Fenland & Wash Group Working Party at Wangford Hall

Fenland & Wash Group Working Party at Wangford Hall

Date: 
17/05/2025 - 20/05/2025
Audience: 
SPAB Members and their guests
Location: 
Wangford Hall
IP27 0SJ, Suffolk
United Kingdom
Price: 

SPAB Members - £40
Non-members - £70

Event details

Saturday 17 - Tuesday 20 May

This Working Party is an exciting opportunity to get hands-on and save a piece of history, while learning some traditional craft skills along the way!  

Following on from our successful Working Party last September, we'll continue to repair the historic boundary wall at Wangford Hall which has sadly suffered neglect over the years. 

Under the guidance of specialists, you’ll learn how to repair a wall using traditional materials including chalk block, brick and flint.  

If you can't attend the full four days you're still very welcome to join us. After booking, please email fenland.wash@spab.org.uk to confirm which days you'll be there as this will help with our planning.

Who is this event for?

This event is for anyone who want to get their hands dirty, learn new skills, and help to save a piece of history.

You will learn 

By the end of this Working Party, you will have had the chance to try: 

  • Chalk burning in a test kiln 
  • Chalk mortar mixing  
  • Chalk block cutting 
  • Flint knapping 
  • Brick wall repair  

Programme 

This programme is subject to minor changes.

Day One

9am

Briefing at Wangford Hall Garden Wall

9.30am - 1pm

Repair work with breaks

1pm

Lunch (provided) with flint knapping, chalk block cutting and lime kiln demonstrations 

2 - 5.30pm

Repair work with breaks

5.30pm

Pack away

6.30pm

BBQ

Evening

Overnight camping available 

 

Day Two

8am

Breakfast (provided)                                                                                        

9am

Briefing at Wangford Hall Garden Wall

9.30am - 1pm

Repair work with breaks  (Free Wangford Hall Open House Tour 10am to 3pm)                                       

1pm

Lunch (provided) with flint knapping, chalk block cutting and lime kiln demonstrations 

2 - 4pm

Repair work with breaks

4pm

Pack away

5.30pm

BBQ

 

Day Three

8am

Breakfast (provided)                                                                                        

9am

Briefing at Wangford Hall Garden Wall

9.30am - 1pm

Repair work with breaks  (Free Wangford Hall Open House Tour 10am to 3pm)                                       

1pm

Lunch (provided) with flint knapping, chalk block cutting and lime kiln demonstrations 

2 - 4pm

Repair work with breaks

4pm

Pack away

5pm

BBQ

Day Four

8am

Breakfast (provided)                                                                                        

9am

Briefing at Wangford Hall Garden Wall

9.30am - 1pm

Repair work with breaks  (Free Wangford Hall Open House Tour 10am to 3pm)                                       

1pm

Lunch (provided) with flint knapping, chalk block cutting and lime kiln demonstrations 

2 - 4pm

Repair work with breaks

4pm

Pack away

5pm

BBQ

You will need 

Please bring 

  • Work clothes and steel toe capped boots  
  • Tent and camping gear if camping 
  • Weather-appropriate clothing, suncream etc

We’ll provide hard hats and high-vis vests. 

Tutors

  • Joe Orsi,  blacksmith and historic buildings consultant  
  • Lynn Mathias, brick and flint conservation specialist and SPAB Guardian 
  • Jonny Garlick, SPAB Special Operations Manager

Accessibility

The conditions at this event are likely to include:

  • Uneven surfaces 
  • Significant periods of standing and kneeling 
  • Time spent working outdoors 
  • Catering for dietary restrictions, if indicated on the booking form 

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk


We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions

Photo credit: Wangford Hall historic wall © Jonathan Garlick

Getting here