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Woodworks 2008 How to find us |
Woodworks! 2008 Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September 2008
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Woodworks! 2008 was amazing!! The festival is always bursting with things for all the family to see and do We have now held the 6th event, our biggest ever, and the festival grows ever more popular with countryside and music lovers alike thanks to an inimitable blend of folk and roots music alongside artists, crafts people, growers, woodland managers, tree surgeons, story tellers and enthusiasts who together create a weekend of woodland inspired fun, music and activity. In 2008 we were delighted to welcome back to the main arena the British Lumberjacks Association and The English School of Falconry who both thrilled visitors to last year’s show. New for 2008 was the Woodworks ‘Carve-Up’ a spectacular group display of chain-saw speed carving culminating in a daily Woodworks’ auction. Thanks to London Midland Trains and the Community Rail Partnership there was a full service running throughout the weekend from Bedford and Bletchley, with regular shuttle buses from Millbrook station to the Forest Centre |
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Loads to do for all the family! Visitors saw professionals at work demonstrating the traditional crafts of bow and arrow making, basket weaving, thatching, wood-carving, charcoal burning and more. There were also plenty of have a go opportunities for children and adults from archery to tree climbing. Visitors can find out about green energy and wood fuel, and browse an array of stalls selling arts, crafts, furniture, tools and local produce. There’s also a farmers market, story-telling, face-painting, kids craft activities, traditional fair-ground rides, a beer tent and local produce, food and drink. |
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Woodland Heritage Woodworks! is about putting people in touch with their heritage of woodland in this part of England. We are very lucky still to have awesome ancient woods that have been managed intensively for over a thousand years. Most of these woods; trees, plants and animals, have been shaped by man's work. They depend for their conitinuity on being cut regularly. They are productive and renewable, for wildlife and wood. |
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You can help save the planet For every wooden dish, chair, broom, basket or garden table you buy, made from material cut in a local woodland, that's one thing not made from plastic or from wood cut from a threatened forest in another part of the world. Entry is £5 per person £3 concessions and children under 16 are free! Come to Woodworks! 2008 with your wallet and you will:
A serious message behind a fun weekend! |
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Supporters of Woodworks! 2008 We would like to express our sincere thanks to the following organisations who made important contributions to Woodworks! in 2008. |
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Exhibitors 2008 Despite the weather being less than kind, 3,000 people braved the elements to meet a spar maker from Sandy, a clog maker from Herefordshire, a coracle maker from Leicestershire, a fletcher from Lincolnshire, a ‘medieval’ carpenter from Suffolk and a Windsor chair maker from Nottinghamshire – and that’s just a fraction of the fascinating people who were at this year’s show. |
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| The Main Arena Programme (Saturday & Sunday) | ||||||||||||
| Highlights of the 2008 festival which took place in the main arena included breathtaking displays from the British Lumberjack Sports Association, who also thrilled last year’s crowds, and from the English School of Falconry. New for 2008 was the Woodworks ‘Carve-Up’ featuring a spectacular group display of chain-saw speed carving culminating in a Woodworks’ auction where visitors could bid for their own, unique sculpture.
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Bobby & his Rhythms Blasters We welcomed Bobby and his Rhythms Blasters to open Woodworks! 2008 in spectacular style. The dhol is a double-sided barrel drum played mostly as an accompanying instrument to the traditional Punjabi dance of Bhangra. The Rhythms Blasters are trained by Bobby who himself was trained by Gurcharan Mall and has carried the Dholblasters name for many years with pride. Rhythms Entertainment was founded in 1989. Over the years their reputation has grown and now boast one of the hottest shows around. There is no other entertainment that comes close to the experience Rhythms are able to provide. |
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The Urban Forester Nick Sutton once again brought the awesome 'Silent' a purebred Clydesdale to demonstrate the power and skill involved when a heavy horse is used to move timber. Once a common site, horses in woodland fell out of favour as steam and diesel powered machinery moved in. There are places where horses remain the power source of choice and these include sensitive woodlands where heavy machines can damage the ground and destroy delicate plantlife. |
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The English School of Falconry We were delighted to welcome the English School of Falconry to Woodworks. Throughout the weekend the team from Old Warden Park gave flying demonstrations of native owls and birds of prey. The English School of Falconry and Bird of Prey and Conservation Centre is a family run business with over 50 years experience in Falconry. The Centre in Old Warden is dedicated to helping in conservation and enabling everyone to have a chance of visiting and working with these magnificent creatures. |
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The British Lumberjack Sports Association Topping the bill, the British Lumberjacks Sports Association thrilled crowds with their daredevil displays of pole climbing and speed chopping using razor sharp axes. Visitors cheered on their favourite lumberjacks as they battled each other to be the champion axeman. The competitions included: Standing block - The log is secured in a vertical position and the competitor stands on the ground. Competitors cut an opening face on one side then rush around to the other to complete the cut. The winner is the one whose log (not leg) is chopped through first. Under-hand block- The log is secured in a horizontal position and foot holds cut into the top. Standing on top of the log the log is chopped inches from the toes from both sides until it is cut in two! Single-saw - A two-man cross cut saw adapted for use by 1 person. The aim is to cut a disc of timber from the log as quickly as possible - saws are a sharp as a surgical scalpel! |
