HNC Construction students from Gloucestershire College joined Nicks Timber Customers and Industry representatives for the latest TTF TimberWorks visit on Friday 4 October.
Starting at the National Trust Coleshill & Buscott estate in Oxfordshire, contractors Snape Construction explained the needs and workings of an historic barn restoration project. Nicks Timber’s Managing Director Phil McCormick illustrated the detailed knowledge, sourcing and production co-ordination services they provided, facilitating the reproduction of Elm trusses in the roof, and kiln dried Elm for the internal walls and floors. Simon Hull, the company’s Trade Centre Manager, also gave an overview of the project from tree to finished product. The group then moved on to Nicks Timber’s timber mill at Canada Wharf in Gloucester, giving the students an introduction to the different types of timber appropriate to various end uses. Neighbouring firm Griggs Timber, specialists in timber frame engineering, then showed visitors the essentials of timber truss manufacture and engineered floor joists, to round off the learning opportunity.
“Enthusing the next generation with a passion for timber and wood products is vital to the continuity of our industry,” says Phil. “Bringing students face to face with the realities and opportunities of building with wood, and its central place in sustainable construction, can only be of benefit to the industry and to the planet.”
TTF Managing Director David Hopkins adds: “TimberWorks visits such as these establish a valuable physical and mental connection to timber, from touching and feeling the products to understanding their quality and their positive impact on climate change.” Further TTF TimberWorks visits are planned in the coming months.
