Craft and Trade Demonstrations and Projects

Banker Work

A range of banker work will be demonstrated over the course of the Moot carried out by stonemasons from several countries and in different limestones, sandstones and marbles.

Limestone Carving

Several demonstrations showing limestone carving techniques and styles. 

Granite Carving

We have the pleasure to have the O’Flaherty family with us from Ballyknocken near Dublin who will be demonstrating their skill in carving their local granite.

Dry Stone Walling

A range of drystone walling projects and demonstrations in a range of styles will be taking place in and around the Mansion.

Neolithic Burial chamber.

A chamber inspired by neolithic barrows built 5,500 years ago with a corbeled roof will be built at the Moot. 

Letter Cutting

Several demonstrations showing limestone carving techniques and styles.

Ancient tools

Demonstrations will be given over the weekend of a range of tools inspired by the materials and technologies available to the Ancient Egyptians, Greek and Roman civilisations. We will be helped on Saturday by the Ermin Street Guard who are dedicated to historical accuracy.

Lime kiln burn

A lime kiln is being built for the Moot and will be working throughout.

Sign Writing Demonstration

A sign writing demonstration will be given by Eleanor Harper of Eleanor Signs.

Eleanor is a sign painter and lettering artist.

Demonstrations by non Guild members and other crafts.

Blacksmith 

Dendrochronology 

Wood Turning

Stained Glass

Pottery

Felt Making
 

Workshops and Competitions

Stone carving Competition 

There will be a two day carving competition taking place alongside stone carving workshops in the grounds of the Mansion.

The topic will be …. and will be judged by a board of non competing professional craftspeople.

Stone Carving Workshop

Stone carving workshops will be taking place over the weekend aimed at those carving for the first time or relatively new to the craft.

Poetry Competition

Four levels Under elevens, Under sixteens, 

Mark Christmas, Poet is writing a poem for the event and will be judging the poetry competition. Mark has formerly written for The Abandoned Soldier and been Poet in Residence for the film industry. Currently working on several projects and pleased to accept the offer of Poet in ordinary for the Gild Moot 2024

The subject will be the Moot and craftsmanship, all submissions to be in by Friday 30th August. Winner to be announced  in October 2024.

Photography Competition

There will be several levels within three main categories. Under sixteens, Amateur Adult and Skilled 

Talks and Discussions

There are three stages for talks, some of which will be running simultaneously. All our talk slots are covered but we have some exciting possible late arrivals so some are marked as “To Be Confirmed” so watch this space.

Saturday 8th
 

Wren stage

10am  Relaxation

11am

12pm Readings from The Mabinogion

1pm To be confirmed

2pm Conservation Conversation

3pm Dendrochronology

4pm The Irish That Built Britain

5pm

Drawing Room Stage

10am The history of The Guild and The Moot

11am An Unfinished Masterpiece - Liz Davenport

12pm The Stonemasons’ Friendly Society

1pm London Irish. The Irish who changed Britain

2pm Bearla lagair na saor Jim Fahy

3pm Stonemasons of BallyKnocken

4pm Building of Clochan (The beehive huts on Inis Oirr)

5pm
 

Sunday 9th
 

Wren stage

10am Relaxation tent

11am To be confirmed

12pm The feudal craftsmen of India and Ceylon

1pm

2pm Lamu Island, Gussi Tribe from Kisii

3pm Besa Blood oath and my friend Bubjar

4pm Egyptian Tools

5pm

Drawing Room Stage

10am To be confirmed

11am The MultiCultural Guild

12pm To be confirmed

1pm Conservation of the Mansion - the architect's dilemma - John Goom

2pm The Shona Tribe and Great Zimbabwe

3pm To be confirmed

4pm To be confirmed

5pm

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Throughout the Moot there will be open and private discussions between Stonemasons of all types as well as conservators and those working in the Heritage and Design sectors. All relevant topics are open with some examples being; Training, Certification, Regional and International collaborations, Skills and Techniques, Public perceptions of the Craft, Trade and Industry.

The Dining Room Open Stage.

Throughout the days there will be staged talks, stories, poetry, dance and music. 

Free to the public, the events will be published on the morning of the day.

Static displays

Photographic exhibition showing the history and culture of stonemasonry through the lens of a camera.

A curated collection of photographs showing our world, often through the eyes of others.

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The Craft through poetry and art.

A selection of poetry and art depicting the trade and craft through the ages with new poetry written for the event.

A series of short film clips

A selection of short films and clips will be shown throughout the day in the cellar of the Mansion.

Live Music and Dance

Roger Eno, musician and composer known for his music used in films, including For All Mankind, Nine and a Half Weeks, Warm Summer Rain and The Jacket and a body of successful albums has written music for this event in his position as Composer in ordinary of our Guild, a position he has held for a number of years.

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A diverse selection of music will be on offer over the weekend ranging from Pipe and Tabor and highland pipes to Folk and Rock.

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Saturday Night Céilí and open mic.