With uncharacteristically bright skies, the first UK based test day of the year got underway at the DSWA National Training Site near Kendal on Friday 21st March. With a mixture of Level 1’s and 2 candidates, we also welcomed back to site Hristo Totsev who had travelled from Bulgaria for his Master Craftsman timed test.
March 2025 test day candidates
The Master Craftsman certification is an elite, globally recognised title, awarded only to those who meet the highest standards in dry stone walling. Having previously travelled to the UK in September 2024 to build his required features—a stile, pillar, and a sloped wall on a gradient of at least 30 degrees—Hristo had successfully passed those elements. Now, he faced his final and toughest challenge: constructing a square corner within 5 square metres of wall within 7.5 hours, and to the exacting standards set by DSWA Assessors.
Under the watchful eyes of Assessors Peter Isherwood and Andrew Loudon, DSWA’s Head Assessor, Hristo worked tirelessly, determined to meet the challenge. After an anxious wait whilst Assessors inspected the completed piece, Hristo was able to breathe a sigh of relief with the announcement he had passed, earning himself the prestigious Master Craftsman accolade.
Reflecting on his achievement, Hristo shared “For me the Master Craftsman certification holds a deep meaning – it’s like the beginning of a new path, full of opportunities to explore and grow. This title is a recognition of all the years of hard work and dedication I’ve put into mastering the craft – despite living in Bulgaria where dry stone walling is a vanishing tradition”
“I am deeply grateful to all the UK, American, Canadian and Japanese wallers who supported me and helped me with valuable advice. Above all, I thank the Noble family (Noble Stonework), who stood by me during the most challenging times”.
After such an achievement, Hristo is already looking ahead, “I must continue to grow and strive for even greater skill. This gives me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing forward. My main goal is to help revive the tradition of dry stone walling in my country. There are so many benefits to this craft. The beauty and satisfaction of working with stone is something truly special – and deeply inspiring”.
Hristo Totsev, DSWA Master Craftsman
With his passion and dedication, Hristo is not just preserving a tradition but helping shape its future and I am sure, as with all here at the DSWA you will join us in wishing him all the best on his next venture.