Our courses are designed to educate and entertain. We are very aware that our specialist knowledge should indeed be general knowledge and we are as keen to teach people new to the joys of old structures, as we are to help professionals develop their existing building skills.

In addition to our own short courses in Wales, we also teach throughout the UK on behalf of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, The National Trust and at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Our training courses include:

Care and Repair of Old Houses – Part One
This one-day course is designed to give homeowners and trades-people the knowledge required to help conserve old houses. The course covers the principles of conservation and the use of the correct environmentally friendly materials and techniques on old buildings. Comprising classroom lectures and practical workshops, the course offers the opportunity to gain “hands-on” experience using lime and associated materials. Attendees will be provided with the knowledge to take control of the decisions necessary to repair and maintain an old house.

Old House Interiors
This one-day course explores the aesthetic and functional delights found inside old houses. The course examines the “atmosphere” particular to old buildings and suggests ways to repair interiors successfully. The course is designed for people who have already attended at least one of the Care and Repair of Old Houses courses mentioned above.

Lime for Builders: Principles of Conservation and Basic Best Practice
This one-day course is designed to give builders an introduction to the correct use of lime. The course comprises classroom lectures and practical workshops, which demonstrate why conserving old buildings is important to Wales and why lime is the fundamental material to use when conserving our built heritage. The use of lime in new build and its role in sustainable building is also discussed.

Lime for Specifiers: The relevance of lime specification and sound ecological practice in historic building conservation
This one-day course covers the issues faced when specifying the use of lime in its many forms. It is designed to give professionals such as architects, surveyors and planners an introduction to lime specification. The course comprises mainly classroom lectures, but there are demonstrations showing best practice when using lime. These demonstrations allow specifiers to see how their specifications should be interpreted on-site.

Lime for Builders’ Merchants: What is lime and what should it be used for?
The knowledge passed on by builders’ merchants is extremely important to the correct use of the materials they sell. This one-day course is for people working in the supply of building materials. The use of building limes is currently enjoying a revival, both in repairing existing buildings and building new. An introduction to the correct use of the correct limes enables builders’ merchants to offer guidance to customers.

Tailored courses
Occasionally, we are asked to provide courses tailored to the needs of a particular project. We are always delighted to share the knowledge of our skilled craftsmen and can arrange training sessions both on-site or at our training centre. Subjects in addition to those mentioned above include:

• Advanced lime plastering (including fine finishes, running moulds, etc.)
• Building solid walled structures using lime mortar
• Sustainable new-build
• Laying limecrete floors

For dates, prices, further information or to register your interest in any of the above courses, please contact:

Chris Wright
The Lime Company of West Wales Ltd
Crug Bach
Pentregalar, Crymych
Pembrokeshire
SA41 3QS

(01239) 831147

Email Chris: chris.wright@tlcwestwales.co.uk