Last year we welcomed Robert Milton Wallace to give a very well attended Ramsgate Society talk about Ramsgate Historic Quarter – a heritage led town regeneration scheme to conserve our historic buildings and improve the town environment for residents and to attract visitors. We are now pleased to spread the word about his launch of a Heritage Bricks and Mortar Workshop to take place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September.

The course is the first of a series of workshops to encourage a wider understanding of traditional skills used in the heritage conservation sector including brickwork, rendering, plastering, flintwork, roofing, leadwork and carpentry. The September event is designed to appeal to experienced bricklayers who wish to move into the heritage sector, potential apprentices, architects and surveyors, homeowners or indeed anyone interested in heritage conservation. The two-day course will offer both theoretical and practical work where participants will gain hands on experience. On the day before the course there will be a Pre-cleaning survey and Doff test to which participants are invited to observe.

The weekend course will be led by Dr Gerard Lynch who is widely regarded as a leading authority in his field and has conducted education and training courses both at home and abroad. His clients include The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, National Heritage Training Group, Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, National Trust & English Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, Simpson Conservation.

See more at www.theredmason.co.uk

There to assist Dr Lynch and bringing his own expertise will be heritage builder Marcus Clark of Heritage Brick Conservation Whitstable who has over 40 years’ experience in the industry. See more at www.heritagebrickworkrestoration.co.uk

If you live in one of the many older properties in Ramsgate you may wish to become more involved in understanding the issues of appropriate conservation techniques or will consider passing on information about this course to tradespeople you know.

The cost for the workshop to include refreshments is £450. Ramsgate residents and local tradesmen can enjoy a 25% discount. Early registration is recommended as places are limited. (NB you do not have to be a member of the Ramsgate Society to benefit from this offer)

Click here for more details and to register for this course.