Students are getting hands on heritage construction skills whist they make repairs to Bassetlaw Museum, thanks to a joint project involving Bassetlaw District Council.
For the second year in a row, the council has teamed up with Pinnacle Conservation to deliver free foundation classes in practical skills including stone masonry, joinery and lime plastering/pointing.
Those on the course have been learning on the job carrying out repairs at Retford Road Cemetery Chapel in Worksop and have now moved onto Bassetlaw Museum in Retford
The classes aim to help meet the increasing demand for repairs on historical buildings, of which the district has a high number, and a limited number of skilled individuals and businesses specialising in this type of work.
Adam Hickey, Managing Director of Pinnacle Conservation, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that the first of our projects; Retford Road Cemetery Chapel, Worksop is now complete. Works have included external masonry repairs including surveying and repointing, window repairs including glazing repairs, frame repairs, and re-puttying. Internal works included the removal of the gypsum plaster and repair with traditional 3 coat lime plastering.
“The standards of repair being carried out by the students is high, assisted greatly by the concentrated group number which can focus on quality delivery rather than quantity. Those participating, can directly influence the conservation of this building and I hope this will contribute to their satisfaction on completion of the course.”
The heritage skills programme has been supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) with funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills said: “As well as supporting Bassetlaw residents to become engaged in and hopefully enter the specialist heritage construction industry, it is also a pilot to explore and develop a regional approach to new entry level heritage skills pathways filling current gaps in the skills landscape and providing a stepping stone into the sector.
“We look forward to witnessing the lasting impact of their work as it contributes to the preservation and revitalisation of some of our most valued historic buildings over the coming months.”
Once work is completed at Bassetlaw Museum, students will move onto the Walks of Life Museum in Tuxford over the coming months.
Last Updated on Monday, December 8, 2025