Carving a future for Purbeck
The Burngate Stone Centre, Langton Matravers, has its
grand opening on Saturday 4 April 2009.
The Stone Centre is a brand new facility for
stoneworking, set in an outstanding and inspirational location
within the Isle of Purbeck. There are opportunities at the
centre for everyone to get involved, including courses in masonry,
carving and letter cutting, delivered at levels to
suit complete novices to more experienced stone
workers.
There will be lots to see and do at the
opening and people interested in learning more about this craft are
invited to visit from 1.30pm until 4.00pm, when they can have a
look around and enjoy the activities taking place on the day. There
will be talks; demonstrations; a stone maze for children; a short
walk around the ‘Quarrymans’ Ways’ and even the opportunity to have
a quick go at carving a letter of the alphabet.
Councillor Nick Cake, Natural Environment
Spokesperson, said: “The open day will be a celebration of this
craft that has shaped the Purbeck landscape. Purbeck stone
has been used by sculptors and masons for many centuries and thanks
to this new resource this tradition can continue.”
There is no admission charge, just turn up on
the 4th and enjoy the fun. Limited parking
space is available at the Stone Centre and at the small car park on
the Acton Road, Langton Matravers. Arriving by public
transport is recommended – the number 40 Wilts and Dorset bus runs
hourly trips from Poole, Wareham and Swanage to Langton
Matravers.
Contact: David Callaghan,
Stone Centre Manager, on 07968557274 or visit
the Burngate Stone Centre
website
Links: The Centre also
has a great range of courses coming up. To find out
more, call David Callaghan or visit the website.
The Purbeck Keystone
Project
The Burngate Stone Centre is part of the
Purbeck Keystone Project, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery
Fund and has the main aim of supporting and promoting the
nature and culture of Purbeck’s beautiful and unique landscape.
Volunteers within the project have been involved in a range of
activities, events and courses, including wildlife surveys; dry
stone walling; stone carving; geology walks and talks; trails and
cycling events.
To find out more about the Purbeck Keystone
Project in general or how you could get involved, visit the
Keystone
Project web pages, or call 01929 557336 and ask for one of our
Purbeck Keystone Project leaflets