The hunt is on for committed craftsmen and women to take one of the coveted places on the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings annual William Morris Craft Fellowship advanced training scheme.

The aim of the Fellowship is to encourage and nurture young people from any trade employed in the repair of historic buildings. Applications are invited now.

With national concern at the lack of people with the skills needed to care for Britain's historic buildings and structures, both now and into the future, this unique training opportunity has never been more relevant.

Since 1986, SPAB has organised and administered the Fellowship to promote and develop the specialised skills required for the repair and maintenance of historic buildings. Former Fellows have included carpenters, masons, thatchers, plasterers and builders and last year, for the first time, SPAB offered a dedicated place for a trainee millwright. Craftsmen and women from any trade employed in the repair of historic buildings on site or in workshops and studios may apply for the Fellowship. Candidates must have completed their apprenticeships and demonstrate a high degree of competence. Fellows are usually in their 20s or 30s, but older candidates are not excluded.


2008 Fellow Dave Davies, a carpenter, said: "The Fellowship has really changed the way I look at buildings. There is an intrinsic beauty to old buildings that has come about due to the passing of time.

"To replace parts unnecessarily robs any building of this beauty as you cannot replicate this ageing process.The Fellowship has made me aware of this and of the importance of gentle and conservative repair whenever possible."

For further information or to obtain an application form please write to the Education Officer, SPAB, 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY or email: education@spab.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 1st January each year and interviews are held in London at the end of January.

(GK/KMcA)