Heritage Craft Trainees Revive Lancaster Church, Bridging Skills Gap in Conservation

In a significant move to address the skills gap in the conservation sector, a group of enthusiastic heritage craft trainees has embarked on an ambitious project to repair a listed church in Lancaster. This collaborative effort not only aims to preserve the historic structure but also to provide invaluable hands-on experience for the apprentices involved. Kathrine Graf, a stonemasonry apprentice, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "This project provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what we've learned in our respective trades." Graf's sentiments reflect a broader industry concern, as research indicates a growing shortage of specialist skills necessary for building repair and conservation. The Heritage Crafts charity has warned that several traditional crafts in the UK, including flint knapping, gauged brickwork, stained glass making, and slating, are at risk of extinction if not actively fostered. Bullen Conservation, the company leading the repair works in Lancaster, is committed not only to restoring the church but also to nurturing the next generation of artisans. The apprentices will receive on-site training from experienced master craftspeople and will also participate in workshops at Lancaster and Morecambe College. Here, they will learn essential skills such as hot lime mortar mixing, slate roofing, stonemasonry, plastering, joinery, and mud masonry. Over the course of five weeks, the trainees are directly involved in repairing the church's roof and high-level masonry. This immersive experience allows them to learn and hone traditional skills that are often overlooked in modern construction. Ellen Hunt, a stained glass trainee, shared her personal journey that led her to this project. "I applied to take part as I have a deep passion for cultural heritage and its preservation," the 23-year-old explained. Her love for stained glass windows blossomed during her studies in Italy, prompting her to enroll in a beginners' class upon her return home. "I have never actually worked on a heritage building before, and this is what makes this opportunity so exciting for me," she added, highlighting the doors that this experience is beginning to open for her. The Lancaster church project embodies a crucial intersection of education, skills preservation, and cultural heritage. As the apprentices work alongside seasoned professionals, they are not only learning the intricacies of their crafts but also playing a vital role in safeguarding the historical narratives embedded within the structures they help restore. This initiative stands as a testament to the importance of investing in traditional crafts and ensuring that the skills passed down through generations continue to thrive for years to come.