Decorating December with the National TrustMany National Trust properties are decorated for the Christmas season in a traditional manner, using foliage from the gardens and estates. Now is your chance to learn how to make your own festive decorations and seasonal wreaths, at one of the Trust’s popular workshops. Wreath making workshops and craft making days are always popular National Trust events, as people want to create something that extra bit special to adorn their houses for the festive season. The majority of workshops and craft making events have already sold out, as they do every year, often months in advance. However, if you hurry there are still a few places left and you don’t
necessarily have to be an adult to get involved! |
The National Trust in the East of England is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Bowers as Regional Building Manager.Overseeing a budget of £5million, Sarah’s role is to care for the structure and fabric of all of our buildings in Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, from mansion houses and barns to teashops and mills. Heading up the Trust’s team of Building Surveyors, the priority for Sarah is the security, weather-tightness, and protection from lightning and fire of all our built structures. Maintenance, from electrical testing and boiler maintenance to decoration and painting, is also high on the list.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the National Trust’s building team. Her last job was Senior Project Sponsor for Defence Estates based at RAF Lakenheath. During her three years there, she oversaw building projects ranging from £50,000 to just over £1million, such as reconfiguring the main access gates to the airbase. Prior to that, Sarah worked for the American 48th Civil Engineering Squadron as Project Manager for their construction work at Lakenheath. Previously, Sarah taught National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Building at West Suffolk College. Asked about her role at The National Trust, Sarah said: “I feel privileged to work among such beautiful places and with a great team of professionals. I get to see the bits the public doesn’t see – the attics, basements and corridors, such as the Rotunda roof at Ickworth. Seeing close up how a building was put together is exciting. “I believe water is the biggest risk to our buildings. Rainwater getting into buildings, flooding and coastal erosion all pose a major threat to the great treasures in our care,” Sarah added. Sarah is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), has an HND in Building, BSc Hons in Building and a PGCE Post 16. |
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