From Apprentice to Building Services Manager

Published : Mon 18th Dec

Joining the Trust in 1987 as a fresh-faced Apprentice Joiner, Gary has recently celebrated his 36th year with us. Based at Lanhydrock in Bodmin, he has enjoyed a variety of roles with heritage crafts and building maintenance. Reflecting on the brilliant projects he’s been involved in, Gary said ‘I’d struggle to pick just one favourite but I have always enjoyed doing various property refurbishments at Cotehele and Lanhydrock, especially working with the teams on site’. When asked about the most challenging project to date has been, Gary highlighted the work at Finch Foundry in Devon, where he has been involved in converting an old rundown property into a holiday cottage. During the 18 month project, he was able to work his way up from being ‘on the tools’ to Building Maintenance Supervisor.

During his extensive career with the Trust, he has seen many changes, but it always come’s back to conservation and protecting our heritage for future generations. Gary said “I enjoy my involvement with the apprenticeship scheme for Heritage Craft Skills, I am looking forward to watching our Specialist Craft teams grown and fresh talent being trained and nurtured to ensure these specialist skills don’t disappear.