Dr. Jonathan Foyle has become the patron of the North of England Civic Trusts’ Heritage Skills Initiative after working with them on ‘Climbing Great Buildings’, shown on BBC2 earlier this year.
After challenging himself to climb the ten greatest buildings in the UK, Dr Jonathan Foyle is delighted to advocate the Heritage Skills Initiative who have provided over 50,000 hours of practical heritage skills training across the North.

He explained: “We all know it’s important to look after our irreplaceable traditional buildings but today the skills are quickly disappearing.  The Heritage Skills Initiative is the country’s leading provider of informal skills training for historic buildings.  They do it in the best way by involving everyone who wants to have a go and learn more.   They’re effective because they are enthusiastic and really committed to raising the profile and ensuring heritage skills training opportunities are available.  That’s why I’m delighted to join them and give my time.  I feel privileged to be their patron.”

Andie Harris, Learning and Skills Manager at the North of England Civic Trust said: “We are thrilled to have Jonathan as our patron and are hoping to work with him to encourage the growth of heritage skills training and the awareness of traditional methods and materials, both regionally and nationally.”

The Heritage Skills Initiative, now in...