Starting with an illustrated talk on the history and styles of thatching, the day then focuses on practical hands-on work on a purpose built display.
It will cover what is and isn't repairable, new and repair projects, and selection of materials.
All work is done at ground level.
Suitable for homeowners, builders, architects and other enthusiasts.
The training centre at Ty Mawr is based in a beautiful complex of Grade 2* listed buildings in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Mid Wales. Once the site of an impressive medieval manor house, the current buildings are set in 40 acres of land on the southern shore of Llangorse Lake.
The meeting / lecture room was once a stable and granary. It has been restored over the last ten years and, with the creation of a linked toilet block, has combined traditional and modern methods and materials to make an attractive and sustainable venue (including lime-hemp plaster, re-cycled glass plaster (glaster!), solar thermal panels and a rain water harvesting system) .
Practical training sessions take place outside or in one of the old barns or farm out buildings. Food is locally sourced as far as possible (some as local as the kitchen garden) and is provided by a local caterer. There is a small camp site on site and a good range of accommodation in the immediate vicinity (see accommodation tab).
Q. Will I be able to thatch after the course?
A. No. You're obviously not going to become a thatcher in one day - it takes many years! But you will get a feel for the kind of work involved in thatching and the different materials and styles used. (One of the people helping on the day came on this course 2 years ago and is now apprentice to the course tutor Alan Jones.)
Q. Will the practical work be on a roof?
A. No. Although by it's nature most thatching involves working on a roof, for ease of teaching and giving you a chance to have a go safely(!) we use a purpose-built gig that enables everything to be done with your feet firmly on the ground.
Q. Do I need to bring anything?
A. Just work clothes and waterproofs if it looks wet, and your enthusiasm and curiosity! We will supply everything else including lunch and refreshment during the day.
Q. Is it good value for money?
A. Well we think so (we would say that wouldn't we!) and judging from the feedback we've had from previous courses others do too, but please don't hesitate to contact us if you've got any further questions.
This section is under development, please email
tymawr@lime.org.uk for systems builds and NBS clauses.
WITHIN 2 MILES OF TY-MAWR
The Old Ford Inn
Llanhamlach. On the A40
01874 665220 www.theoldfordinn.co.uk
Brynderwen Bed & Breakfast
Talyllyn, Brecon, LD3 7SY
01874 658247 www.brynderwen-brecon.co.uk
Peterstone Court
Llanhamlach. Luxurious hotel with leisure facilities.
01874 665387 www.peterstone-court.com
WITHIN 4 MILES
Dalton House Bed & Breakfast
Llangors, LD3 7UG
01874 658378 www.dalton-house.com
WITHIN 10 MILES
Brecon is about 5 miles away and has a range of hotels and guesthouses. Others recommended by previous course attendees include:
Ty Gwyn Bed & Breakfast - Sue and Pete
Brecon Road, Crickhowell, NP8 1DG
01873811625 www.tygwyn.com
Trefecca Farm House Bed & Breakfast - Helen Jones
Farmhouse B&B about 6 miles away.
01874 711306
The Griffin Inn
Felinfach. Restaurant and Pub
01874 620111 www.eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk
The Old Mill Bed & Breakfast - Pam & Hadyn Boxhall
Felinfach. Farmhouse bed and breakfast about 7 miles away.
01874 625385
CAMPING
There is a basic campsite at Ty-Mawr Lime with toilets and cold running water. Please call 01874 658000 for further information.
LARGER GROUPS
The Star - Bwlch Bunkhouse
A self-catering bunkhouse about 5 minutes drive.
01874 730080/730 215 (leave a message)
www.starbunkhouse.com info@starbunkhouse.com
Gilfach Bunkhouse
Llangors
01874 658272. www.activityuk.com/accommodation-in-llangorse.php
Penpont
Nr Sennybridge - Self catering facilities for up to 14 people in 6 bedrooms, suitable for large groups and conferences.
01874 636202 www.penpont.com
Ty Mawr is based in a farmstead in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is on the site of a medieval manor house overlooking Llangors Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales. The area is rich in wildlife and history.
There are a variety of walks from Ty Mawr; stroll along the edge of the lake through meadows and woodland or climb to the summit of one of the surrounding hills giving stunning panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.
There are also plenty of opportunities for other outdoor activities in the area including birdwatching, fishing and sailing on the lake, ponytrekking and a climbing activity centre.
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