As part of the Fellfoot Forward Community Buildings Project, volunteers Tom Speight and Richard Johnstone share their experience of restoring the Watson Institute in Castle Carrock.

Built in 1897 as a reading room, the Watson Institute faces onto the village green and sits at the heart of the Castle Carrock community. During this online talk with images and short film clips, Tom and Richard will tell the story of the institute’s fascinating history and the journey they have been on, sharing respectively what they see as two key aspects of the project – community engagement and the physical restoration works.

They will touch on the challenges, highlight “top tips” for other community buildings, how they funded it and low carbon energy efficiency measures – like new heat pumps, double gazing, traditional lime pointing, LED lights, and underfloor insulation. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

This is an online event using the ZOOM platform. You will receive your link and information for logging on 24 hours before the event, therefore booking is essential. To book your place, use the link below or click here.