Training
Practical training and awareness raising is vital in understanding conservation principles and the use of materials. Whether it's for architects, tradesmen, supervisors or home owners "hands on" training enables techniques and practical skills to be demonstrated by an experienced person and tried out by the trainee.

Do-It-Yourself?
If you are thinking of carrying out some practical work on your own property then we could provide some initial advice on repair materials and tools then assist you with the basic hands on skills that will enable you to carry out the work yourself. This is could be repointing, basic brick repairs or plastering!
March 06 DSC runs Training courses at Stourport Basin
David Sleight Conservation has recently been involved with training craftsman and engineers in the use of lime mortars for laying and repointing.

Five one-day courses were carried out at Stourport Basin for British Waterways to enable their contract staff to understand lime mortars when specifying and using the material. It is vital that not only "hands on" staff understand the use of lime, but staff who supervise and write specifications actually get to prepare and use the material.
Hands on experience is the best way to learn!
(Click on the photos to see a larger version)
Course delegates carefully chop out prior to repointing
Mixing and beating the pointing mortar helps it to become more workable
A careful eye is kept on all aspects of the work
Trainees hard at work repointing
(left)
Part of the course was brick repairs using reclaimed bricks and lime mortar.
The final finish