International Congress 2010

The Dry Stone Walling Association is pleased to be hosting the 2010 International Dry Stone Walling Congress, taking place on 4-6 September 2010 at the University of Cumbria campus at Ambleside.  This is the first time this biennial event has been held in the UK.  Details of the event will be added to this page as they develop.  The following website gives a flavour of the last event, which was held in southern Italy in 2008, www.pierreseche-international.org

 Please find below the registration forms and call for papers for the congress.  If you wish to submit a paper for consideration by the committee, a summary must be submitted by the end of February 2010.  Successful applicants will be notified in May.  If you wish to attend the congress, you should complete and return the booking form by the end of July at the latest.  There is also an accommodation booking form, which gives details of special rates available on the campus site, which is available exclusively to the congress up to the end of May.  Accommodation on site cannot be guaranteed after that date and will be subject to availability.  All documents are in English and French.  An information sheet and membership application form for SPS is also available.  The congress will commence at 8.45am on Saturday 4 September.  Registration will be available on Friday afternoon from 3pm and from 8am on Saturday.

As at the end of April more than 30 papers have been received and we are now working on drawing up the programme of speakers.  Papers have been received from wallers in France, Italy, Spain, America, Australia, Greece – and of course from all parts of the UK.

In addition to the formal programme of talks, displays and visits, Bob and Joyce Bond from Cumbria branch are taking the lead in organising a number of ‘fringe’ events. Plans being considered include setting up a local information board to direct visitors to local places of interest as well short, guided walks around Ambleside, possibly visiting a local tearoom or hostelry!

Why not consider extending your visit to the UK either before or after the congress.  Several events of interest are being offered by our local branches and other groups, including 

* A series of quarry based talks in North Wales, including a two day course in building clawdd   walls, stone faced earth banks with vertically set stone (7-8 September)

* Derbyshire branch is hoping to join forces with College of the Peak/Derbyshire Eco Centre to run a series of events.

* The National Trust /Fix the Fells is offering a walling holiday at its High Wray basecamp – free accommodation in return for doing some walling, commencing Tuesday 7 Septem! You can also stay at the basecamp during the Congress for £10 per night, self catered. Further information and booking form:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ntweb/workingholidays/BookingForm.aspx?HolidayCode=10NT199&scrollToTop=1

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would llike further information, email congress@btinternet.com

This project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.  http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/index_en.htm