There is no parallel in the architectural conservation world to the annual SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Lethaby Scholarship. The three newest recruits of this long-established training scheme for young architectural and building professionals now join a roster of talented individuals, many of whom care for the most significant buildings in Britain.

This week Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd were delighted to welcome the 2016 SPAB Lethaby Scholars who are on a 9 month programme of site, workshop and studio visits across the UK, broadening their knowledge of conservation skills and building crafts. The 2016 SPAB Scholars, Triona Byrne (structural engineer), Declan Cahill (building surveyor) and Gethin Harvey (architect), toured the Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd operation under the guidance of Technical Director, Nigel Gervis.

Whilst at Ty-Mawr's HQ, they spent time with one of Ty-Mawr's Lime Plastering tutors, Matthew Baynam of Gwent Lime, where he involved them in constructing sample mould for a town clock.

Nigel commented: "It is always a real pleasure to host the SPAB Scholars here at Ty-Mawr and to be on their programme of learning and development. A SPAB scholarship is very special in that it is a demanding and rigorous educational award, designed to foster excellence and promote understanding of the unique skills and craft that continue to underpin our built heritage."

Triona, Declan and Gethin also joined Nigel at a Site Visit and meeting at Brecon Cathedral. There they joined a meeting with the Dean of Brecon Cathedral, The Very Reverend Dr Paul Shackerley, to discuss the ongoing conservation project underway there.

They also had a tour of Ty-Mawr Lime's sales and distribution warehouses at the Brecon Enterprise Park as well as the new production facility. Here, they spent time with members of staff, they saw at first hand the latest developments including the 8000 sqft of additional warehousing space, 2000 sqft of new technical support offices, new storage bays and the bulk bagging and blending facility, all of which in the last 18 months has doubled the capacity of the business.

Nigel added: "In the relatively short time that we had together, I hope that they were able to supplement their knowledge on traditional building methods and materials, witness at first hand Ty-Mawr's operation, and learn more about Ty-Mawr's journey to becoming a market-leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of environmentally-friendly building materials and systems. We really wish them well as they continue their journey around the UK."

The Scholars' have already toured Kenwood House with its conservation architect, visited a 2014 SPAB Fellow at Herstmonceux Castle, and inspected a medieval church ruin in Hampshire.

Since 1930, SPAB has offered scholarships to support architects, surveyors and engineers. The nine-month full time programme is intensive but rewarding. Each year the Scholars travel the length of the country together, making site visits and meeting expert craftspeople and architects working in building conservation. SPAB Scholars are now among the leading conservation experts in the UK, looking after some of the foremost buildings in Britain. Some are cathedral architects, others look after palaces, National Trust houses or English Heritage scheduled monuments. Some Scholars have devoted their careers to more humble buildings such as abandoned medieval churches or vernacular agricultural buildings, producing work of the highest quality.