3 August 2007

LEARN NEW SKILLS AT NORTON PRIORY

Volunteers have been trained up to become experts in traditional building techniques as part of the construction of a new eco-building at Norton Priory, and they are now turning teacher to offer members of the public the chance to join in and learn these ancient skills for themselves.

The training offered in clay and lime rendering methods forms part of a wider project to create a sustainable straw bale building at the Priory for community meetings and for use as an education centre. With the help of environmental regeneration initiative, The Mersey Forest, the project has received £4000 funding through the Landfill Communities Fund to complete the project from Runcorn-based chemical manufacturer INEOS ChlorVinyls, in addition to support from Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN).

To make the education centre a truly community-focused initiative, dedicated local volunteers have received a fortnight of training from sustainable building construction company Amazonails in how to lead participation days in traditional building methods and share their new skills.

INEOS ChlorVinyls' Janet Ward said: "Not only will this final phase of the building's construction give people the chance to learn new and interesting techniques, but once it is complete it will also add to the diversity of educational provision at Norton Priory and provide an excellent meeting place for community organisations. We are delighted to support such an innovative environmentally friendly project."

The new education centre, which is scheduled to be opened to the public this autumn, has been fitted with solar panels to provide some of its electricity, and much of the building has been constructed from reclaimed materials from local sources. Some sections also feature local timber from Big Wood, adjacent to Norton Priory.

Jo Sayers of The Mersey Forest Team said: "I'd encourage people to get involved in this unusual and inspiring project. These training sessions will be a unique opportunity in the area - a one off chance to take part in something really special that will stand the test of time."

To find out about learning these traditional skills and playing your part in the new education centre, contact Paul Quigley at Norton Priory on 01928 565029 or visit www.nortonpriory.org.

ENDS

For further information please contact the INEOS ChlorVinyls Press Office:

Janet Ward
Telephone: 01928 515227
Email: janet.ward@ineoschlor.com