Curved wall by Menno Braam

While I was in Canada I met up with an old fried Menno. He showed me these photos of a recent wall he built in a small area of garden. The radius of the curve is only 6 feet . He used the same centre for the edge of the steps. The final height was 3 feet. Menno is well know for his neatness and this wall is a fine example of highly skilled workmanship.

Have a look at his website http://www.whistlingdwarfstonework.com/

More from Scotts's Garden

This nearly herring bone wall is quite striking. In one corner is the gargoyle collected but not carved by him. What a great few days I had very interesting time and good food. Thanks a million Scott and thanks to Dawn as well for her contribution.

Scott's Goats

Scott George also has a large garden with many animals as well as stone features. Here one of his herd of goats takes a good look at  the visitors from a rather unusual viewpoint. Meanwhile the goats are not to be seen taking advantage of the goat shelter. No doubt they love it in the winter. Next one on the 16th to see a gargoyle, a hen and nearly a herring bone.

Funky Features

Scott George is a fireman by occupation but he just loves building without mortar. I visited him in Rochester USA and took several photos of his work. Over the next few entries I intend to share my delight with others. Long may he experiment with rock on rock. See 12th Nov.

Canadian Festival Crowning Glory

The outstanding feature of the four days was the dry stone Bridge. Overseen by Rocktober coordinator John Shaw-Rimmington, the workforce managed to produce this feature in a beautiful setting which had the appearance of having been there for centuries. With a pitched walkway and curved Cedar handrails I am told that this bridge was only the second one built in a public place in Canada for a hundred years. It has a charm which seemed to enchant  those who crowded round to watch the final removal of the wooden support from underneath the arch. I believe that everyone involved with the construction should feel very proud.
http://www.dswac.ca/

Young folks activity and a Gothic arch at the Festival

The children were not forgotten. A huge pile of firewood was provided for the kids to try their hand at building with a material lighter than rock. Eric Landman did a great job organising the youngsters in creating this fascinating spiral in wood.

Another interesting event  was this arch created at the beginning of one of the forest tracks in the Park. Daughter of the festival organiser John Shaw-Rimmington was delighted to show the strenght and safety of this dry stone feature. While all thes activities were happening tests for certification with DSWA  in the UK were being carried out at initial and intermediate level. The rock for all the events, training courses, tests, the arch, and the bridge mostly came from stone that had been kept for just such a moment for 50 years! A large property on site had been burnt down and the owners realised the value of the stone. How sensible in this modern world when so much material which can be saved in still dumped and lost.

The next entry shows the highlight of this years Rocktober Fest (6th November). A wonderful bridge.

Fireplace at the Canadian Festival

Many interesting things were happening in Rockport. This fireplace was designed by John Scott and built by him, his students and several other helpers. It was a real centre of attraction. The fire burned well with a fine updraught.

More from the festival in 4 days time.To find out more details about this feature and about dry stone walling in Canada go to http://www.dswa.ca/

Rocktober Festival 2010

This years festival (the 7th) was held in Rockport in Ontario Canada. I was involved with one of the three training courses and mentioned that the traditional way to test a wall in Scotland was to run a wheelbarrow along the top. Kurt Wegner took up the challenge and here is the result . Thanks to Ryan Lemieux ( http://www.ryanlemieux/ ) for the black and white photo of the fine wall built by the students.Thanks to Medina,Stewart,Ray,Guy,Jim, to some others who lent a hand and especially to Kurt and his family encouraging his victory run.

The next few entries will show some of the wonderfully  varied events that took place during the four days. More on 29th September

Irish Clochan in USA

This magnificent building was completed in 5days under the guidance of Patrick McAfee and Bobby Watt. The finished project using 30 students was 13' wide, 12' tall and required 55 tons of  rock. For more information go to  http://www.borrowedground.com/  to read about Russ Beardsly who provided the photos and to http://www.stonefest.org/ for Marenakos that host the annual event.

The Kitchen Wall

This very interesting build was created by artist  Kate Gilman Brundett. The idea is to place everyday items in unusual settings to stir peoples imagination and artistic awareness. Part of the Cumbrian Arts festival. Brilliant.

To see more of Kates work go to http://www.kateb.co.uk/

Next entry on 21st October is a modern version of an ancient Irish clochan.