Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
The Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) was
formed in 1968 to counter the then almost
terminal decline of the craft.
As a result of it’s efforts, on behalf of
professional and amateur members alike, there
has been a substantial upturn
in the fortunes of dry stone walling.
Members receive a magazine, The Waller and
Dyker, three times a year which contains
general interest and specialist articles and
details of branch
activities.
For more details Click HERE.
The Cheshire Branch promotes walling by giving
demonstrations at local shows, holding training
courses for beginners and providing talks for
groups.
We also hold Branch meetings, have Members
Walling Days, day visits, weekends away and
organise social events for members.
We put together a calendar of events and
activities, including dates of our Branch
meetings, attendance at Shows, Members
Walling Days and Training Courses at the
beginning of each year.
To view the full programme for 2026 please
CLICK HERE.
Welcome to our Branch Website
Active throughout the year.
Calendar of Events.
Build a Model Wall.
Why not build yourself a model dry stone
wall.
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
+
Feb 26th Branch GP Committee “Virtual”
Meeting.
Feb 28th Members Walling Day at Teggs Nose
Coutry Park, Macclesfield .
Mar 1st Members Walling day at Teggs Nose
Country Park, Maclesfield.
Mar 18th Walling Walk (In conjunction with
National Trust), Lyme Park, Disley.
Mar 22nd Members Walling day at
Greenbooth Nature Reserve.
Apl 9th Members Walling day at
Werneth Low Country Park, Hyde.
Apl 22nd Walling Walk (In conjunction with
National Trust), Lyme Park, Disley.
Apl 24th & 25th Members Walling day at
Platwood Farm, Disley.
May 9th & 10th Beginners Training Course
at Werneth Low Country Park, Hyde.
May 20th Walling Walk (In conjunction with
National Trust), Lyme Park, Disley.
Jun 6th & 7th Members Walling Day at Teggs
Nose Country Park, Hyde.
Jun 11th Branch GP Committee “Virtual”
Meeting.
Jun 6th & 7th Members Walling Day at Teggs
Nose Country Park, Maclesfield.
Jun 11th Branch GP Committee “Virtual”
Meeting.
Jun 27th & 28th Arley Garden Festival,
Arley Hall and Gardens.
Jun 27th & 28th Members Walling Day. TBA.
Jul 1st Joint Members Walling Day with Wales
Branch and the National Trust, Great
Orme, Llandudno.
Jul 14th,15t &16th Members Walling Day. TBA.
Jul 25th &26th Beginners Training Course at
Teggs Nose Country Park, Macclesfield.
Aug 6th & 7th Members Walling Day. TBA.
Aug 29th Poynton Show..
Sep 9th Walling Walk (In conjunction with
National Trust). Lyme Park, Disley.
Sep 26th & 27th Beginers Training Course at
Werneth Low Country Park, Hyde.
Oct 9th 10th & 11th Members Walling Day. TBA.
Nov 6th Branch Annual General Meeting.
“Virtual” Meeting.
Training Courses.
For further information contact John McClean
Tel : 07798 808513
e-mail: dswacheshire@gmail.com
Members Walling Days
Members Walling Days held at various
locations.
For further information contact John McClean
Tel: 07798 808513
e-mail: dswacheshire@gmail.com
Branch Meetings.
Held either on site during a Members Walling
Day or virtually using Skype, usually
commencing at 8.00pm.
Diary of Events for 2026
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
The Cheshire Branch runs at least two training courses each year for beginners.
The courses are held at weekends. Trainees will receive instruction from DSWA
qualified instructors.
The current cost of a course is £145.00 per person , or £130.00 per person when enrolled
at a show.
Course gift vouchers can be purchased and can be redeemed later in the year.
You will need to take a packed lunch, drinks, wear good all weather clothing, strong
footwear and a pair of strong gloves. All tools will be provided.
During the two days we aim to cover stripping out an existing wall, grading the stone,
setting out walling pins and lines, preparation of foundations, wall building including
foundations, first lift, through stones, second lift and coping stones. Armed with this
basic knowledge you will be in a position to build your own wall but to improve much
practice will be needed.
Courses in 2026 will be held at different venues.
For details contact John McClean see below.
Full joining instructions will be emailed to the
the Trainee two weeks prior to the
commencment of the Training Course.
9th & 10th May 2026, Werneth Low,Country
Park, Hyde.
25th & 26th July 2026, Teggs Nose Country
Park, Maclesfield.
26th & 27th September 2026, Werneth Low
Country Park, Hyde.
For further details or to book a place either
contact John McClean, Branch Chair and
Training Course Organiser, at:-
Tel : 07798 808513
Email : dswacheshire@gmail.com
To download some notes and a Registration
Form CLICK HERE
Training Courses
Course Venue
Course Dates
Enrolement Details.
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
Branch members, including both professionals and amateurs will be attending the shows shown
opposite in 2025.
Why not come along and have a chat and learn more about the art of dry stone walling.
We have lots of free leaflets as well as many more detailed pamphlets, books, model walling kits
and walling hammers for sale.
Training Course Gift vouchers can also be purchased at special show prices either for yourself or a
present for a friend or family member.
If you are unable to attend one of our shows you can always purchase any of the above items by
contacting our Secretary Gordon Sutton by email at dswacheshire@gmail.com or by telephone
on 07780 726674.
Shows and Demonstrations.
2026 Show Dates.
Jun 27th & 28th Arley Garden Festival,
Arley Hall and Gardens.
Aug 29th Poynton Show..
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
Members
Our Members Walling Days provide members with
an opportunity to put into practice the art of
walling alongside a group of professionals and
enthusiastic amateurs.
Members Walling Days can also be useful in
working towards one of the certificates in dry
stone walling.
Walling Days
Calendar of Events
You need to be a Branch member to join us on
the dates which are shown on our Diary of
Events.
To view the full programme for 2026 please
click here.
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
Training Courses
Members Walling Days
Shows
Away Days
Social Events
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
Model Walling Kits
Only practice and a pair of pincers are needed to complete the model wall.
All building materials including wooden base (approximately 25cm by 9cm), stone, glue and template are supplied along with
easy to follow step by step instructions.
The cost of the complete Model Walling Kit is
£10.00 plus £4.00 p&p.
Please contact Gordon Sutton by email
dswacheshire@gmail.com for delivery and
payment details.
Cheshire Branch
Dry Stone Walling Association - Cheshire Branch Registered Charity 289678
A Ken Jones Design
Contact Cheshire Branch
Contact Head Office