Ludlow Civic Society will host a conservation forum on Wednesday, September 25 with key speaker Matthew Slocombe, director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Mr Slocombe's illustrated talk on the William Morris and SPAB approach to Building Conservation will be followed by a talk by Dr Andy Wigley, the Historic Environment Manager for Shropshire and Shropshire's Conservation Officer, Becky Jones, will be available to answer questions as well.

"It is hoped that anyone who loves old buildings or works with them will come, wherever they live in or near Shropshire," said Ludlow Civic Society Secretary Juliet Diamond.

"Those unaware of SPAB may be surprised to learn how much it has achieved in the past and continues to achieve today, saving so many of Britain's historic buildings from demolition or unsympathetic and unnecessary repair.

SPAB is a formal consultee on all listed building applications pre-1720 and caseworkers see about 2,000 applications a year, many of which require in-depth negotiation and discussion. SPAB, which has influenced building conservation worldwide, is concerned with all types of buildings, including mills and barns.

Ludlow Civic Society has resurrected its Heritage Awards given to builders, architects and homeowners for excellence in conservation and repair, and there will be four presentations made on the day.

The Conservation Forum takes place on Wednesday, September 25 at 2pm at the Methodist Church in Broad Street. Admission is free. Doors open at 1.30pm with talks, followed by questions, from 2pm.