An introduction to the award-winning Diocesan Education Centre
By Annette Middleton-Burke, Centre Manager
I am delighted to be the new Centre Manager at the Diocesan Education Centre (DEC) in Wilton.I have been in post since September 2013, joining the friendly and welcoming Diocesan Board of Education team.My background includes starting up and managing the Professional Development Centre at Melksham for Wiltshire Council, providing training facilities for Wiltshire teaching staff and conference facilities for hire.However, there the similarity ends.
I cannot believe my luck to have moved from an industrial building on a trading estate (albeit very smart inside!) to a bespoke, award-winning, ecological structure with the most incredible views.TheDEC is a fabulous, light-filled,spaciousbuilding with two training rooms and an open plan dining area.Full height windows on two sides capture the outstanding vista beyond.
We boast all manner of mod cons, such asairsource heat pumps for under-floor heating, natural ventilation for the training rooms and a biological treatment plant.Pop round the back and you can see the amazing grass and wildflower roof, which helps control the temperature of the building and also provides a natural habitat for butterflies, birds and insects.
Did I mention award- winning?
It has takenfour months to build on the existing facilities’ provision, with the aim of encouraging high standards of hospitality and provision comparable to any high end hotel.Better, in fact.Now, with a new team of hospitality assistants and experienced front of house staff, I am pleased to say that our evaluations are mostly coming in with comments of “Excellent” and an occasional “Good.”Other comments include, “Best facilities we have ever used”, “Staff couldn’t be more helpful”, and “What an amazing venue - thankyou”.Did I mention award winning?
The DEC interior really came into its own at Christmas.Our symbols of Christian distinctiveness already include colourful banners on the walls andpupils’ artwork from several diocesan schools, andin December,the Wilton House Garden Centre kindly donated a tree. With our new tree bedecked in purple and silver and snowflakes on the windows, the Centre looked positively magical.There certainly seemed to be an increase in the number of informal meetings taking place on the sofas close to the tree - or maybe they were closer to the kitchen, mulled wine and mince pies... but I digress.
I mentioned award-winningdue to a number of us attending the Salisbury Civic Society ceremony at the Guildhall on the evening of Thursday 9th January.I joined colleagues Sandi Hammer, Sam Ter Haar (our ‘official’ photographer for the evening),John Carley, Duygu Riley,and representatives from Hammonds,the construction company.Mike Lyons, our architect, had been nominatedfor the New Buildings Awards Scheme 2013 andI am delighted to say that we won. We all went up to the stage to accept certificates, and our copy will take pride of place on the wall in the reception area.
Afantastic start to the New Year!
My aim for 2014 and beyond is to develop the business side of the DEC, to generate and increase revenue which can assist the work of the Board of Education and the Schools Team.You can help with this.Please tell at least one person about the Centre.Better still, tell three.They may know someone who hires meeting or conference space from time to time, and hopefully they will tell them.And so it grows.From little acorns, as they say.
If you haven’t already been to the DEC, then do come and have a look around.If you haven’t been for a while, come back - it will have changed since your last visit.Or perhaps you could book your staff meeting, appraisals or interviews with us?For bookings please contact me at the DECon 01722 746942.
Did I mention award winning?
Wishing you all a happy and peaceful New Year.
With very best wishes,