A DRY stone walling master class took place at Penistone Grammar School on Sunday after the parents’ association received £1,000 from a community scheme to rebuild the wall around the playing field.
The school received the money from the O2 It’s Your Community programme to buy the quarried stone that is used for the traditional craft.
Local people were shown centuries old techniques by members of the Dry Stone Walling Association and helped to rebuild the hard wearing walls around the school.
Alan Devonport, chairman of the South Yorkshire branch of the association, said: “The day went well, everyone got stuck in and we have a waiting list for the next class.
“It’s hard work but it is therapeutic, some people were a little sore on Monday but they said it was worth it. There is a real sense of achievement when you look back at what you’ve done.”
Chairman of the parents’ association Linda Marsh said although the stone for the walls was expensive they are an important part of the area's landscape.
“They are part of our heritage and provide shelter for wildlife. Lots of people in the area have dry stone walls and if they are built properly they can last 100 years and they look beautiful,” she said.
More classes will be held in the new year. For more information contact Esther Parnham local organiser for the National Learning Net on 762114.
The Dry Stone Walling Association is holding its AGM at Wentworth Castle on Saturday November 24.
