Author: Helen Lewis

The Stafford Show

The Stafford Show never disappoints, and this year was no exception for the Derbyshire Branch. I was fortunate to be supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers whose knowledge, dedication, and hard work made my role incredibly easy. Jason Wilton joined us to offer advice and support to the team. We try not to encourage… Read more »

Chipping Steam Fair 2026

Having secured our show space early, the Mid-Lancs Branch wanted to create a feature that would not only attract interest from showgoers but also withstand the attentions of the field’s year-round residents – the sheep. The construction of a stone bench incorporating a feature within the backrest, possibly including a vintage wheel and Indian stone… Read more »

Modernising DSWA Meetings to Boost Member Participation

DSWA members are spread across the UK, and attending Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in person can be difficult for many. This limits participation and delays key decisions – not due to a lack of support, but simply because attending in person isn’t always feasible. Many organisations have addressed this challenge by introducing virtual or hybrid… Read more »

Friends of the Lake District’s annual Dry Stone Walling Competition

Friends of the Lake District’s annual Dry Stone Walling Competition takes place on Saturday 30th May, 9am to 3:30pm at Barkin House Farm, Gatebeck, Kendal, LA8 0HX. Entry is FREE for spectators and wallers alike. Cash prizes and catering for competitors provided. The competition will start at 9am and finish at 3.30pm.  All competitors must arrive… Read more »

DSWA Summer Fete & Weekend Social – A Celebration of Craft

Following the success of last year’s event the DSWA Summer Fete will be hosted by the Derbyshire Branch on 13th & 14th June at The Nightingale Centre, Great Hucklow, raising awareness for our craft and Prostate Cancer. All members, family and friends are invited to enjoy a fun packed weekend of entertainment, activities, competitions, craft displays, and delicious… Read more »

DRY STONE WALLING AND THE UK LIVING HERITAGE INVENTORY

The UK is in the process of compiling an Inventory of National Living Heritage and there is more detail at the end of this post. The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) are engaged in this process to include the craft of Dry Stone Walling as our living heritage and join an international… Read more »

DRY STONE WALLING: The Anthology

An illustrated, international collection of poems and prose celebrating the craft of dry stone walling. The Next Big Step for the Anthology DSWA Member Terry McCormick, has been working hard on this project which is now complete and ready to move forward. All that is needed is the funding to make this into a book… Read more »

Massive Thank You to The Ernest Cook Trust

Over the past year, the Ernest Cook Trust has opened doors and created life-changing opportunities for our apprentices and we want to celebrate their incredible journeys. Kaden Lindersey shares:“Since coming out of prison at 21, I struggled to find a job or fit back into a social environment. Then I was offered an apprenticeship through… Read more »

DSWA Members Event at NT Threave Nature Reserve

Dry Stone Walling Weekend in SW Scotland The SW Scotland Branch is delighted to invite DSWA members to a special weekend event at the stunning NT Threave Nature Reserve near Castle Douglas, on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July 2025. Join us for two days of hands-on walling, shared learning, and community spirit in one… Read more »