Heritage Craft Trainees Revive Historic Lancaster Church While Honing Essential Skills

In an inspiring initiative that blends education with cultural preservation, a group of heritage craft trainees has embarked on a project to repair a listed church in Lancaster. This endeavor not only aims to restore a significant piece of architecture but also provides crucial hands-on training for the next generation of skilled craftsmen and women. Kathrine Graf, a stonemasonry apprentice, articulated the sentiment shared among her peers, stating that the project "provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what we've learned in our respective trades." This program addresses a critical issue identified by the Heritage Crafts charity, which has highlighted a growing shortage of specialized skills necessary for building repair and conservation. The risk of losing traditional crafts such as flint knapping, gauged brickwork, stained glass making, and slating has become increasingly urgent, prompting initiatives like this one. Bullen Conservation leads the repair efforts in Lancaster, focusing on both the restoration work and the training of apprentices. Over the course of five weeks, participants will engage in practical repairs to the church's roof and high-level masonry, while also learning essential skills in workshops at Lancaster and Morecambe College. The comprehensive training program covers a diverse array of traditional techniques, including hot lime mortar mixing, slate roofing, stonemasonry, plastering, joinery, and mud masonry. Among the trainees is Ellen Hunt, a stained glass apprentice whose passion for cultural heritage drives her participation. At just 23 years old, Ellen expressed her enthusiasm for the project, sharing that her love for stained glass windows blossomed during her studies in Italy. Upon returning to the UK, she sought out a beginners' class to dive deeper into the craft. "I have never actually worked on a heritage building before, and this is what makes this opportunity so exciting for me," she noted, reflecting on the unique experience. Ellen continued, "It is opening up doors that I never would have expected to open." As trainees learn from master craftspeople and develop their skills in a real-world context, this project not only helps preserve a tangible piece of history but also nurtures the skills of those who will one day become the custodians of the nation's architectural heritage. Such initiatives are essential in ensuring that traditional crafts do not merely survive but thrive, enabling future generations to enjoy and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that they represent.