It was an encouraging event at Westgate Chapel when a group of young people were presented with certificates to acknowledge the work that they had done and the skills that they had learnt in restoration work on the fabric of Westgate Chapel. The chapel was suffering from problems with damp, and as part of the Westgate Heritage Action Zone, a collaboration was established between Sarah Cobham (Forgotten Women of Wakefield), Paul Dawson, a trustee of the Chapel, Jonathan Inglesfield of Castleford College, Lee Gillard of Yorkshire Lime Company, Paul Gwilliam who is leading the HAZ project for Wakefield Council and Historic England.
Following a short video showing how lime mortar is mixed, Sarah interviewed Lee Gillard of Yorkshire Lime Company under whose instruction the students had worked.
A presentation by Jonathan Inglesfield, construction tutor at Castleford College, explained the aims of the project to upskill his students in heritage conservation and restoration. The students were taught how lime mortar was used historically, its importance in restoration work and the practical skills of mixing and applying it. They removed the non-porous mortar, replacing it with the lime mortar. Lee Gillard ensured that the work was to a high standard. Paul Dawson taught the students about the history of the building, and the students investigated the damp in the catacombs and downstairs areas, suggesting how this could be remedied. The students were encouraged to work as a team, and to consider employment in the heritage field in the future.
Following the presentation the students themselves explained what they had learnt, and what they valued about the project. They were then presented with certificates of appreciation by the Mayor of Wakefield.
As part of the HAZ project, Wakefield Historical Society were impressed by this successful collaboration to save the fabric of one of Westgate’s historic buildings, and to encourage the next generation of young people to care about our heritage.
The Yorkshire Lime Company: https://www.theyorkshirelime.company
Westgate Unitarian Chapel: https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChapel/
Part of the east wall of the chapel showing the Georgian brickwork that they have repointed with lime mortar and Victorian brickwork under the window which used mortar mixed with coal dust.