Chipping away at the skills shortage
IN AN ATTEMPT to satisfy a nationwide shortage of craftsmen, the National Trust Peak District Centre is sponsoring two apprentice stonemasons at Hardwick Hall.
A a coach full of Peak District Centre members went to Hardwick Hall to see how they were progressing.
The apprentices are Adele Buxton and Paul Froggat and, after only some six months under the guidance of Master Mason Trevor Hardy, are showing themselves to be excellent trainees.
They are already producing detailed pieces of masonry that will not only be incorporated in the fabric of Hardwick Hall, replacing decaying stonework, but also masonry to be used in other National Trust properties.
A highlight of the visit was for National Trust Peak District Centre members to try their hand at elementary carving on sample pieces of stone.
Everyone enjoyed the experience, but some were better than others!
At the end of the visit Centre members left Hardwick Hall feeling that their sponsorship is being well rewarded.
Membership of the National Trust Peak District Centre is open to all existing local National Trust members, who can then participate in the full programme of events arranged throughout the year.
If you would like more information, please telephone Freda Willis on 01298 24133.
The full article contains 210 words and appears in Buxton Advertiser newspaper.
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Last Updated:
19 June 2008 1:37 PM
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Source:
Buxton Advertiser
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Location:
Buxton
