Working party

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After long months of lockdown, a small working party of eager volunteers has been busy clearing the long grass, nettles, brambles and, above all, buddleia which had flourished in the long warm Dorset Spring and Summer.

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Special thanks to Matthew, Tara and Debbie.

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S.P.A.B. Working Party

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We were honoured to welcome a working party from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings arranged through the good offices of Philip Hughes and Jonathan Garlick.

 

The small army of volunteers cleared undergrowth and masonry, moved a huge amount of material from the Cart Shed to our barns in readiness for future repair, made the Cart Shed roof watertight, repaired rainwater goods and made good the wall outside the eastern end of the Riding House, topping it with turf.

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We were told how turf topping is now recommended to protect such walls!

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This winter has been proof of the theory.

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Long-term future

 

A key to the future of the Riding House is the development of the derelict Cart Shed to provide kitchen, WC, meeting room and accommodation and potentially income from holiday rental.

 

For the Riding House itself,  the final phase of restoration would involve the distribution of services, reinstatement of a Viewing Gallery, internal access to the upper floor via two staircases and re-opening the west window and door.

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Additionally, removal of agricultural debris and modest landscaping would be beneficial.

 

The Trustees and their advisors are currently considering strategic options as to how this work might be funded in these difficult times.

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