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.