LOCATION: In-Person at the Dorford Centre and Online via Zoom

We’re excited to announce Giles Keating, owner of Athelhampton House, will be the guest speaker at our next evening talk on Tuesday 5th April.

 Athelhampton, one of Dorset’s most well-known stately homes and a favourite heritage attraction, is described as one of England’s most important Tudor manor houses. Following its new ownership in 2019, Giles Keating, an economist from London, quickly set out his ambition to make the historic home carbon neutral.

The story of how Athelhampton House is being adapted for climate change is as fascinating as any chapter in the estate’s 500-year history. Converting a 15th century Grade I listed house and Grade I listed garden to reduce its environmental impact is no trivial undertaking. Giles will share the extraordinary journey to “Athelhampton Zero”, outlining the challenges and requirements presented by its protected status, unique physical characteristics, rural location and commercial operation. Where many historic properties have attempted to become carbon-neutral but stalled at the massive upgrade to infrastructure, Giles will explain what it takes to retrofit a stately home to the demands of today, highlighting the interventions and innovations his team have taken to successfully stop burning fossil fuels.

Our Talks Programme is open to all. Visitors and new members are very welcome. Talks are free for DCS Members and £3 for Non-Members to help cover costs.

As part of our 2022 Talks Programme, we will be offering our evening talks in hybrid format.

TO ATTEND IN PERSON

The April talk will be held at the Dorford Centre. Doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start and coffee and tea will be available.

TO ATTEND ONLINE

If you can’t be with us in person but would still like to attend, you can join the talk online via Zoom. We will send out the Zoom access details 24-hours before the live event.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

A link to the recording can be found here on our Youtube channel