Article by Chris Roberts MBE PR
In September, the National Trust is offering an interesting and thought-provoking Conference and Heritage Skills Day entitled: CONSERVATE, which will take place at the Buscot and Coleshill Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, near Faringdon, Highworth, Oxford and Swindon and will explore skills from the past, fit for the future.
The theme is the sustainability of heritage skills, and the Conference will bring together industry professionals in heritage craft, conservation and rural skills to explore the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
The sustainability of heritage skills is under threat, and keynote speakers from the Royal Household, Heritage Crafts Association, the Bishopsland Educational Trust and the National Trust will explore the loss and decline of these valuable skills, whilst also discussing the ingenuity and innovation of individuals and organisations endeavouring to keep them alive today and what the future may hold.
Outside the conference space, there will be demonstrations happening from a wide range of makers including the National Trust’s own Specialist Craft teams. There’ll be plenty of space to sit and discuss opportunities and meet the new residents of the Skills Centre, see a Decorative Plaster course happening, the exhibition barn open and hear more about the plans for the future.
During the Conference there’ll be a total of seven talks of between 20-30 minutes spaced throughout the day with 1.5 hours in the middle of the day for lunch and demonstrations.
Teas and coffees will be available during the day and a meat or plant-based lunch can be provided at an additional cost or you can bring your own packed lunch with you, or purchase lunch from Blake’s Kitchen on site.
Adult tickets cost £25 (no lunch); or £36.50 (to include a freshly made lunchbox with either a BLT option lunch or a plant-based option). The Conference is not suitable for children.
The excellent Conference will take place on Friday September 20 from 10.15am-4pm in a marquee at the Buscot and Coleshill Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, Coleshill, Swindon SN6 7PT.
Places are limited, so please book your tickets now at: 0344 249 1895 or via https://tinyurl.com/yd77svfn
