The creation of a low, curving wall that leads the way up a hill to the newly restored St. Patrick’s church will be the goal of a dry stone walling workshop, July 19-20, in Woody Point, Newfoundland. Ken Tuach, a Level 3 DSWA craftsman, has asked me to join him in presenting the workshop to area stone enthusiasts. This two-day workshop will offer a challenge to beginners and improvers, alike. Workshop participants will be building a short retaining wall on a gentle slope. With a low student-teacher ratio, participants will learn the best practices and techniques for dry stone walling.

Gros Morne Summer Music is in the process of restoring St. Patrick’s church to function as a cultural hub and home for the Gros Morne Summer Music Festival. St. Patrick’s Church is situated in the center of town atop a hill covered in evergreens. The historic structure is highly visible from both land and water, typical of churches built in Newfoundland. Once used as a navigational aid for fisherman at sea, St. Patrick’s Church is now a landmark for members of the community and visitors alike.

Woody Point is a coastal community with a vibrant arts and crafts heritage located in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wilderness environment of exceptional natural beauty. The skyline around Bonne Bay is etched by the bronzed Tablelands and the Northernmost Appalachian Mountain Range. Whales and dolphins are often seen in the bay.

This workshop is possible through the cooperation of Gros Morn Summer Music, nlFlagstone, Dan Snow, the Dry Stone Wall Association of Great Britain, and the Dry Stone Walling Association of Canada.

Date: July 19th and 20th, a second workshop to follow July 21st and 22nd if numbers permit. Location:  St. Patrick’s Church, Woody Point, Bonne Bay, NL, Canada Time: 9 am - 4 pm Cost: $300 per person per 2 day course Lunches will be provided For registration, questions, or comments, please contact Ken at 709 660-2050 or ken@nlflagstone.com