Three craftsmen, who have played a key role in the multi-million pound restoration of the top of Durham Cathedral’s 200-foot high central tower, have been sworn in as freemen of the city.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
The trio, stonemasons Steven Mann, Nigel Mawson and joiner Anthony Swallow, who all live on the outskirts of the city, were among seven newcomers admitted to the centuries-old craft guilds at a ceremony in the town hall.
Left to right- Anthony Swallow, Steven Mann and Nigel Mawson
©Chapter of Durham Cathedral
©Chapter of Durham Cathedral
During the past three years a team of specialist cathedral workmen have been labouring on renewing the heavily weathered stone and woodwork of the tower’s eight-foot upper parapet and the belfry below.
The project, the first phase of renovation work, embracing both the Victorian and 15th century sections of the tower, is due to be completed next month with additional lead work scheduled to be completed next year. The structure undergoing the face-lift has been blanketed in striking high visibility white cladding for more than two years.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
For 51-year-old Steven, who hails from Essex, the work has been the culmination of a life-changing decade which started when he first came to the north east to start on a painting contract in Gateshead.
It was during a day trip to Durham he had a chance meeting with supervising staff at the cathedral and asked about the prospect of work. He was offered a job as a stonemason’s labourer and went on to become the oldest apprenticeship mason in the region. He has since been awarded a foundation degree in stonemasonry and is currently a sub-foreman on the masonry team.
“I was overwhelmed when I first saw the cathedral. Since then I have worked very hard to get where I am and feel very fortunate to be involved with this beautiful World Heritage Site, working with a team of outstanding craftsmen,” said Steve.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
His colleague Nigel, who started as a 16-year-old apprentice mason 40 years ago, hopes the result of their labours will last 200 years.
“Some of the work we have required to produce has been quite intricate, a lot different to what we might routinely be asked to do. But it has been brilliant and I have loved every minute.
“It has given me a great deal of job satisfaction and a finished showpiece I am really proud to have contributed to,” said father-of-two Nigel.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
Forty-six-year-old Anthony, one of two joiners within the restoration team has worked at the cathedral for 29 years.
One of the tasks testing his skills has been the creation of a protective climate within the lofty superstructure which takes a constant battering from the elements. Rot- resistant wood, specially treated with vinegar, is being used to replace crumbling oak. To extend the life of the installation perforated plastic sheets, reinforced with stainless steel mesh, are being added to act as “gale breakers,” offering further longevity to the repair operation.
“Working on the cathedral and its associated estate is a constantly varying challenge. I have also been involved in roof repair on the monk’s dormitory, the refectory library and deanery,” said Anthony, who was married in the cathedral.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
Another newcomer to the Joiners’ Company is Ian Peverall, assistant workshop manager with the County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade.
The 36-year-old oversees the work of the brigade’s team responsible for the upkeep of more than two dozen fire engines, eighty other cars and vans, as well as a string of specialist fire-fighting appliances.
After leaving school he started his working career with the brigade as an apprentice coach builder and lives in a former mining village with his wife Emma, a deputy head teacher, and their two children.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
Electrician John Bregazzi’s trip to the town hall was something of a return “home.” The 63-year-old grandfather served most of his apprenticeship with the former Brandon and Byshottles District Council before switching to Durham City Council when local government was re-organised in 1974.
He climbed the promotional ladder and was the council’s maintenance manager, overseeing a £13million annual budget, 18,000 council houses and a team of 136 employees, when he took early retirement 12 years ago.
“Attending council meetings was part of my work and one of the jobs I was involved in was supervising the re-roofing of the town hall,” he said.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
Plumber John Walker was apprenticed to former city mayor, Councillor Fred Dennison, and spent more than 30 years with his company. In the late 1990s he left to work as an independent operator, a path he followed until he retired a year ago on reaching his 65thbirthday.
John, married with twin sons and two grandsons devotes much of his time to his family but in his remaining spare time he helps a friend with work on a nearby farm.
© Image by Geoff Kitson Durham City Freeman
When Tony Bulmer was installed into the Plumbers’ Company he reinforced family links stretching back to the mid-19thcentury.
Tony, who is in his 80s and worked at Thorns’ electrical factory at Spennymoor until he retired, joins brothers Michael, who was admitted last February, and Eric, who is chairman of the wardens. The brothers’ ties go back to their great, great grandfather who became a freeman in 1851.
