March 2022 saw us celebrating the fixing of the final shingles and boards to the Weaving House roof.
The volunteers have spent many hours making shingles, fixing them, recovering them from the fire and refixing them, it was a great thing to celebrate.
Everyone put their time and effort in to see the job done. Simon and John were especially diligent in the preparation and fixing of the shingles. But it was a real team effort. Thanks to everyone.
Stephen wrote and performed a celebratory piece which I reproduce here.
‘Seeouroof’
(Plundered by Stephen Worrall from ‘Beowulf’)
The fortunes favoured Hands on Heritage. Friends and
kinsmen flocked to it’s support; young followers, a force
to grow, future kinsmen.
So their mind turned to hall-building: they handed down
orders for men to work on a great weaving-hall meant to
be a wonder of the eastern shore for ever;
it would be their weaving-room, there to dispense
wisdom and skill to young and old.
Orders for work to adorn that wallstead and roof were
sent to many peoples. Some renowned in the art of
shingling, powerful counsellors, journeying far, would
lend advice, doubting the skills of the followers, too hard
an ordeal.
But the comrades rallied, skilled in the use of ancestral
blades, brave in their quest.
They proved their mastery in hall-building.
Then a Dragon, on the prowl from the steep vaults of a
stone-roofed barrow where he guarded a hoard writhed
with anger when he found the hall within his lands. The
vile sky-winger, belched out flames and burnt bright
homesteads, lashing shingle and thatch, everywhere the
havoc he wrought was in evidence. Back to the hoard he
would dart before daybreak, to hide in his den.
Then the Custodians were given bad news, a hard truth.
Deep anguish. The darkened mood gave way to a great
determination among the kinsmen, to see the fire dragon
thwarted. Then the order was given for all hands to help
to refurbish the Weaving Hall immediately. Men used
honed iron to cleave fine timbers, gifted craftsmen,
labour of love.
For three winters they toiled until soon it stood there,
finished and ready, in full view, the hall of halls. The hall
towered, its gables wide and high. Many did praise its
symmetry and craftsmanship.
The Custodians called for a great feasting, round upon
round of mead was passed. They sang then and played,
harp tunes and tales of adventure. There were high
times on the hall benches.
The world did hear tell of this wondrous wallstead. They
were a right people.
With apologies to Seamus Heaney
Thanks to everyone for the pictures – and, of course, for their hard work. It was a serious milestone for us all.
