An all-day session for home owners or tradespeople. Participants will be introduced to the concepts of conservation and restoration of Cotswold stone buildings, using sympathetic materials and approaches which are suitable for buildings in conservation areas, are listed, or a built in the traditional manner.

The collection of buildings at Highgrove Crafts will form the basis of a discussion about what constitutes a traditionally built building; their anatomy, design features, quality of materials and state of previous repair.  Presentations will then cover legislation and conservation principles, standards and discuss common myths about old buildings.

After lunch, participants will be able to see examples of different types of lime mortars, plasters and renders and see repair techniques in action.  A Q&A session will then give participants the opportunity to discuss some of their own concerns about their buildings or projects.  Participants are encouraged to bring in photographs to help illustrate their queries.

9.15 – 9.30am History and site orientation

9.30 – 12.30pm Presentations to last a maximum of 1 hour each:

– ‘What you need to know’ (encompassing legislation & Conservation Principles) – Rory Cullen, Cullen Conservation

– Standards – Paul Wankiewicz, Regional Building Manager

– ‘Tips & Myths’ (encompassing the do’s & don’t & sustainability of old buildings) – Rory Cullen, Cullen Conservation

LUNCH

1.00 – 2.00 pm More detailed tour of site to discuss real examples of conservation and repair.

2.00 – 4.00pm Demonstrations:

– Pye Conservation – Pointing and stonework

-Heritage Lime (TBC) – Lime renders, plasters and mortars

4.00pm Q&A – All experts and demonstrators to form panel