It was really good to meet staff and participants in the Heritage Skills Initiative when I gave a lecture on Dendrochronology for them in Newcastle last night (7th Dec). A really diverse range of people are involved in this excellent programme. HSI seeks to address the shortage of heritage skills required to restore and maintain the historic environment by identifying gaps and providing training opportunities. HSI is hosted by the North East Civic Trust, with programmes in both the NE and the NW of England, and has been funded by HLF and English Heritage. Many events are free. More info at their web page www.nect.org.uk/heritage-skills-initiative