Blackruthven Training Course and Members’ Event

Jim and his trainees pose beside their completed wall.

Once again we returned to Blackruthven for our second Training Course of the year, but this year we decided to run a Members’ event alongside the course. The trainees came from as far north as Moray and Aberdeenshire to Glasgow in the south. The others came from nearby, including two from Liff on the edge of Dundee. They were able to confer with member Doug C, so perhaps a local branch will ensue!

The early stages of the project can be seen above.

As usual Jim ran a tight ship and was rewarded with some excellent work from the trainees. The section of wall was completed shortly after lunch on the Sunday. It’s always difficult to know if we should have done a longer section of wall, but so much depends on the knowledge and ability of the trainees and it’s better to complete a good shorter wall rather than leave a poor one unfinished. Thanks to Jim for his usual high standard of instruction.

A few trainees show off their section of the wall.

Comment from a few satisfied customers.

Dear Ann.

It was lovely to meet you at the weekend and thanks again for all of your help organising our course… as promised I have attached some photos here. ..Please pass on our thanks to Jim for sharing his knowledge and his guidance over the weekend.

Diane, Neil and Rhegan 

Members’ Section

Members were involved building a short section of wall near to the trainees and using some very large stone and finishing two cheekends.

Members present included Trish W, Doug C, Vera and Bob from Hay on Wye, Ann G, new member Ewan M and recent Taster Day trainee Stewart B. Unfortunately due to the Etape being run in the Aberfeldy Trish was unable to return on the Sunday before the end of the course. The trainees had all received their books on the Saturday and we able to sell a few second hand hammers instead of new ones.

Thanks to Greg from the Bield for his excellent preparation for the day and to the Anker-Petersons for welcoming us on to their land.

The final result.