The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has a number of specialist courses planned for this year kicking off on 5 & 6 April with one in Warwick under the name of \'Traditional Building Skills\'.

Topics covered include lime mortars and masonry repairs, although brick and metalwork will also be discussed. Price is £125.

On 4 May they have an \'Introduction to historic paint technology\' in Bristol for £60. On 14-19 May and 1-6 October, \'Repair of old buildings\' courses will be run in London at £550. Masonry, lime mortars and plastic repairs are among a wide range of subjects covered and two days of each course will be spent looking at current projects. This is SPAB\'s original course for conservation professionals and it is now in its 50th year.

On 8 & 9 June in Northampton, \'Earth Buildings\' will be the subject of discussion. This course costs £95.

For details call: