A great deal has been happening in John’s world recently.
Recent Honours and Appointments
- I am honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, founded in 1707. The honour is especially meaningful as this year marks my 50th anniversary as a historian, and I see it as the crowning moment of my career.
- After 40 years of service, I have retired as a Trustee of the Friends of Friendless Churches. I was invited to join the Board by its remarkable founder, Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, who helped shape modern approaches to church conservation. The charity, a forerunner of the Churches Conservation Trust, now cares for more than 70 churches in England and Wales. Although I have stepped down from the Board, I hope to remain involved as it approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027.
- I have also been appointed to the honorary editorial board of Buildings and Places, formerly the Ancient Monuments Society, which promises to be an exciting new challenge.
- Looking ahead, I am delighted to have been invited to undertake a month-long lecture tour of Australia in 2028, where I look forward to sharing my passion for churches with a completely new audience.
Tours and Engagements
My final residential church tour (see previous blog) is now full, although there may still be scope to accommodate a small number of additional guests, subject to available lodging. I am especially pleased that some former guests who have not joined recent tours will be returning for this final trip.
I am also continuing to lead day church tours for organisations around the country. Public tours are listed on this website under Current Projects, and if you are involved with an organisation that runs tours, please do consider putting my name forward. I would be delighted to introduce new groups to churches they might not otherwise visit.