Period property workshops to be held with Winckley Square theme

Prestonians with a love of history are being invited to learn about Winckley Square’s bricks and mortar.

Three twilight workshops are being held for people to learn about the Victorian and Georgian buildings.

The workshops also give advice to those who are interested in owning a period property or who already owns one.

Sessions are going to cover sash windows, stone and brickwork and cast iron rainwater goods and railings.

Preston City Council is putting on the workshops in conjunction with the Preston Vocational Centre and they are funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Cabinet member for community and environment councillor Robert Boswell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Preston to gain knowledge of the fine Georgian town houses surrounding Winckley Square.

“The heritage workshops will provide useful information to maintain the character and the future of these architectural gems in and around Preston city centre.”

The workshops include hands-on skills like this brich arch making at PVC

Preston Vocational Centre in St Pauls Road, Deepdale, is hosting the workshops from Wednesday 27 September. Each session includes minibus transport to Winckley Square.

Centre manager Martin Grayston said: “Most of the young craft students we see are aiming for a career in construction, but when the opportunity arises it’s good to welcome a wider audience too. We hope to see householders, architects and other practitioners – in addition to students – who have an interest in older property and want to gain an understanding of how maintenance theory transfers into practice.

“They might even save a bit of money through feeling brave enough to go home and do a little basic maintenance themselves.”

Each session runs from 3.30pm to 6.30pm and there’s a maximum of 15 people per workshop. Free tea and coffee is provided.

Cast iron products is on Wednesday 27 September, sash window maintenance on Wednesday 4 October and stone and brickwork is on Wednesday 11 October.

Places on each session can be booked, for free, on the Preston Guild City website.