09 February 2022
CWGC introduces live-stream training
Given the ongoing uncertainty over travel restrictions, the CWGC have been working hard to implement new ways of training our staff around the world. With more than 23,000 sites globally it is almost impossible to get all our team members in one place to deliver training. And as we look to operate more sustainably as an organisation, the use of technology to bring us together – if only virtually, was something to explore.
Re-bronzing training on a cold UK morning...
To a warm Indian afternoon.
Over the last two years we have been getting used to the ‘new normal’, with video calling playing a bigger role in keeping us connected. Our Conservation Training Advisor, Sigourney Lee, developed this further when the need arose to train our Works teams on the new approach to maintaining our bronze plaques.
Across our global Historic Estate there are countries such as India, Myanmar, and Japan, where graves have been marked with pedestals topped with a bronze plaque, instead of a headstone. These markers require re-bronzing from time to time to conserve this historic fabric and retain their heritage value.
Although bronze is highly resistant to corrosion, due to its surface layer (its natural patina) stabilising the metal, they still require a protective coating to stop weather related wear. Unfortunately, in the past, lacquers and paints have been used which are not only damaging to the bronze, but they often have a negative impact on the environment.
Bronze plaque before re-bronzing.
To sustainably care for these bronze plaques, we are beginning a renovation programme; the existing coatings will be completely removed – exposing the bare bronze, and then a specialised conservation wax will be applied. This method is the traditional way that bronze was maintained so it will be much better for the longevity of the bronze and will also aid us in the reduction of chemicals in use throughout our global operations.
The finished plaque.
Gauhati War Cemetery, India, is the first of our sites to undertake this renovation work. To support our Works team over there, we arranged a live-stream training session at the end of January with our UK Chargehand Stonemason, Alastair Goodall based at Brookwood Military Cemetery. This set-up virtually brought us together and allowed our team in Guwahati to watch the step-by-step process and have a go themselves.
A new normal
The live-stream training was a great success, providing our teams with the opportunity to discuss any challenges that they may face on the ground. The most immediate of which were the differences in climate, with our UK team bundled up against the cold on a frosty morning, whilst our team in India watched on during a sunny afternoon, accompanied by some cheeky visitors to the Cemetery.
The team in Gauhati War Cemetery are now undertaking this renovation programme on the 486 Second World War casualties commemorated there by bronze plaque. Whilst the finish may look a little different, do be assured that this new approach will sustainably conserve our bronze plaques for many years to come.
On the back of the success of this training session, we plan to roll out this renovation programme to our Works staff in Thailand soon. Perhaps there has been a silver lining to COVID and the way in which we have adapted to our ‘new normal’.
The livestream attracted additional interest...