Training Courses

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Dry stone walling courseThe Guild runs 2 day non-residential courses, taught by the Guild's approved instructors.

The main purpose of the course is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to build a modest wall as a first project. We hope you will enjoy both the course and membership of the Guild that comes with it, and later on appreciate the quiet satisfaction that comes from building and repairing structures that will remain as enduring monuments to your abilities.

Following a brief introduction and necessary safety related instructions, the rest of the course is ‘hands-on’ instruction - lifting and manual labour is involved, but you will not be expected to exceed your abilities.

You will work in two groups of four with an Instructor to each group, building foundations and then going on to build a section of dry stone wall. If you have a handicap or medical condition, which might be of concern to you, please make it known beforehand, in private if you prefer, to your instructor.

Above all, we hope you will enjoy learning an old craft skill, and feel confident enough afterwards to go out and apply this knowledge to walls elsewhere. There is no shortage of material to practice on!

2009 course information

The course fee is £100.00 and includes goodies worth over £20.00:

  • a copy of the BTCV Handbook on Dry Stone Walling
  • an attendance certificate
  • a year's membership to the Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild (valid till 1st April 2010)

Accommodation

For B&B accommodation in the Thirsk area, we recommend Linden Tree - click here for more details

For B&B accommodation in the Ripon area, please contact us.

Whilst the Guild is happy to assist in finding you accommodation for your course, you are responsible for making your own bookings.

Insurance

The Guild has Public Liability insurance covering instructors and students. Students are welcome to arrange their own cover if they wish.

Equipment required

Tools, equipment and eye protection will be provided but students will need to bring:

  • Clothing for all weathers
  • Sun cream/hat
  • Stout boots - steel toe boots are recommended
  • Work gloves (such as riggers or PVC dipped - the latter work well when handling wet or dry stone
  • Lunch and plenty refreshments, particularly in hot weather

Courses start at 9.00am and finish around 4.00pm. Toilets are available. There is limited mobile coverage at National Trust Fountains Abbey and so we recommend mobile devices are left in your vehicle.

Please note: instructors reserve the right to refuse students with inadequate footwear. Gloves are strongly recommended as your hands will get very sore without them.

Course Schedule

The course schedule can be found on the Events page. Further details about our training courses are available upon request

Places are limited and will only be reserved upon receipt of full payment. You can pay for your Training Courses by cheque, or online with your PayPal account or credit/debit card with ePayments. For details on payment methods please see the ePayments homepage.

Gift Certificates

Specimen gift certificateWhy not treat someone special to a different sort of birthday or celebration present, with one of our Walling Training Course Gift Certificate?

They cost £100.00 each and are valid for one season. All the recipient has to do is choose which course dates are convenient and contact us to book the place. Joining instructions, with a local guidance map, will be posted to them in good time ahead of the course.

Further details about Gift Certificates are available upon request

You can purchase gift certificates online with your PayPal account or credit/debit card with ePayments

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