Heritage Skills: Dry Stone Walling Taster Day

Hoping for a "dry" day on the wall at the Heathfield Caravan Park for the annual taster event with 10 participants. The NAWG team members in support were Barry, Graham, Paul, Richard H and Tony.  

The indoor presentation was held in the old Heathfield Smelt Mill now used as the sports hall and for indoor events at the caravan park. Following introductions by Liz Milner (AONB Discovery & Learning Project Officer) it was time for Kev Cale, to explain about the history and archaeology of dry stone walls in Nidderdale. 

 

After Kev finished his presentation at 11.30am, we moved the group to the wall and did the safety briefing. The group was then split between the four NAWG members. (Richard unfortunately had to retire to get treatment for a bee sting he suffered on his hand the day before).   We broke for lunch from 12.45 to 1.30pm back in the sports hall (many thanks to Leanne Fox for providing a superb buffet). 

Unfortunately, we had to curtail the afternoon walling session at 3.30pm due to the arrival of the slurry machine in the adjoining field (a different slant on a “taster” day). 

A quick retreat from the slurry fumes

A job well done

Before departing there was an opportunity back in the sports hall to hear more about the work of the walling group and hand out copies of the TCV leaflets “How To”” and “Why dry stone wall”.  At least three people expressed an interest in joining the walling group.

Thanks to Liz for the following pictures:

 

 

Tony