THE traditional skills of a local dry stone walling group are in demand up and down the country as well as in the nearby area.
The Lancashire Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) recently responded to an appeal for help from their patron the Prince of Wales following devastating floods in Swaledale.
The storms washed away bridges and dry stone walls so members of the branch headed 100 miles north to Reeth to help wallers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park (YDNP) carry out the repair work.
Paul Clayton met up with Dick Laidler to rebuild some of the dry stone walls that had been washed away above the Red Lion Pub, Langthwaite.
Paul explained: “The two-day Wallathon was organised by YDNP and the local Parish Council to rebuild the walls along an access road for 10 properties, one of which had been cut off for five days.
“About 30 people attended each day to apply their skills to rebuild 5ft high walls that had been completely washed away in a tsunami that raced down the valley.
“As well as flooding, local farmers have been faced with livestock being washed away and boundary walls destroyed completely.
“The Wallathon was a complete success and the planned 45m was almost doubled. We completed our 8m section in one day, unable to stay the whole weekend.”
Meanwhile closer to home, the branch rebuilt 20m of derelict wall to the rear of Denshaw Church in September during a training course.
Warden Mike Billing organised the event with the help of DSWA to train 14 local people the craft of dry stone walling as part of social involvement in the community.
The Church opened its doors for two days and kept the wallers replenished with hot brews and delicious cakes.
Paul Stevenson, DWSA member, commented: “This was the best training session for miles – plenty of good stone, packing and toppers, excellent venue, fantastic hospitality and cake!”
The branch takes no payment for work other than donations to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and is entirely self-financing through course fees and donations. They are always looking for new venues with social involvement.
More details about the branch and their training courses or sessions can be found online at www.lancashirebranchdswa.org.uk or call secretary Paul Clayton on 07733 103 500 or email lancashire.dswa@btinternet.com
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