ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Ever looked around you & realised how ruined the world seems to be? Whether it's buildings, lives or relationships, our mission is to 'restore the ruins'.
We are committed to restoring the ruins in people, places & communities, and empowering them to do the same. We read in the book of Isaiah: "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations"
WHO WE ARE
We are a relatively small team focused on empowering and upskilling others to be 'RESTORERS OF RUINS' in both heritage & communities in their own contexts. Volunteers help to lubricate activities & events, and help with administration, fundraising & promotion. We are not striving to make an empire, but to EMPOWER!
We are:
- SPECIALISTS IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES
- LEADERS OF COMMUNITY HERITAGE PROJECTS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
- SKILLED IN DELIVERING SKILLS TRAINING, CRAFT WORKSHOPS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- PASSIONATE ABOUT THE CHURCH, MINISTRY & YOUTH OUTREACH
- ADVOCATES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
- CHAMPIONS FOR LOCAL HISTORY & IT'S PLACE IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
MEET THE DREAM TEAM
REBEKAH WATKINS
A professional archaeologist & historic building conservationist with a passion for both community and heritage, this talented young lady is the driving force behind the work that we do. With experience in commercial archaeology, community archaeology, material conservation, project management, community engagement, mural paintings/communal art/sclutpture, and heritage conservation & repair, she brings expertise and life to our projects.
Alongside her 2:1 in BSc Archaeology from Durham University, Rebekah's skill was noted when she was awarded the John Ashurst Prize (Historic England) from West Dean College in recognition of achieving an outstanding level of work in the field of conservation & repair of historic buildings. More so, her commitment to empowering communities to restore & maintain their local heritage was highlighted when she was invited by Lord Mendoza for the Historic England Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords.
JOHN WATKINS
Starting out as a skilled mechanical engineer, John has been at the forefront of innovation. He has worked for leading tractor companies, Thompson Plastics, and then as director of Washroom Pods-designing, creating and fitting eco-friendly flat-pack modular rooms for hotels, prisons and hospitals. Besides all of this, he is also a proficient builder, renovating listed buildings in his spare time.
STEPHEN MALTBY
With a long working career and expertise in Systems and Compliance, Steve is a great head of knowledge to the team.
ADRIAN WALKER
Adrian has a long-working life in business & sales, and is a great support to heritage and community.
VACANCIES
To find out about more about work experience opportunities, training, volunteering, and job vacancies, contact us now at: dreamheritagecic@gmail.com
OUR LONG-TERM VISION
TO CREATE A NORTHERN HERITAGE SKILLS & TRADITIONAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT AYSGARTH, IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES, providing regular training events & skills workshops.
TO DELIVER SKILLS TRAINING & WORKSHOPS AT STUDIOS AT BOOTH, IN EAST YORKSHIRE, for education, enjoyment & empowerment.
TO CARRY OUT ARCHAEOLOGY & CONSOLIDATION WORKS AT BEAUREPAIRE, IN COUNTY DURHAM, with archaeology being a regular summer feature providing both community invovlement and applied training opportunities.
TO PROVIDE HIGH LEVEL MAINTENANCE TO HERITAGE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, BOTH INTERNALLY & EXTERNALLY, thus saving heritage from deterioration and through routine maintenance avoiding big works & costs.
TO TRAIN & SUPPORT YOUTH WORKERS WITH A CHRISTIAN ETHOS ACROSS THE NORTH OF ENGLAND, particularly in rural communities & supporting churches with the creation of youth ministries & clubs.
TO DELIVER & SUPPORT A MIXTURE OF CULTURAL & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS, championing local history.
BIG DREAMS
- That every church & historic building/structure has a planned maintenance schedule and competent resources to carry it out.
- That local history becomes embedded into the school curriculum, and that every school gets to do a substantial local history project (children's local history books, murals, re-enactments etc)
- That there is sufficient opportunity for all to engage positively with their local heritage and community.
- That those engaged in our activities will find their worth, self-confidence and God-given potential.
- That there is an opportunity for everyone to encounter Jesus and each other
