If you’re either a listed property owner or a listed property enthusiast how do you learn more about your period home and how can you connect with like-minded aficionados?

SPAB – the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings – was founded by William Morris in 1877. The people who make up SPAB are dedicated to promoting a positive and practical approach to building conservation. They offer a range of training schemes and courses, and provide advice and research.

If you’re new to listed properties, SPAB offer several practical courses. I’ve attended one and they a mine of useful information. They also offer regional group events. I enjoyed a recent visit to Athelhampton House where we were shown around the house and able to take peek at the restoration work going on in the kitchen.

LPOC – the Listed Property Owners Club – is Britain’s only advice service dedicated to helping the owners of listed buildings. They offer owners practical, independent help on matters including planning, maintenance, specialist suppliers and advice on law and insurance issues.

LPOC offer downloadable guides, host an annual show and publish a (really useful!) bi-monthly magazine. I have contacted their in-house conservation advisors on a couple of occasions to ask advice about planning and listed building planning queries.

Finally, if you’re going full thatch, the Thatch Advice Centre have a comprehensive range of resources, links and advice. Enough to keep you engrossed for hours.