Sockburn Hall Project :: Update 37

Hello! 

The low down on the September Working Weekend
Sarah reports: At the recent Working Weekend at Sockburn Hall we enjoyed wonderful early September sunshine.  The volunteers turned up for the usual bizarre assortment of jobs – which, as always, they undertake with unfailing enthusiasm, hard work and humour... and a little tasty fuel.

[Anyone for cake?]

More work was done on the river bank paths, further extending the edging and spreading a firm hardcore base to assist drainage; the two sets of steps – old and new – are now linked by paths at the top and bottom and gives much safer access onto the river bank and a lovely view across the river.

[Using reclaimed hardcore to level the upper riverside path]

We decided to help our neighbour whose cattle graze the field by continuing his removal of the ubiquitous ragwort – which was brought back up to the bonfire by various means for burning.

[Careful ragwort removal in the field]

Further work was done at the rear of the house to fit temporary gutters and downpipes to duct rainwater away from walls and building and into the existing drainage system.   The Shed has had its windows painted and the log pile increased again – always good news thinking of winter working weekends!

A job that we’ve been thinking about for many months was started, and has made a huge difference: we’ve significantly cleared the bridge abutment on the Sockburn side of the river and revealed some beautiful old stone and brickwork which had been covered by rogue tree branches and ivy for generations.  Take a look at some of the photos on Flickr to get an idea of the challenge!  Great fun was had down there, along with a huge bonfire.

[Clearing the bridge abutment: ▲ during and ▼ after]

On Saturday we had a visit from Swainby Local History Group; it was a nice to enjoy some more experts telling us exciting things about the site.  On Sunday a group from Northumbria Gardens Trust visited and were shown round by Marcus Jecock from English Heritage – an expert on the site’s archaeology.

We were very pleased to receive our second print run of Tapestry of Time at the weekend – but it has sold out again!  A third print run in underway – email us to pre-order your copy.

As always, we would like to thank all our volunteers – for their huge contribution to the future of the site.  It was good to welcome a few new volunteers this time; we hope we’ll see you again!

[A new 'companion' volunteer watches and learns]

 

To see more pictures from a lovely September weekend at Sockburn, visit www.flickr.com/groups/sockburn

The next Working Weekend is 23/24 October
We look forward to seeing you then if you are free to head Sockburn-wards... and if you can't, we look forward to seeing you when you can!

Don't hesitate to get in touch (email sockburn@gmail.com or call 07933 320242) if you want to get involved with Sockburn Hall Project or if your work or study could help us: we're grateful for your support and enthusiasm!

Happy Autumn!

Laura, Sarah & the Sockburn Hall Project Team x