Reeth ‘Wallathon’ 19th & 20th October 2019

Linda Clarkson, DSWA Training & Education Coordinator writes:

The Reeth ‘Wallathon’ was a tremendous success, with wallers coming from as far afield as Dorset and West of Scotland. We even had 2 wallers from Japan. In total, over 100 wallers took part over the 2 days and achieved the restoration of a mammoth 225 metres. There is still plenty of walls that need to be restored after the devastating floods in July but it is hoped that the walls rebuilt this weekend will help the farmers manage their land over the winter. We are planning a further ‘Wallathon’ in the Reeth area next Spring where we can again help to rebuild more of the 3,500 metres of dry stone wall destroyed in the floods.

The ‘Wallathon’ was truly a cooperative effort with The Princes Countryside Fund working alongside The Dry Stone Walling Association who were, in turn, liaising closely with local farmers to make the ‘Wallathon’ possible. This communal effort was carried forward to the ‘Wallathon’ weekend where everyone pulled together to make the event a great success.

Peter Isherwood is a Master Craftsman waller who came along to the ‘Wallathon’ because he believes it is so important that communities work together to help each other in times of crisis. He offered this quote:

“It’s great to see so many wallers from all different parts of the country coming here to help the farming community in Reeth. The passion and enthusiasm for dry stone walling is what brings us together. There’s been a great team spirit this weekend and a willingness to work together to get the job done.”