Heritage Skills & Maintenance Day
Kindly supported by Birdsall, Swash & Blackman Architects
A hands-on celebration of traditional skills, conservation and care
Join us for a fascinating day exploring the skills, stories and practical work that keep Norfolk’s historic churches standing strong. Across a series of beautiful churches, experts will be on hand with demonstrations, talks and plenty of opportunities to have a go yourself.
What’s happening where:
Gooderstone – St George | PE33 9BY
Learn how to spot and monitor cracks, understand church drainage, and enjoy demonstrations on historic lettering. There will also be engaging talks on the history of stained glass windows.
Work and demonstrations are being provided by Greystone & Mason www.greystonemason.co.uk and Maia Gaffney-Hyde www.mcgh.co.uk
Oxborough – St John the Evangelist | PE33 9PS
Discover how churches tackle water ingress, with demonstrations of coping stone and flintwork repairs.
Hear talks on the church’s exceptional monuments, including advice on cleaning monuments and ledger stones – with a chance to try it yourself.
Plus, talks on timber roof repairs and information about the 2026 Bike Ride and a new Classic Car event launching this year.
On going repairs and talks on the timber repairs provided by John Hogg of R & J Hogg Ltd www.hoggbuilders.co.uk
Foulden – All Saints | IP26 5AA
Watch repairs in action on the flint churchyard wall and take part in hands-on ‘have a go’ workshop.
Find out more about Eco Church and the Churchyard Wildlife Award, with practical tips for turning your churchyard into a thriving wildlife haven. There will also be ideas for sustainable flower arranging including biodegradable alternatives to floral foam.
Repairs and workshop supported by Stephen Capper of SAC Restoration Ltd
Didlington – St Michael | IP26 5AT
Bell specialist Neil Thomas will guide you through the restoration of St Michael’s 17th-century bell, recently lowered from the tower and ready for work to begin – a rare opportunity to see this process up close.
Supported by Neil Thomas of Matthew Higby & Company Ltd www.bellhangers.com
Hilborough – All Saints | IP26 5BU
See examples of emergency repairs supported by the QI Inspection Grant Scheme. Architect Ruth Blackman will explain how this new initiative is making a real difference for churches and their communities.
The Norfolk Churches Trust will be offering advice on setting up a Friends Group, Coffee, Clean & Chat, and top tips for effective church cleaning.
Work at this church provided by Peter Barnes
Little Cressingham – St Andrew | IP25 5BU
Learn about essential maintenance of rainwater goods and explore the challenges and opportunities of caring for ruined churches, including practical tips and funding advice.
Kindly supported by S & L Restoration www.restorationnorfolk.com & St Margaret’s in Ruins Conservation Trust,
Great Cressingham – St Michael | IP25 6NH
Enjoy demonstrations of leadwork, stained glass repairs and tower repairs.
Take part in hands-on textile conservation sessions, explore the Butterfly Garden of Remembrance and enjoy plenty of activities for children, including brass rubbing.
Kindly supported by Terry Devlin of Devlin Plummer www.devlinplumer.co.uk; Jason Smith of DJS Metal & Lead Roofing www.djsroofingconsultancy.co.uk; Jeff Turner of Turner Tool Hire www.turnertoolhire.com
Maria Jordan – Textile Conservation Expert
Great Cressingham Village Hall – The Information Hub
Your central stop for information on funding, faculties, and our new Heritage Skills Scholarship Scheme.
Information provided by the Norfolk Churches Trust, SPAB, Norwich Diocese, Ely Diocese – other exhibitors to be confirmed..
Location for afternoon tea, prize giving and a final opportunity to talk to the Craftspeople taking part in the day.
Something for everyone
At each church, a representative from The Norfolk Churches Trust will be on hand to share the history of the building and explain the Trust’s work.
All venues will offer children’s activities, a family-friendly treasure hunt, delicious homemade refreshments and essential toilet facilities.
Download a flyer here.
