Old Tools?

DRST courses are nearly always booked up well in advance, it’s the early bird that catches the worm. We have only one place available on the Tool Sharpening and Handle Repair course on 31st of August. However, we’ve just had this from Ian Swain:
I repair, re-handle and deal in traditional hand tools, and have recently moved to Devon – one of my customers suggested that I make myself known to you, in case you feel my services could be relevant to your members and your website.
Please see my website: www.theluddite.com for more detail about what I do.

Oak Processionary Moth

New legislation for tighter restrictions on oak imports came into force on Monday 15th July 2019. This Statutory Instrument builds on measures introduced in August 2018 and applies to all oak trees, except cork oak, over a certain size, defined as those with a girth over 8cm at 1.2m above the root collar.
Landowners, landscapers and tree nurseries are being urged to remain vigilant after the Plant Health Service intercepted findings of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars on trees recently imported from the continent, and are being asked to check recently planted oak trees.
A press release about the new legislation has been published on GOV.UK.
You may also find it useful to look at the national eAlert sent out by the Forestry Commission on 17 July, which includes some information on OPM.
Visit the Forest Research website for more information on how to identify OPM. To report sightings of pests and diseases, use the TreeAlert online portal.

Timber Framing Workshops with Henry Russell 


5-day camp @ The Hillyfield, South Devon.

SEPT. 2019: 2nd – 6th & 9th to 13th

A rare opportunity to study with Henry Russell, highly regarded teacher & repository of timber frame knowledge with 20yrs+ experience.

Each 5-day course aims to cover
the basics of structural traditional timber framing using a variety of different timber species and a range of wonderful hand tools on a live-build project at The Hillyfield woodland farm on Dartmoor.

  • Scarfing timbers together longitudinally
  • Accurate marking of timbers, mortice and tenon, and lap joints
  • Layout over a drawing
  • Traditional plumb-bobbing
  • Oak peg making and more…
  • The aim is to achieve some wall-frame and also construct an 8m span King-post to collar sling brace truss using oak and larch.

We will be looking at historic timbers and timber framing history during the course and having a jolly good time.
Suitable for any level experience and ability.

PRACTICAL DETAILS
When: 2nd to 6th (&/or 9th to 13th)

September 2019 9.30am to 5pm+ each day. Cost: £460 pp (Lunch / tea included, other meals optional). Camping on site (or local hostels).

Where: The Hillyfield Woodland Farm on Dartmoor, Harbourneford, South Brent TQ10 Tools: Tools provided & b.y.o.

Booking: e: dougkingsmith@yahoo.co.uk

http://www.thehillyfield.co.uk tel: 07976589927

Spaces are limited & in high demand. Suggested you book early!

Free willow

From Jeremy E.

I am not sure how many DRST members are near Exeter, but I thought I’d just mention that there is an oportunity to collect a nice amount willow – for free (maybe some labour in harvesting it!) the willow is deal for basket weaving and or hurdle fences.

If you are interested you can email me and I’ll provide the details.

It is from Environment Agency land that is managed by a small fishing club/charity that manage it on EA’s behalf, near the Exeter Ship Canal.

Email: info@jembs.co.uk

Elm available

From Martyn Oates
Please see pics of Elm which blew down. I have had some planked up see pic. There is still around 14 foot of trunk left in two logs 6 and 8 foot. We did get planks over 21inches wide, trunk left is around 500mm diameter ex bark.
If anyone is interested in it contact by email. Would be good if someone can utilise it.
martynjoates@gmail.com