PRACTICE MEET – RIPLEY’S FARM, SEPTEMBER 2026

Practice Meet: 12th September, 2026

Weather conditions: ‘On and off’ showers in the morning, followed by a drier afternoon.

A strong and eager troop of seven enthusiastic wallers arrived at Ripley’s Farm, ready to take on the challenge of choosing which section of the wall they were going to tackle for their rebuild.

The branch wallers were greeted by Dave, our host, who had already placed some extra stone in situ, ready for the group to get to work.

Taking into consideration the weather forecast for the day, which predicted heavy rain, the decision was made to take down approximately five metres of collapsed wall that was much in need of repair.

Despite a bright start, Mike, one of our experienced and long-standing wallers, arrived slightly later than expected after having to deal with an unexpected coffee spillage in his car. Naturally, after a little teasing banter from the gang, Mike was accused of bringing the rain along with him!

The group steamed ahead as the skies turned a dark grey and the heavens opened. The grim weather did not deter this determined group, who set about dismantling the wall, laying solid foundations and confidently completing the first lift before heading over to the host’s static caravan for lunch.

The troop followed Kathy across the fields as she tightly clung onto the cake tin, which contained a fresh sultana loaf kindly baked by our host’s wife, Hannah, and their daughter Isabelle, a very grown-up three-year-old.

To the group’s surprise, the weather took a pleasant turn in the afternoon, with glimmers of sunshine and a welcomed warm breeze. As the clouds began to move, they revealed far-reaching views across the Welsh hills – quite a sight to behold!

What an unexpected afternoon!

The wall was completed in good time, with slanted toppers placed along the wall, keeping in keeping with the existing style of the area.

The branch is already looking forward to next year, when they will continue their work at Ripley’s Farm. They are especially looking forward to seeing the growing herd of cattle at the farm – and, of course, finding out what delights might turn up in the cake tin!

Lee Watson