Dry Stone Walling Association Lancashire Branch reviews

James reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day course ran by the DWSA Lancashire branch and recommend it to anyone even vaguely interested in dry stone walling. The team of instructors are very knowledgeable in walling and are happy to it share with the group. They are genuinely interested in getting to know everyone and encouraged general chit-chat. You are shown how to deconstruct and rebuild the wall with clear diagrams and explanations of how to go about it. There is always an instructor at hand to go over anything along the way in case you get stuck - which everyone does at some point. Going into this as absolute beginner, I left knowing more about walling and the local history, and an appreciation for an often overlooked feature. Believe it or not, the best part was at the end when you step back with satisfaction, seeing your wall segment rebuilt. There's no way of avoiding it, the course is physical one. You are moving stone continuously throughout the two days, but that shouldn't put you off because regular breaks are encouraged."

Michael Brown reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"My son and I attended a brilliant weekend course in Diggle with the Lancashire Branch. Really good instruction on the theory and practice, and really well structured over the 2 days. It's really good fun and surprisingly addictive; you'll be amazed at how quickly the day passes and it was pretty common at break or lunch-time to find people still working 'looking for that one perfect sized piece of stone'. Definitely recommend."

Julie Russell reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Excellent two-day course giving a good mix of theory and practical with lots of advice thrown in by the enthusiastic team. Really nice to create a real wall, not one that will be taken down by the next cohort."

Brian Lodge reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"This was a great course and very professionally run by the DWSA, excellent Health & Safety and all Covid protocols observed. We all had a great time and were carefully guided through learning the skills of wall building in small teams with volunteer experts to keep us on the straight and narrow .The satisfaction of completing a stretch of dey stone wall that will probably last over 100 years is hard to capture in words .The organisation and instruction was first class and the venue of Ridge Farm at Diggle was fantastic .You do need to be reasonably fit as there is a lot of lifting and bending but well worth the effort .Highly recommended."

Pete Goddard reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"This course was excellent. The instructors and the volunteer members of the Lancashire DSWA,made for a relaxed,informative and good humoured couple of days. Well worth the money,recommend it to anyone."

Linda & Peter Bates reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"My wife and I joined the DSWA Course at Well-i-Hole Farm, Greenfield on 17 & 18/7/21 and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves - although exhausted at the end! The course was excellently organised and there were plenty of friendly and helpful experts - qualified trainers and other, equally enthusiastic, members of the Association, who came along for the love of creating what turned out to be, a "work of art", replacing a wall that had lasted possibly 200 years until finally failing to the ravages of time [or more likely, tourists!], with a new, beautiful wall from the original stones, which will - hopefully - last a further 200 years. Let us know if it doesn't!! If you would like to leave your mark [nicely!] on our wonderful countryside then try one of these excellent courses - we thoroughly recommend them!"

Dry Stone Walling Association Lancashire Branch responded:

"Peter & Linda It was a delight to be in your company for the two days of the course, being on the campsite was a godsend, with it being so hot, and you were able to build the wall in your own time at your own pace. the Farmer / Owner was delighted with the result, we shall be returning later in the year to carry out more repairs and hopefully next year we can attract more like minded campers that want to do something different whilst on a Caravanning break, in the unspoilt landscape of Saddleworth. keep in touch Paul Chairman of DSWA Trustee board"

Paul Nicholaides reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A very well organised and crafted course with passionate and capable people that share the joys and benefits of dry stone walling. I would highly recommend."

Dry Stone Walling Association Lancashire Branch responded:

"Paul thanks for your review, and so please that you have joined the DSWA, look forward to meeting up again soon, and we can both enjoy the craft of Dry Stone Walling Paul Chairman DSWA Trustee Board"

Julie and Elaine reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Booked on this course with slight trepidation but we need not have worried. Course was amazing and a truly inspiring learning experience. There was a real camaraderie and the course was taught in a way that was accessible to all. The course leaders and volunteers made sure we were guided and supported throughout and never made us feel less than one of the team. Good banter throughout eased the aches and pains - although we still have no clue about the correct strata when placing a stone. Hopefully we will learn as we are planning to join the society. Ultimately, it was a great course with good company in a beautiful setting. Very proud of the wall we built."

Tina reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I attended the 17th&18th August walling weekend at Ridge Farm, Diggle. All I can say is sign up and give it a go!! The weekend was amazing. The course instructors, and voluntary members, were awesome, super friendly and taught everyone well and without prejudice. I now fully intend to join as a member of the DSWA association and build on what I have learnt over this weekend. I am so proud of our wall!! Well done all who attended!!"

Elaine Berwick reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Having waited 18 months for the course having been snowed off when we were originally booked on, I finally did the beginners course at Ridge Farm Diggle on 17th / 18th August. Chris did a great job of teaching the basics of drystone walling to us trainees in a clear and entertaining way so that between us and the other branch members, including Paul, Gill and Val, we managed to pull down and re-build 71 feet of wall. Its tiring but the banter keeps you going and of course there is so much satisfaction in seeing the end result, knowing that it should stand for another 200 years. I would really recommend this course for the experience, the knowledge and a greater appreciation of the effort and skill that goes into building such an important part of our countryside."

