19th century. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their Halloween customs to North America, where they mingled with other traditions and morphed into the holiday we celebrate now here in the United Kingdom.

One key development was the widespread practice of trick-or-treating. It became popular in the early 20th century and involved children going from house to house, asking for treats or money in exchange for singing songs, telling jokes, or performing tricks. The idea behind this was to prevent mischievous pranks, a nod to the earlier custom of "souling" where people would offer prayers for the dead in exchange for food.

Over time, Halloween also embraced a love for spooky and macabre elements. The holiday became a time for ghost stories, haunted houses, and horror movies, solidifying its status as a celebration of all things eerie and mysterious.

So, Halloween is a holiday with deep roots in ancient Celtic traditions and Christian rituals, which has evolved over centuries to become the festive, spooky, and sweet-filled celebration we know today. While its origins are connected to the transition from harvest to winter, it's now a time for people to revel in the thrill of the unknown, dress up in costumes, and enjoy the excitement of trick-or-treating. As you prepare for this year's Halloween, remember the rich history and traditions that have contributed to the holiday's enduring allure. Happy Halloween! And if you are feeling brave enough, book onto one of our Creepy Cavern Tours.

Remember, It’s time to hide when the witches come out to ride.