Heritage Open Days is a success

13 September 2010

741 towns / cities participated in Heritage Open Days and a record programme of 4,463 events brought out the crowds over the weekend. The event was spread over three days in mid September and co-ordinated by English Heritage, supported by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport as part of a Europe-wide programme of events initiated by the Council of Europe.

Guildford Borough Council will be collating the visitor’s figures over the coming weeks and further information on the success of the event is published on their website.

Michael Ginsberg, Senior Partner MSE said of the weekend’s activities, “The built environment makes such an important contribution to the quality of life we all experience and, in particular, the rich heritage of Listed and cherished buildings that we enjoy locally. As the oldest firm of Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents in the area, MSE’s own legacy is linked with the history of the area and with buildings for obvious reasons.

But most of all, behind each one of the buildings and places featured in the event, there is a story about dedicated local people without whose unselfish support, the heritage would be lost.

So for me, the places are not static objects to be preserved for the sake of preservation alone but essential pieces of the community which can clearly be seen to make a positive impact on people’s lives and which provide a metaphor for the solid values topically missing today. Heritage is an enduring, evolving force which brings people together to the benefit of our wider society and this event draws attention to this common wealth we often take for granted.”