This taster day will offer an introduction to working with stone and lime mortar. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at stone carving, producing your own door number plaque to take home. You will also gain an introduction to lime mortars, before preparing mortar and using it for bedding wall masonry and pointing. All materials and lunch, tea and coffee will be provided. No experience necessary!

This taster day is being held as a partnership between CITB NI and Department for Communities Historic Environment Division.

Who should attend?

This taster day is for anyone who has an interest in stone masonry and/ or lime mortar. The session would be useful to a variety of attendees, from enthusiasts to those thinking of becoming stone masons, to those who would specify or use these materials on a construction project. No construction experience is required, and you will be guided by experienced craftspeople with a wealth of experience of maintaining and repairing Northern Ireland’s state care monuments.

Topics Covered

• Stone carving

• An introduction to lime mortars

• Preparing lime mortars

• Wall masonry (coursed rubble)

• Pointing

Date: Thursday, 2nd October 2025

Time: 10am-2.45pm

Programme:

10am Welcome, tea/coffee

10.15am Session 1

12.15pm Lunch (provided)

12.45pm Session 2

2.45pm Close

Important information for attendees:

This event is limited to a maximum of sixteen attendees who will be split into two groups to maximise safety and opportunities to learn from the craftspeople. Please be aware that this taster day is taking place in a working depot. Attendees should wear sensible footwear, and it is advised that attendees wear warm clothing/ layers as activities will be taking place semi-outdoors. PPE will be provided. A light sandwich lunch will be provided, if you have any dietary requirements, please contact the event organiser at heritage@citbni.org.uk following your booking.

Getting here:

There is limited parking at the depot, and participants are encouraged to take public transport wherever possible. The depot is located next door to Moira Train station, which has frequent trains to/ from Belfast. If attendees will require a car at the depot, please contact the event organiser to allow monitoring of car parking availability.

Trainers Overview:

The sessions will be led by experienced and skilled craftspeople from Historic Environment Division Moira Works Depot, who are responsible for maintaining and repairing Northern Ireland’s historic state care monuments.

Historic Environment Division within the Department for Communities is the government lead on the historic environment of Northern Ireland.

Stone & Lime Taster Day