Field Wall Repairs at South Mains Farm - 25th & 26th September

Apart from helping to set up the site at Merryhill, this was only the 3rd members’ event of the season. Instead the committee have focused on ensuring that the training needs of at least some of the 100+ people who have shown interest in the art of dry stone walling were met. With four training courses ‘under our belt’ it was time to run a few members’ only events.

Stuart, Neil and Sue lay the foundation stones on Saturday.

In a normal year members would have practiced alongside trainees, but Covid restrictions meant this was not possible. With restrictions easing, the final four weeks of the season have seen members’ days at South Mains, Burmieston, Blackruthven and Rosyth.

South Mains was a full weekend event attended by a few ‘old’ members as well as three new ones. New members included Neil who joined in 2019 after a training course at South Mains and Elaine and Mike, who have been on training courses this season. It’s great to have them on board and we hope to see them at future events.

Kate and Stuart consult on the right stone to use.

The task in hand was to build a further section of the wall which the August trainees had started and the September ones had continued. Large tree roots had impeded the progress of the latter group and in spite of Malcolm’s valiant efforts (see previous news report) building was not possible. In the week between the 2nd training course and the members’ day Daan had cleared the site of the offending roots so building could begin!

Building and chatting along the wall.

Although numbers were smaller on the Saturday good progress was made. A larger contingent continued the section on the Sunday. Stuart supervised throughout and was ably assisted by Gregor on the Sunday. Jokes were of course in full flow!

Also on the Sunday, it was good to see Stewart Hutt, who was previously very involved in branch training, visit along with his wife Lesley. We hope that Stewart will be able to join us again soon.

The weather was excellent and we were able to enjoy Kirsty and Daan’s hospitality outdoors. Well done to them for catering over two consecutive weekends.

Elaine and Stuart make progress with the coping.

Nearly there!

All smiles from Stuart, Kate, Gregor, MIke, Elaine and Neil.