The Ellwood Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) has organised a three-day event championing traditional crafts including dry stone walling, hedgelaying, stonemasonry, blacksmithing, printmaking, brewing and more.

Taking place in Shepley in Yorkshire, The Trad Crafts Festival will run from 30 August — 1 September and will feature various courses and demonstrations including beginners' dry stone walling workshops as well as the freehand masterclass. There will also be the continuation of a Bothy build from last year and a Devon ditch (vertical stonework backed with rammed earth) workshop by Tim Sloper, a waller from Cornwall. Tom Whitehead from Mainstone Carving will be doing stonemasonry demonstrations, too. 

Camping pitches are available and, in addition to the crafts, there will be lots of food, a bar and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

The festival is run on a not-for-profit basis purely for the love of traditional crafts, by an entirely volunteer team from the Ellwood Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. The DSWA is an organisation which promotes the craft of walling (and the preservation of walls themselves) throughout Britain and the world. The Ellwood Branch is a branch of the DSWA founded in 2019 specifically to support the professional development of young wallers.

Ellwood DSWA welcomes enquiries from potential sponsors, funders, vendors and craftspeople. More information can be found at: tradcraftsfest.com

A new paper in the BMJ's International Respiratory & Critical Care Journal has reported the first eight cases of silicosis in those who cut and finish artificial stone worktops in the UK. The review found that one patient died and others are waiting for assessment for a lung transplant.

Globally, cases of silicosis among worktop manufacturers have been reported since 2010 but this is the first time the UK has seen worktop tradespeople with the condition. The paper’s lead author, Dr Johanna Feary, honorary consultant in occupational lung disease at Royal Brompton Hospital, warns there are likely to be many more similar cases as yet unreported and is calling for greater awareness of the disease to help earlier detection.

All eight patients highlighted in the paper were seen by experts in occupational lung disease at Royal Brompton Hospital, a specialist centre for respiratory diseases and part of Guy’s and St Thomas’. All were men, with an average age of 34 years old, and at least one had only four years’ exposure before developing the disease after inhaling the dust from cutting the artificial stone worktops.

All the men worked for small companies and reported dry-cutting and polishing these worktops without adequate respiratory protection, exposing them to high amounts of silica dust.

Silicosis is an irreversible interstitial (scarring) lung disease causing progressive respiratory failure. In the UK, around 600,000 people are exposed to silica and at risk of developing silicosis. There are limited treatments available for people who develop the disease and there is no cure.

Worktops made of artificial stone – often referred to as quartz or engineered stone – have become an increasingly popular choice for domestic kitchens due to their resilience and range of colours and styles. They are made of crushed rocks, bound in resin. If, in the manufacturing process dry-cutting is carried out, this will create very fine crystalline silica dust which can be inhaled, and can cause silicosis.

Dr Feary said: “Silicosis is a devastating and deadly disease for which we have no cure. The first cases of it resulting from artificial stone manufacturing we have seen at Royal Brompton have all been in young, otherwise fit men who became very ill, very quickly.

“We anticipate there are many more people out there with this type of silicosis and we would urgently call for greater awareness of this disease, further research to determine the scale of the problem and for enforcement of regulations to try and prevent a large number of cases occurring in the UK as seen elsewhere in the world.”

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has unveiled the six projects shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize, the highest accolade in UK architecture. This year's shortlist showcases a diverse array of innovative and impactful designs, reflecting a broad spectrum of architectural achievement.

The nominees are:

National Portrait Gallery, London by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell: This Grade I* listed building has been revitalised through a blend of contemporary design and historical preservation. The gallery now features a welcoming new entrance, a light-filled learning centre, and improved accessibility, all while preserving the building's historic elements.

Chowdhury Walk, London by Al-Jawad Pike: This project stands out as a model for affordable housing. Built on a site previously used for garages and parking, the development comprises 11 residences, including seven socially rented homes. The staggered two-story terrace, adorned with sculptural elements and integrated into a new public thoroughfare, highlights a thoughtful approach to council housing in Hackney, East London.

The Elizabeth Line, London Underground by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation, and AtkinsRéalis: A significant infrastructure project, The Elizabeth Line enhances the passenger experience with consistent cladding, lighting, and signage across its stations. This project, expected to serve 200 million passengers annually, sets a new benchmark for inner-city transport through its sleek and accessible design.

King’s Cross Masterplan, London by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates: After 20 years of development, the King’s Cross Masterplan transforms a former industrial area into a vibrant urban centre. The project integrates restored historic buildings with new streets, squares, and facilities, creating a lively area that reconnects with the Regent’s Canal and introduces an 'urban beach' to the public realm.

Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield by Mikhail Riches: As part of the ongoing regeneration of Europe’s largest listed building, this phase modernises the Brutalist landmark with open-plan layouts and energy-efficient improvements. The new colour palette and plantings harmonise with the original concrete, creating a balanced integration with the surrounding landscape.

Wraxall Yard, Dorset by Clementine Blakemore Architects: This project converts a dilapidated dairy farm into an inclusive rural retreat. The design emphasises accessibility, with features that cater to wheelchair users and minimise barriers. The sensitive restoration and clever landscaping enhance both functionality and engagement with the natural environment.

Announcing the shortlist, RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said: “These projects demonstrate the ingenuity and diversity of architecture today. From major infrastructure to innovative social housing, each scheme thoughtfully adapts elements of our existing built environment, transforming landmarks into highly sustainable places for future generations.”

The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced on 16 October 2024, at a ceremony at London’s Roundhouse.

Historic England has released its latest guidelines entitled, Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency. The document, which can be viewed and downloaded from the organisation's website is aimed at those in the industry including local planning authorities, heritage consultants and those involved in the planning process. However, Historic England also believe it will also be useful to building owners and occupiers.  