Ian Clay reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I did the beginners course at Ridge Farm Diggle on 17th / 18th August. It was a fantastic two days and a very thorough introduction to the craft of drystone walling. The whole team of instructors (and members who called in during the two days) were the most enthusiastic, informative and friendly bunch, you could wish for and they brought out the best in we beginners! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend the course. A big thanks to Paul, Chris, Gill and the rest of the team."

Sarah Bradburn reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Hard work both physically & mentally (like a very taxing jigsaw puzzle!) however there is now a beautiful stretch of dry-stone wall above Stalybridge which I helped to construct. Thank you all for your patience, good humour & encouragement (Paul, you know who I'm referring to!)"

Trish Hill reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"What a great way to spend a weekend. The team and instructors were great - informative, helpful, entertaining and skilled wallers with lots of patience and encouragement for us beginners. They were welcoming and friendly from the beginning and throughout. It was a great way to get an insight into an ancient craft, and satisying to take part. Beautiful setting at Gorse Hall"

Maria Novelly reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I cannot recommend this course too much. It was fascinating and also quite comforting, building a real wall - actually accomplishing something - out in the fresh air and lovely countryside and to learn how these things are put together. We had an excellent tutor and other members of the DSWA group joined in, all very friendly and supportive of our novice efforts to find the right rock in the rock pile and find the right place for it in the wall. Thank you for a great weekend."

Richard Buchanan reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Great fun great banter Fantastic teaching Skill for life Thank you so much??"

Peter Lowther reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"For many years I have wanted an insight into the skills and knowledge required for stone walling. This course was absolutely brilliant for this. The instruction was clear and concise, making absolutely sure we all understood the basic principles, the need for suitable caution when working in close proximity with others and the various calculations needed to ensure the wall was proportioned to make it strong enough to last for many years. Our instructors and the support team of experienced stone wallers were excellent; always available to guide, advise and encourage. Whilst the course was quite physically demanding everybody worked within their own capabilities. Very proud of the end result, slept extremely well both nights and hope to be involved in the future in supporting the ever increasing demand for stone wallers."

Deborah reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I have wanted to try dry stone walling for a while. I booked the course with the Lancashire branch well in advance and was quite nervous leading up to the course in case it was too physical for me. I needn't have worried as the instructors ensured that everyone worked at their own pace and stressed the need to work as a team. I had a thoroughly enjoyable two days taking down the old wall and then building up the new wall from its foundations. It was so satisfying to see the finished product and knowing it will be standing for a long time to come. The instructors led us through step by step and worked alongside us to help where needed and to build our confidence. I would definitely recommend it to others and hope to be able to attend other courses in the future."

Andy Dickson reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A splendid course, with a real and lasting outcome. We transformed a higgledy-piggledy broken down wall into a magnificent adornment to the landscape. A highly recommended way to expend a weekend!"

Elaine Owen reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I was given this course as a Christmas present and I didn’t know what to expect - would I be the only woman on the course, would I be strong enough, confidence to go on the course on my own etc but rest assured everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly, there were three other women learning how to create a dry stone wall and two women experienced dry stone walkers to help you in anyway. The course it self was really informative, very safe, relaxed (go at your own speed) and we had great banter with the instructors and new friends. I am very proud of myself and the sense of achievement of being able to pull down a sad broken dry stone wall a rebuild to to its former glory. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone."

Angela Mann reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"What a satisfying way to spend the weekend. Felt like I was doing something worthwhile and totally enjoyed the process. All I thought about whilst I was there was building that wall. I shall be joining the DSWA, buying my own hammer and spending a day a month absorbed in my new hobby. The team were great and the teaching excellent."

James Ward reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A most enjoyable, entertaining and informative way to spend a week-end"

Bev and Lee Watson reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and rewarding weekend. The knowledge, expertise and passion shared by our instructors was truly invigorating. That much so, we have joined the DSWA and can't wait to embark on our next challenge. It was an absolute pleasure to spend the weekend learning skills that have been passed down through generations. Despite a brief encounter with the hailstone the sun shone through our team all weekend. Thank you to all the instructors for their patience, dedication and encouragement! We had a wonderful weekend. We're looking forward to our next meeting :) Many thanks Bev and Lee Watson"

Clive Winterburn reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I came on this course in an attempt to unlock how I go about re-building my stone walls at home. It became apparent that I had no idea what was involved...but over the two days and with the help of very informative instructors I learnt this is no easy fix. The detail that goes into the conservation of these walls (and what these walls do to protect the local wildlife) and the passion of the the instructors, made up my mind that I need to help make some contribution in the renovation of Dry Stone Walling in my local area. There were another eight guys n gals with me on the course and we all thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the heavens opening on the second day). I have now joined the Association and look forward to increasing my knowledge of this art over time. Many thanks to everyone involved."

Kathy E reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend in great company with excellent instruction. Every time I walk along this section of wall I will have the immense satisfaction in knowing that I helped to build it - I've already joined the Dry Stone Walling Association!"

Ian Ball reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"What an excellent two days covering how to build a wall from scratch. There was plenty of hands on instruction from people who are obviously passionate about the art of dry stone walling. If you're thinking about taking this course then stop right now and just do it, you won't be disappointed."