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Traditional Skills You Can Use on Monday Morning
Saturday morning got practical and fast. Steve and Stuart ran sessions on safe servicing and converting mechanical locks to digital combination locks, plus moving heavy safes using rollers and ramps- critical knowledge for professionals dealing with tricky sites and obstacles, and to avoid damaging the van getting it in.
In the afternoon, Paul Barham( Bargate Masterlocksmiths) introduced key casting using old brass. Participants crafted heritage-style bridge warded keys by hand, a rare skill ideal for jobs in National Trust buildings and places of worship. At least two locksmiths landed new jobs as a direct result of what they learned that day, with several more now confident to offer legacy lock services using Paul’ s expertise.
The evening featured a BBQ( including Halal options), cold drinks, and a lively locksmithing quiz hosted by
Mark Ward( Bump Keys 4U). The quiz winner will be announced soon, but the real prize was all the laughter and learning around the campfire.
Round Robin: Learn, Do, Repeat Sunday morning was split into 30-minute rotating workshops with smaller groups for more personalised teaching:
• Farid Jiwa from Keyprint covered auto locksmithing and car locks
• Paul Barham continued his key casting tutorial
• Mark Ward taught attendees to make their own bump keys by hand
The format ensured everyone could get hands-on and consolidate the weekend’ s lessons. Some attendees managed to cast their first key! Such an impressive achievement for a single weekend.
Reflections & Next LockFest( s)
From Northumberland to West Wales, locksmiths travelled far and wide, and once again, sunshine graced the event for the second year running. A full mix of locksmiths attended, including many returning from last year. The atmosphere remained inclusive and collaborative throughout. Andy Tristam summed it up best:“ I was expecting a bit of an anticlimax after how good last year was … but it somehow topped it. Count me in for next year!” Save the Date: 8-10 May 2026 Reading YMCA, LockFest 2026 Plans are also underway for a LockFest North event in September / October. If you have a suggested venue, get in touch.
Join the Certified Locksmith Movement
Certified Locksmiths & Security is now open to new members. You will need is a DBS check and two endorsements from trusted locksmiths or security professionals. Check out the fun animated explainer video( https:// www. youtube. com / watch? v = G _ h-k8TdJyo) featuring‘ Luke Smith’ our virtual locksmith helping raise public awareness of the scheme. Our aim? For customers to ask to see your locksmith licence.
As always, the training reflects real-world needs:“ We face the same issues our members do, because we’ re locksmiths too.”
To find out more, join the mailing list, or get involved: info @ certifiedlocksmithsandsecurity. co. uk www. certifiedlocksmithsandsecurity. co. uk
JUNE 2025
13 locksmithjournal. co. uk