Introduction to Stone Masonry- Pembroke Town Walls Trust
Withybush, Haverfordwest
7th- 18th October 2024
no charge for eligible candidates in Pembrokeshire and the RegionWe’re excited to offer an Introduction to Stonemasonry course, running from 7th October – 18th October at our training site in Haverfordwest and onsite in Pembroke.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this hands-on course will provide you with the knowledge and practical experience to work confidently with traditional building materials.
Course Highlights:
- Week 1: Dive into the basics of stonemasonry. You’ll explore everything from building dry stone walls to working with different types of mortars. Our expert tutor will guide you through recognising and selecting building stones, mixing mortars, and constructing with stone and mortar. We’ll also cover key skills like pointing and render techniques, and understanding defects in traditional structures.
- Week 2: Apply your skills on-site at the historic Pembroke Town Walls. Gain real-world experience by participating in a conservation project that includes assessing the walls, choosing appropriate repair methods, and contributing to the long-term preservation of this significant site. You’ll get to rebuild sections of the wall, handle traditional tools and materials, and ensure your work blends seamlessly with the existing structure.
Why Join?
- Hands-On Learning: This is more than just a course – it’s an opportunity to practice stonemasonry on an actual heritage site, under the guidance of a master stonemason.
- Unique Skills: Develop skills that are increasingly rare and highly valued in the field of heritage conservation.
- Professional Insight: Learn about the legal and environmental considerations when working with historic structures, and understand the importance of conservation for future generations.
Course Details:
- Location:
- Week 1 - Trading Estate, Brooke, Withybush Rd, Haverfordwest SA61 4BN
- Week 2 – Pembroke Town Walls
- Dates: 7th- 18th October, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm daily
Secure your place today and start your journey into the fascinating world of stonemasonry. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out.
Complete the form below or email canolfantywicentre@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to register your interest
PROGRAMME FOR WEEK 1 (based at Withybush)
* Introduction to the course and the tutors
* Outline of stonemasonry and its various disciplines
* Introduction to traditional buildings and structures
* Health and Safety
*Dry stone walling
- Recognise different types of building stone
- Describe different parts of the wall- foundation stones, through stones, hearting, copestones
- Selection and dressing of stone
- Produce a basic drystone wall
* Mortars
- Types of mortar, aggregate and lime used in masonry and repair
- Practical demonstrations and hands on preparation of mortars
* Working with lime- moisture management, preparation, protection, shrinkage and failures
* Building with stone and mortar
- Select the correct aggregate for the purpose it will be used for
- Produce mortar mixes suitable for the task
- Prepare work area and protect work from damage
- Build a basic structure using a variety of stone and mortars as part of a team
* Defects
- Understanding how defects are caused in traditional structures
- Investigating options for fixing defects
* Pointing and renders
- Understanding the function of pointing and render
- Different styles of pointing
- Practical session pointing
* Introduction to Pembroke Town Walls practical session
- History, legal protection, wildlife legislation
PROGRAMME FOR WEEK 2 - on site at Pembroke Town Walls
- Introduction to the site
- Tour of the site to understand the history and significance
- Health and safety specific to the site
- Reminder of legislation relating to the walls
- The significance of any work they do in the long-term future of the walls
Practical Project will include:
- Recording methods before any work begins
- Setting up work area
- Identify tools, materials and equipment required to repair or stabilise defects
- Discuss different options for repair
- Identify materials and construction methods used in the structure
- Understand how different materials and methods used for repair could impact on the structure
- Identify special features that need to be preserved during conservation work
- Outline how restoration work can be matched and blended
- Dismantling unstable walls and storing stone appropriately
- Mixing the appropriate mortars according to a specification
- Rebuilding an area of wall
- Raking out and pointing an area of wall.
- Protection of work
- Describe how to source materials and how to dispose of waste.