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Locksmiths Level Up: Skills, Friendship & Flames
Certified Locksmiths Training Weekend 2025
» THE ANNUAL LOCKFEST TRAINING weekend returned to Reading YMCA from 9-11 May 2025, bringing together 50 locksmiths from across the UK, and once again, the firepit wasn’ t the only thing burning; the passion for learning and preserving traditional skills was stronger than ever.
Organised by Certified Locksmiths & Security( CL & S), the weekend was a mix of hands-on training, camaraderie, and heartfelt reflection. With a growing community of both seasoned professionals and fresh faces, the event celebrated knowledge-sharing, heritage techniques, and the spirit of togetherness. Mark Santi, CL & S told us:
Old Skills, New Challenges
Friday kicked off with the locksmith tool repair workshop- an interactive session where attendees repaired picks and tools. Steve Underwood of Abbeygate Locksmiths led the way with advanced silver soldering techniques. To prove the quality of the work, Stuart Game of Eight Ball Engineering opened a seven-lever safe lock using the freshly repaired tool, a powerful moment that highlighted the skill level being shared.“ We’ re giving people the tools and knowledge of proper locksmiths,” said one attendee.“ This is more than lockpicking, it’ s craftsmanship.”
The evening was as warm in spirit as it was in temperature. Fish and chips were enjoyed around the campfire, and Andy Tristam’ s birthday was celebrated with lock-themed cakes baked by Jon Drake of Elite Safe and Vault.
Later, a poignant moment unfolded as a commemorative plaque, styled as“ a board with keys”, was unveiled in memory of absent friends to known as“ lost Keys”. Jon Drake and Simon Mason-Newman led heartfelt tributes to the late Dave Dufty, Ray Martin, and Tim Russell, all respected locksmiths who had recently passed. With a glass of port or whisky in hand, attendees raised a toast to each of them, one by one.
The mood lightened as Mark Grainger( ALS Lock Tools) and Stuart Game showcased their DJ skills.“ We don’ t recommend Stuart gives up his day job,” laughed one locksmith,“ but we’ d still listen again!”
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JUNE 2025
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