 HSI Heritage Skills Festival, Building Conservation, Fear and Beer Posted by James Mott on 10th October 2011. This year the Heritage Skills Initiative (HSI) hosted a heritage skills festival at the National Trust’s Souter lighthouse in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. The three day festival was held from the 23rd-25th September 2011.
Friday, the opening day was an opportunity for the local schools and colleges to get involved. It was great to see so many young people attending. They were encouraged to get stuck in with the many activities on offer – pole lathe turning, clay pot making, stone walling as well as explosive demonstrations of slaking lime by the national trust (steaming), casting metal objects with William Lane, honey making and stone carving, to name but a few.
In the evening, we hosted one of our heritage together events, which gave the opportunity for like minded heritage people to get together. Refreshments were ‘on tap’ by Delavals founder David Gilfillan. David has drawn inspiration from some of the oldest brewing traditions in the region and in collaboration with the National Trust has produced a range of outstanding, historically researched ales. “Like most people I am proud of our great regional landmarks. We have a rich local history and we need to preserve it. Our ales help to do this.” David Gilfillan. As you might imagine his excellent beer went down a treat.... WMF’s Jonathan Foyle, never to miss a happening event, formally opened the festival on Saturday morning. Harnessing himself up in the able hands of Chris Milford from Wallwalkers, Jonathan capably abseiled down the lighthouse much to the appreciation and loud cheering from the considerable crowd of onlookers. During Jonathan’s descent, the historic foghorn once again burst into life, as it had in days gone by, warning sailors of hazardous conditions. All I can say is... it was VERY VERY loud. Afterwards, Jonathan gave a knowledgeable and fascinating talk in the lecture theatre on ‘The Pattern of English Buildings’ to a full and appreciative audience. Not to be outdone, I faced ‘the fear’ and was given the opportunity to abseil the lighthouse myself. Looks straightforward, but with the wind whistling around your ears and the fact that you have to put all your faith in, but a thin rope, every sinew in my body was screaming ‘don’t do it’!!! Thankfully Wallwalkers Chris was on hand. He gently explained ‘the facts’ to me (basically I was completely safe), talked me into an almost hypnotised state, before he carefully lowered me over the edge - and off I went. “Enjoy the fear” he told me, look around and just enjoy the experience. I didn’t enjoy the fear, but after I had descended a few feet, I did rather start to enjoy the experience (just as he said), albeit with rather wobbly legs !! The event was a great success, with over 2000 people attending. Andie Harris and the team at HSI did an amazing job, delivering a very well organised, smooth running and dynamic Heritage festival.
Initiatives like this should be applauded and are very much needed, not only to engage the public with our live traditional crafts and craftsmen, but for professionals working in the sector to connect and forge relationships on a local basis. I have put together a video, which should give you a flavour of the event. Enjoy and turn up the music ...
Post A Comment You must be a registered user to comment on this page and be logged in. If you already a member of ProjectBook, please click here  If you are not yet signed up, please click here
|
|