• Advice on advice on what permissions, such as listed building consent, are needed for some of the common changes required to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings 
• Advice to assist local planning authorities – and other parties involved in the planning process – in determining proposals to decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings to enable positive climate action. Some typical building adaptations in response to climate change impacts are also included 
• Signposting to other relevant information, advice, and guidance. 

It also features seven case studies including: Beckets Chapel; Chester Cathedral and The Herman Miller Factory.

The organisation has also updated its technical guidance with links to detailed technical advice on climate change mitigation and adaptation for resilience, including energy efficiency, retrofit, and Net Zero.

For more information and to download, visit Historic England's website.

Italian industrial machine and plant specialist, Breton has launched its own White Paper – in response to the growing fears surrounding crystalline silica and the threat of silicosis. The company has produced an in-depth analysis drawing on its 60 years of experience in the stone industry and has been created by Breton Institute of Technology (BIT) scientists led by marketing & strategy director Arianna Toncelli.

This White Paper delves into the significance of implementing appropriate protective measures in the stone industry, the state of regulation around the world, in addition to utilizing machinery and materials that are both highly safe and efficient, in order to reduce potential health risks for operators.

There are five sections in the document (which can be viewed online) including:

• Crystalline silica in nature – introducing types of silica, specific presence by material, and potential health impacts.
• Prevention matters – how adopting all recommended safety measures can make the difference in the stone processing industry.
• Regulations in the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom – understanding the world’s leading countries' policies regarding crystalline silica exposure risks and related diseases.
• Regulations in Australia – explaining why bans are not an effective solution, damaging sustainable progress and economic growth.
• Breton solutions for a safer stone industry - how to overcome silicosis concerns through Breton machinery, technologies, and industrial materials.

To read the report in full, visit: https://breton.it/services/articles/white-paper-silicosis-prevention-in-the-stone-industry#iframe-1

The Prime Minister and Education Secretary have announced the launch of Skills England to meet the skills needs of the next decade, in particular across construction and healthcare.

This body will bring together central and local government, businesses, training providers and unions working across all regions and provide strategic oversight of the post-16 skills system aligned to the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Skills shortages have doubled to more than half a million between 2017 and 2022 and now account for 36% of job vacancies and it is believed by working with the Migration Advisory Committee, Skills England will also help reduce reliance on overseas workers.

Skills England, which will be established over the next 9 to 12 months, will identify the training for which the growth and skills levy will be accessible – giving businesses more flexibility to spend levy funds on training for the skills they need, which employers have long been calling for. The Skills England Bill announced this week will transfer functions from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to Skills England and be rolled out as follows:

• The first phase of Skills England’s launch involves setting up the organisation in shadow form within the DfE, and starting work on an assessment of future skills needs while building strong relationships with employers. A permanent board, Chair and CEO will be appointed in due course.
• The route for employers to shape skills training is currently offered by the IfATE. IfATE’s functions will transfer to Skills England, as part of the new organisation’s broader remit. IfATE will continue its important work in the interim as the transition of functions to Skills England is finalised.
• Skills England will hold responsibility for maintaining a list of levy-eligible training to ensure value for money, and that the mix of government-funded training available to learners and employers aligns with the identified skills needs.
• The government will also bring forward a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education to break down barriers to opportunity, support the development of a skilled workforce, and drive economic growth through our industrial strategy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Our skills system is in a mess, which is why we are transforming our approach to meet skills needs over the coming decades. They will help to deliver our number one mission as a government, to kickstart economic growth, by opening up new opportunities for young people and enabling British businesses to recruit more home-grown talent.

"From construction to IT, healthcare to engineering, our success as a country depends on delivering highly skilled workforces for the long-term. Skills England will put in place the framework needed to achieve that goal while reducing our reliance on workers from overseas."

Following a meeting with the team at Qualification Wales (QW), the Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG), led by Claire Wallbridge, has announced that it has been agreed that a stonemasonry apprenticeship for Wales is to be developed by QW and City & Guilds. The NSITG has been working with the QW and other stakeholders for six years and is delighted that a stonemasonry apprenticeship for Wales, delivered in Wales is necessary.

Welsh-based contractors are invited to take a look at the suggested content in an online meeting with the QW team, and while there is no obligation to be part of development, it is an opportunity to have a say in the content. 

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Claire Wallbridge on claire@nsitg.org.uk.

Taking place at ExCeL, London, UK Construction Week is the only event designed to cater for the whole construction supply chain.  It attracts over 21,000 visitors, alongside The Offsite Show, making it the largest construction trade show in London, and is organised by the same team that also run the highly successful Clerkenwell Design Week every year.  

Richard Bradbury, Managing Director of The QMJ Group, Organisers of The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces explained:

‘Co-locating with UK Construction Week presents a fantastic opportunity for The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces to connect with a vast, high-quality audience of building professionals. It will allow exhibitors and visitors alike to benefit both from our specialist focus, and a wider construction event that delivers 300+ seminars, 20+ live demonstrations and 400 exhibitors.

The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces will retain its unique focus with independent visitor registration and even more dedicated content over three days including: an insightful seminar programme; The Emerging Talent Awards; The Industry Choice Award for best stone project; the Stone Federation Village showcasing the best of UK stone; and much more….’ 

Sam Patel, Divisional Director for UK Construction Week commented:

‘We at UK Construction Week are incredibly pleased to welcome The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces into the UK’s largest built environment trade show. The co-location is an exciting proposition for the architectural and design community, developers, fabricators, and contractors. I’m proud to be working with Richard and his talented team to help fulfil their ambition of growing their community, and building on what is already the market leading event for the sector’

To keep up to date with all the latest event news visit www.stoneshow.co.uk 

To keep up to date with the latest show developments visit www.ukconstructionweek.com