Type:	Show	Cost:	£139.00
Start Date:	13th Nov 2010	End Date:	14th Nov 2010
Contact Name:	Claire Martin: course organiser	Phone:	0207 456 0915
Website:	http://www.spab.org.uk

Description:

Dinefwr Park and Castle in Carmarthenshire, Wales is the stunning venue for SPAB’s (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) 2010 autumn Homeowners’ Weekend for people who want to find out more about the best ways to care for and repair their own period properties. The course will be held over the weekend of November 13th and 14th.

The course will be co-hosted by period property expert Marianne Suhr, co-author of Old House Handbook and presenter of TV’s popular Restoration series, and Cliff Blundell, expert in Welsh vernacular building repair and author of ‘Precious Inheritance’.

Lecture sessions will take place at Newton House, the 17th century mansion at the heart of the Dinefwr estate. Potential delegates should not be intimidated by this grand and ancient setting, because SPAB’s Homeowners’ Weekend is designed for anyone who owns an older house - whether it’s a cosy cottage, a neat terrace or a crenellated castle!

The course will be particularly slanted to reflect concerns and issues faced by Welsh property owners and will focus on local materials and construction – especially stone. In addition, it will look at issues around the use of cement renders and UVPC windows which have blighted and damaged Welsh buildings in recent decades causing dampness and decay.

Most course speakers will be local contractors and building experts. On the second day, delegates will have the chance to gain practical experience of lime plastering and pointing and sash window repair at the nearby Traditional Sustainable Building Centre situated at the estates Home Farm.
Making the right decision for your building is critical to adding any value in a difficult market and owners of period buildings, in particular, often find it hard to gain practical, straightforward information and guidance.

Now celebrating its 25th year SPAB’s popular and practical Weekend Homeowners’ Course is designed to give people who care for older or period properties the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about the care and repair of their building.

The weekend is also extremely helpful for those who are considering buying a period property or who have recently done so and who now need guidance on the best ways to repair it. As Britain’s oldest conservation body, SPAB, founded by William Morris in 1877, is uniquely placed to provide answers.
SPAB’s Homeowners’ Course typically covers a range of topics including treating damp, timber decay, roofs, listed building consent procedures, conservative repair, energy efficiency, interiors and finishes and choosing professionals.

All courses feature lively question and answer sessions and a close look at case studies. In addition, the weekends include practical demonstrations, hands-on workshops and the opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts and fellow owners of old and listed buildings whose experiences and stories provide an inspiring and very relevant backdrop.

SPAB’s regional Homeowners’ Courses often provide the perfect excuse to combine an educational weekend with a visit to some of the loveliest parts of Britain - and the beautiful landscape around Llandeilo is no exception.

Running from 9.30am to 5.30pm each day, Saturday and Sunday, the SPAB Weekend Homeowners’ Course costs £139 per person, including lunch and refreshments on both days (accommodation is not included).

To make a booking or find out more, call course organiser Claire Martin on 0207 456 0915.

For more information about SPAB visit: www.spab.org.uk Ends
For more information contact Kate Griffin, SPAB press office, 0207 456 0905

SPAB is Britain’s oldest building conservation body. It was set up by William Morris to oppose the destructive restorations of the Victorian era and promote the alternative of “conservative repair”. By law it must be notified of applications to demolish listed buildings in England and Wales and comments on many hundred each year. The Society also trains architects and craftsmen; produces advisory publications on subjects such as damp; and campaigns on issues like VAT. It also has a separate section devoted to Mills.



Booking Information:

Please contact SPAB course organiser Claire Martin: 0207 456 0915