Frequently Asked Questions

Enquiries

We receive many questions by email or telephone about Bespoke Dry Stone Walling, Stone Cut to 0rder, Contracting and Bespoke Stone Masonry work.

We are pleased to answer questions regarding the products and services we offer. The advice given is always impartial and in good faith.

Below are the Current Notices & FAQ'S.

General Notices

1. Funding for Dry Stone Walling

There is a discounted, externally, privately funded scheme for Lancashire Farmers requiring dry stone walling. Walls must be on farmland and funding is for gapping and rebuilds up to 150m. Two applications per farm only. Please call or email to arrange a site visit. Scheme runs - 2009 to 2014. There has been a high number of applications of which all have been approved. All applications now taken.

NEW FUNDING.
Due to the huge success of our Lancashire Farmers Scheme (see 1. above), additional funding has been secured for a further 24 applications. The scheme will run 2010 to 2018. Please call or email to arrange a site visit. 16/16 applications approved. (8 remaining.)
Please note, the scheme is not funded through the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

2. Stone Plaques/ Inscriptions

Please could clients continue to place orders by October 31st for plaques/ signs in stone to avoid delay in receiving orders by Christmas. Thank You.

3. Dry Stone Waller Apprentiship Applications 2010

The gateway for this year round of funded college applications, for the two Dry Stone Waller Apprentiships within the company has now closed. Successful applicants who attended both interview and the four day stonework aptitude tests in the Peak District National Park will be contacted by post. Thank You to all who applied.

4. Lancashire Rose Engravings

Due to last years' high level of demand for our popular 'Lancashire Rose engraved in stone', orders for 2010 are currently being taken.

5. Bespoke, ornate dry stone gateway pillars

There is currently approximately six weeks waiting period for bespoke, ornate dry stone pillars. The next series of orders for this product will be taken from 25th October 2009. Apologies for the delay.

6. For Sale. Thin level bedded Yorkstone

Approximately 6 tonnes, high quality, ideal for interior dry stone walling or minature terrace dry stone walling. The stone is excess, following completion of interior, decorative dry stone walling. Enquiries by email please. SOLD

7. Availability of Millstones

A limited number of Millstones, constructed in Millstone Grit are now available to order.

8. For Sale. Hoghton Gritstone

Approximately 25 tonnes. Enquiries by email please. SOLD

9. Hoghton, Brindle and Surrounding Villages Scheme.

Rates for all stone work in Hoghton, Brindle and surrounding villages up to 3 miles radius, now carry an exclusive local area reduced labour rate/m. This exclusive rate is being offered in response to customer loyalty.. Enquiries by email or telephone please.

10. Vacancy Enquiries - Dry Stone Walling.

All applicants must meet the following essential criteria. Please note that we can only accept applications from highly experienced, qualified/ time served Dry Stone Wallers who must have an extensive portfolio of work, minimum five year full time work history, five referees (four from civil engineering Main Contractors and one from a private client), full driving licence (preferably with off-road certificate), CSCS health and safety registration, and card, recent enhanced CRB, Manual Handling and First Aid Certificates, minimum level 2 English, Mathematics, ECDL/ ITQ level 2. Willingnesss to travel/ live throughout the UK and overseas undertaking work is essential. Applicants must have a recognised form of ID and demonstrate eligibility to work in the UK. Application forms available when posts are advertised on this website, jobcentre plus or direct gov. Strictly no CVs, Strictly no Agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry stone walling and stonemasonry are ancient crafts and are thought to date back to the Neolithic period. Natural dry stone walls are synonymous with the British landscape and are highly valued, as part of Britain's Heritage.

The following links have been listed in response to a large number of general, frequently asked questions relating to the individual subject areas. In addition, we are pleased to continue to receive and answer specific questions about dry stone walling and stonemasonry issues, by email and telephone. Client confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Weather and Climate
Met Office
Five day Pressure Charts
Prestatyn Weather - live

Converters

Currency Converter
Measurement Conversion Calculator
Gravel Calculator

Dry Stone Walling
Dry Stone - General
Restoring Dry Stone Walls steps 1 to 8. - Introductory training videos
Building a Dry Stone Wall - Technical training video
Building a Dry Stone Retaining Wall - video
Drystone retaining walls and their modifications: condition appraisal and remedial treatment
Drystone retaining walls; Condition Appraisal and Remedial Treatment - Powerpoint
Condition Assessment for Dry Stone Wall
Dry Stone Walls - Standards
The Cotswold Dry Stone Wall Specification
Limestone Heritage Project
Becoming a Dry Stone Waller

Stonemasonry
Becoming a Stone Mason
North of England Centre for Stonemasonry
History of Building Construction. Early Stonemasonry - Powerpoint
Lycian Rock Tombs - Turkey

Conservation Organisations
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
The Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild
Natural England
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
The National Trust

Rural Studies/Skills
Lantra - Skills and Training
Craven College - Centre for Rural and Equine Studies
Myerscough College
National Stone Centre

Charitable Organisations
Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

Other
Environmental Impacts of Quarrying Stone
Sustainable building
Neolithic Village of Skara Brae
Geological Society
Health and Safety Executive
Construction Industry Training Board
Construction Skills Certification Scheme
Landrover UK



Drystone Craft international on Google