Topping toppers

Unaccustomed early arrival for Barry was rewarded by fine view of the resident sparrowhawk on the hedge on Hell Wath Lane, and a second sparrowhawk which took off from its perch on the top of the barn a bit further along. Catriona, Graham and Rod joined him at the wall and lined out the day's stint. Tantalising glimpses of blue above the mist promised some sunny weather, and birdsong too spoke of a fine day, but hazy sunshine was all too brief as the clouds moved in. The benign meteorological conditions contrasted with mild irritation among the group as we scavenged for suitable stone and inadvertently created a plentiful supply of fill while attempting to fashion the fragile material. Good humour was restored by a satisfying completion of the days work with conforming top stones.

The wall in the morning

The wall at the end of the day

The end of the day

The end of the day 

Barry S.

No. of wallers: 4

Grid ref: SE 29558 67806

Full Team Turnout

Despite the weather forecast saying we might get some rain, it did not deter Barry, Catriona, Chris, Graham, Matthew, Paul, Roderick, Richard and Tony from reporting for duty.

During the morning we received a visit from Lady Deirdre Curteis to thank the team for the work on rebuilding the Park Pale.

Progress just before lunch

Who covered Oscar up ?

Progress by mid-afternon

At close of play

Tony H

No of wallers: 9

Walling with Werthers

Setting off from home in the rain with optimism for an improving forecast, simultaneous arrival at Markenfield for Matthew & Barry did indeed demonstrate the faith in the Met. Office as the precipitation ceased and allowed a glimpse of blue sky above the Hall. The stream adjacent to our wall was in good flow but ground conditions on site were good. Paul soon joined us and he and Matthew chose to build on the foundations while Barry added a course to the adjoining stint.

All three of us then maximised the availability of large stones to raise the northern section, finishing the day with a satisfying tie-in to the old wall and a useful gain in height.

A productive day working in calm and misty conditions, our work admired by two sets of walkers (one lady rewarding us with Werthers Originals), and sunshine at last for the walk back to the cars

Photo's from the end of the day

Barry S.

No. of wallers: 3

Grid ref: SE 29558 67806