The annual SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Summer Working Party, comes to Derbyshire
The event, which brings practical help to historic buildings in need, will take place at the stunning Lumsdale Valley, near Matlock, Derbyshire this July. (Sunday 3rd to Saturday 8th).
There are still a few spaces left and just enough time to apply to be a volunteer on what promises to be a fascinating, worthwhile and informative celebration of the built historic environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain ‘hands-on heritage’ experience under the watchful eye of some of Britain’s leading conservation practitioners.
Under expert guidance, volunteers from all walks of life, united by a passion for old buildings, will be working on a unique time capsule of the Industrial Revolution with structures dating from the 17th century and earlier. It’s not all hard work, the week features visits, barbecues and musical / social evenings at base camp. It’s not for nothing that a previous volunteer described the annual working party as the ‘mini Glastonbury of Conservation!’
Volunteers will need to attend at least three consecutive days. Basic personal protection equipment will be provided but volunteers should bring their own overalls and stout site boots. Volunteers may be expected to camp on a designated camp site, but limited bed and breakfast accommodation may be available. There is a £5 booking fee only, plus any charges for extra visits.
Dubbed ‘the Angkor Wat’ of the Industrial Revolution by SPAB’s working party organiser Jonny Garlick, the Lumsdale Mills site is a sleeping complex of mysterious, ivy-shrouded buildings, deep in the heart of a wooded valley, punctuated by waterfalls and rocky cliffs. This promises to be a challenging and unforgettable week.
For further information on the SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) click here
