I’ve spent a lot of time researching our predecessors at the Veddw, especially the squatters. They are the first actual inhabitants of our particular bit of land that we know about and were the builders of the turf and mud hut, which was followed by the cottage which we live in.
So I’ve been well focused on the past.
Then one day, with a sudden chill, I realised there will be a future here without us. There will be people here who think (like we do!) that they own it. Shocking. Humbling. So Charles and I discussed it and recognised that we should not just acknowledge the time before us, but also the time to come. So we planned on our very own megalith, henceforth known as The Stone.
It was an intimidating project and I’m amazed and grateful at the people who made it easy for us. So this series of posts will be a recognition of their contribution, and a record for us. And if you ever think of adding your very own sculpture to your garden you might even find the posts full of useful ideas.
So – we met Caitriona Cartwright, stone mason, at the Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair some years ago. You can also see her work at Hay Makers’ Gallery in Hay on Wye. Caitriona has worked for us before: she made the headstones in the Wild Garden:
We discovered that she knew a great source of potential and local stone, so, deciding to be brave about the costs (thank you, Veddw visitors..) we agreed to meet at the quarry. (Which is actually a farm, with a small quarry on the land, at Fforest Coalpit)
We set off in search of a suitable stone. We clambered over piles of boulders and stones and finally settled on the first one we’d seen. After doing some testing for size.
And the farmer kindly brought it down to the farmyard for us to inspect
and price and delivery discussed
The farmer was as generous and helpful as you could possibly wish.
So a couple of weeks later, with the help of another local farmer The Stone was delivered
and lifted off the trailer.
Fearsome beasts these vehicles!
A small presentation.
Slowly…..
And then there it sat while we pondered how we were going to shift it anywhere.
You like a good ponder, don’t you? Any excuse for a glass of wine. Bet you had the movement plans all ready before it arrived. Sledgehammer and Araldite involved?
We had no idea how to move it! Were stuck for some time. Answer? see next week…..Xxxx
Brilliant to read about the reasons for your decision and the process of hunting, selection and delivery! Love all the photos!
Although not as ambitious or historically worthy, it reminds me of when we went hunting for an old mill stone for our garden (because the house had been a granary) We found a beauty at a reclamation yard where it had been languishing, untouched for who knows how long; it had moss on it & was concealing an ants’ nest. The reclamation chaps dutifully used machinery to get it into the boot of our car (oh the suspension!) complete with ants! And there it stayed for some weeks until we got sufficient burly man-power together to move it. Looks great in the garden though – so very much worth it đ xx
These things are scary adventures,aren’t they? And worth it. How did you get rid ofthe ants?
Yes but exciting and as you’ve proved, where there’s a will there’s a way! Looking forward to part 2 of your monolith saga đ
Ants – we just hoovered inside the car & hoped for the best đ
I guess you’d have noticed if the ants had stayed! #antsinyourpants
What a great idea. Look forward to the next instalment!
It’s dramatic. (well, it was for us…)
Hello….enjoyed reading ‘The Stone’…look forward to seeing it next summer.
Great!