2008 CONFERENCE AND GATHERING

Isle of Man
15-17 August

We cordially invite you to the Isle of Man for this year’s gathering. We have planned the three days with lots of opportunity to share information.

We will be staying in Douglas on the first day with a series of short lectures in the morning giving an introduction to the Island. After lunch we will go on visits including Peel Castle. In the evening we have a sponsored lecture by Bruce King followed by a social at the preserved steam Railway Station. Bruce founded both the Green Building Press and the Ecological Building Network in Sausalito, California, and should be able to offer a very different, but extremely well informed insight into the challenges of sustainability.

On Saturday we move venue to King William’s College, a multi-phase building dating from 1650 near Castletown, which is the old capital, both built in local limestone. The lectures will start with presentations on lime in new buildings, then lime renders, especially in a harsh marine environment, and the importance of lime in sustainable buildings. The afternoon will have more visits, including Castle Rushen in Castletown. The Baker Memorial Lecture, AGM and evening meal will be back at King William’s College, before a return to Douglas.

Early on Sunday we have a visit to Cregneash, our folk museum with a range of preserved Manx vernacular buildings, and then, back at King William’s, short presentations from Forum members of recent work, closing remarks and then more visits for those not in a hurry to leave after lunch.

CLick here for a more detailed programme.

The gathering is intended to be local, informal and friendly, and because the Isle of Man is such a well-developed holiday destination it offers real opportunities for a good time for those who would like to bring their families along too.

The island is surprisingly easy to get to by plane, and bargains are available by booking early. There is a fast ferry service from Liverpool taking 2½hr. The hotels are within easy walking distance from the port. Bikers may like to stay a few more days and catch the early practice for the Manx Grand Prix. Click here for travel and accommodation options.

The cost of the three-day conference is £195 with options for coming for individual days or the weekend. Download the booking form now! To pay on-line, click here; this will take you to a secure link to workwithus.org which will accept payments to the BLF by credit or debit card (sorry, not American Express or Diners). If you pay on-line you need not complete a booking form, just put the information we require in the 'message to charity' box.