Student Wall

Student Wall
The Northumberland Dry Stone Wall Festival October 6 - 8, 2007
A group of eighteen students, led by Master Waller Jo Hodgson, began their task of building a 50 foot straight wall. They learned techniques of batter, hearting, through stones and proper placement -- techniques that make the difference between a wall that will last 100 years and one that will fall down over the winter! The weather threw a unexpected curveball: three separate lightning and thunder storms on Saturday forced a few breaks but the almost constant rain was no match for this crew -- nothing could stop their progress and several eagerly returned the following two days to continue the work. The wall is unfinished but we are excited to be able to entertain the next group of students sometime in the future.
Day 1 - Saturday Thunder, lightning and much rain failed to dampen any spirits! Click on any image for full size:
The students listen intently as Jo Hodgson begins Lesson 1



Jo explains how to get started	The angle of the supports for the string lines ensures the correct "batter"...

	Laying the stones out in various categories simplifies future selection











Day 2 - Sunday Many students returned the following day to eagerly continue the work Click on any image for full size:








Day 3 - Monday We are very impressed with the quality work in this Student Wall. These folks are ready to do some Serious Walling! Click on any image for full size:


	Unexpectedly severe weather slowed progress and the wall is unfinished but we are excited to be able to entertain (and feed!) the next group of students in the future.