HEARS
The society began life as the Essex Architectural Research Society, formed in 1967 to further the study of vernacular architecture. In 2001 it adopted its present name and extended its scope to Hertfordshire, especially the east of the county. Both Hertfordshire and Essex have a wealth of traditional buildings. The study of ‘ordinary’ buildings from earlier centuries, almost ignored until the 1960s, has advanced enormously in recent years, and the two counties have been in the forefront of research.
The Society meets once a month from October to May, usually on a Friday, in Loughton, South-West Essex. Occasional meetings are held in East Herts or North-West Essex. Meetings deal particularly with topics related to traditional buildings, their design and construction, and their relationship to the social and economic history of their time. Speakers are either invited guests or members themselves, and talks are usually illustrated.
During the summer months, visits are organised to places of interest, usually buildings not generally open to the public. Buildings of particular interest have been measured and recorded and, in some instances, the work has been published.
HEARS has strong links with the Essex Historic Buildings Group (based in Chelmsford) and with members of the WEA. It is affiliated to the Essex Congress and to the national organisation, the Vernacular Architecture Group (VAG).
Visitors are very welcome at our meetings, but to comply with insurance requirements they do have to register, giving their name and address. There is a small charge for non-members, currently £1.50.
HEARS MEETINGS
Autumn and winter meetings are normally on the fourth Friday of each month at 8pm in the Church Hall, Loughton Methodist Church, 260 Loughton High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1RB: opposite the junction with Traps Hill, ten minutes’ walk from Loughton tube station: or by buses 20, 167, or 397.
Occasionally we may use Wesley Hall in the car park behind the church: access via alley to left of Papa John’s Pizzas.
Parking is free, but please park within the white bollards behind the church. Spaces elsewhere are for local residents and you may be clamped. Alternative parking in Traps Hill car park by Loughton Library.
Hon. Secretary:David Stevenson
Hon. Chair: Sue Taylor
CONTACT d.stevenson[at]lse.ac.uk
(please substitute [at] with @); this is to minimise spam mailings)
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE FLIER FOR HEARS 2009–2010 WINTER SEASON OF TALKS HERE – OR SEE LISTINGS BELOW
SPRING 2010
All meetings begin at 8pm and will be in the Church Hall, Loughton Methodist Church, 260 Loughton High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1RB
26 March 2010
From Wind-Eye to Sash: Vernacular Windows up to the Eighteenth Century – Anne Padfield
23 April 2010
Working with Sir Frederick Gibberd – John Graham BA FRIBA [HEARS/Loughton Festival joint event]
20 April to 1 June 2010 (no talk on 11 May); 11am – 1pm
St Mary's Church, Loughton High Road
Essex Buildings and Landscapes: Prehistoric to Plantagenet – Alan Bayford
£35 (or £7.50 for a single talk)
28 May 2010
Annual General Meeting – followed by an illustrated review of HEARS summer visits, 2009
Church Hall, Loughton Methodist Church, 260 Loughton High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1RB
Advance notice:
Sat. 8 May 2010, 10.00am–4.30pm
HEARS Day School: Traditional Buildings of England: North, South, East, and West – Alan Bayford and Anne Padfield
The Village Hall, Hatfield Broad Oak (more details to follow soon)
