Inaugural Meeting of Donegal Stonemasons Association
Inaugural Meeting of Donegal Stonemasons Association The first formal meeting of the Donegal Stonemasons Association will take place in the ≈ Loch Altan, Gortahork, on Wednesday July 16th. Last week Stonemasons from all over the County participated in a lively meeting which unanimously agreed to formally set up the County Donegal Association affiliated to the Independent Workers Union. All aspects of stone work were knowledgeably discussed and it was decided that an important part of the Association’s work would be creating awareness amongst the public of the important role of stone work not only in restoration and heritage work but also in new builds. The stonework of Grinan, Newgrange and other sites have lasted thousands of years – today’s stonework can serve future generations if skilfully executed. The work of the Heritage Council and the planned research of Heritage sites by Donegal County Council was welcomed and members look forward to making contributions to the research. It was also agreed that the Association would be happy to participate in community schemes and a proposed Community garden in West Donegal. As one stoneworker commented ‘Public works such as these are an important opportunity to exhibit our skills while contributing to the local community and environment.’ The meeting discussed the need for quality work which members could support with the introduction of a professional Quality symbol ensuring high standards. The many advantages of working together in support of developing Stonework using locally sourced stone were outlined. It was also agreed that the Association would welcome the support of interested individuals as associate members. The meeting scheduled for July 16th, 8 p.m., Loch Altan, will formally elect a Steering Committee and decide on the programme for 2008. Everyone is welcome.
Inaugural Meeting of Donegal Stonemasons Association The first formal meeting of the Donegal Stonemasons Association will take place in the ≈ Loch Altan, Gortahork, on Wednesday July 16th. Last week Stonemasons from all over the County participated in a lively meeting which unanimously agreed to formally set up the County Donegal Association affiliated to the Independent Workers Union. All aspects of stone work were knowledgeably discussed and it was decided that an important part of the Association’s work would be creating awareness amongst the public of the important role of stone work not only in restoration and heritage work but also in new builds. The stonework of Grinan, Newgrange and other sites have lasted thousands of years – today’s stonework can serve future generations if skilfully executed. The work of the Heritage Council and the planned research of Heritage sites by Donegal County Council was welcomed and members look forward to making contributions to the research. It was also agreed that the Association would be happy to participate in community schemes and a proposed Community garden in West Donegal. As one stoneworker commented ‘Public works such as these are an important opportunity to exhibit our skills while contributing to the local community and environment.’ The meeting discussed the need for quality work which members could support with the introduction of a professional Quality symbol ensuring high standards. The many advantages of working together in support of developing Stonework using locally sourced stone were outlined. It was also agreed that the Association would welcome the support of interested individuals as associate members. The meeting scheduled for July 16th, 8 p.m., Loch Altan, will formally elect a Steering Committee and decide on the programme for 2008. Everyone is welcome.