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The Woodworks! Carve-Up and Auction A posse of talented chainsaw carvers from across the region took part in a light hearted challenge to carve the most imaginative sculpture in just 20 minutes. Rough timbers were transformed into beautiful works of art before your very eyes. The Woodworks! auction gave everyone the chance to bid for their favourite unique sculptures to take home – all proceeds go to creating the Forest of Marston Vale. See entries below - Woodlaw and Ian Willoughby for more details of the carvers |
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| The Exhibitors | ||||||||||||
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Anglian wolf Society Operates a sanctuary for wolves in North Bedfordshire and supports and raises funds for wolf conservation. Aims to:
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Bags of Style Handmade raffia bags. Fairtrade supplier from Madagascar. Rosa Mullany and Lisa Carmichael 01234 720085 |
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| Bedfordshire County Council Historic and archive information and exhibition - know your local history? Come and find out in our History Game. Countryside Access Service: Rights of Way Officers work with farmers, landowners and local people to make sure that public footpaths, bridleways and byways are clear and properly maintained, so that everyone can enjoy using them - come and find out more at Woodworks! |
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Bowls and Blanks |
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| Classic Hand Tools An opportunity to purchase quality hand tools and axes. Prices from £20 - £200. |
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Clog Making Jeremy Atkinson specialises in making traditional nineteenth-century styles in his workshop in Kington. Jeremy has travelled in Spain and France researching European clog making traditions. He demonstrates his skill at County and Craft Fairs across Britain during the summer. He is the last person following a centuries old craft. Others use machine soles which may preclude an acceptable fit, or work with a mixture of machine and traditional tools using preplanked dry wood. |
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The Barking Tree Joanne Couper and husband Murray, a fully trained city and guilds furniture maker with over 10 years experience in furniture design and construction, have created the Barking Tree in the hope of inspiring people to choose reclaimed pieces instead of the mass produced products out there. They make bespoke furniture, picture frames and mirrors that are all handcrafted and made from reclaimed wood and glass. Their workshop is in Bow Brickhill. |
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Bedfordshire Basketmakers A great favourite with festival goers, Paul and Diane Weir of Bedfordshire Basketmakers will be demonstrating their craft all weekend. Using British willow their high quality goods are all for sale - with prices starting from £9. The range includes baskets, twisted willow & wigwams. Have - a Go - children are welcome to try their hand at basket making. www.craftmaker.co.uk |
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Their stand demonstrated all aspects of bee keeping, including skep and candle making and honey tasting. There was also an observation hide and honey and candles were for sale. |
Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association made a welcome return to Woodworks! in 2008
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Paul Blisset - Hedgelayer A display of hedge laying using computer and photos, books and hedgelaying paraphernalia. |
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John Browning - Spar maker Spars, traditionally made from hazel, still form an important part of the thatching industry. Visitors enjoyed seeing the deceptively simple process, using the simplest of tools, in John's extremely skilled hands |
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Chip Off The Old Block Wooden garden furniture and ornaments, carvings, bowls, walking sticks and other wooden items - all hand made. Bowls from £5; garden seats £200 - £250. |
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Community Tree Trust At the Community Tree Trust's stall visitors purchased wildflowers, trees and shrubs of local and native provenance.
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The Forest of Marston Vale purchase most of the many thousand trees planted each winter from CTT. |
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| Wayne Cook Driftwood sculpture Various sizes some mounted on stone or slate. Prices from £1 to £40 |
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ECO Art Rene Antonelli gave children and their parents the opportunity to experience nature hands - on by encouraging discussion , co-operation and education about "Eco-art" the art of treading lightly on the land. Visitor could make a family sculpture using clay and naturally found materials such as shells, sticks, leaves and feathers. There was also an exhibition of Eco Art including bog oak, willow, natural roots, rustic furniture, green man faces and biodiversity bouquets! |
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Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 100's of visitors pledged their support to helping reduce their energy consumption and received a free low energy light bulb. |
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Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Advice from the experts on woodland creation grants, woodland management and current legislation; plus more about the Anglian Woodland Project
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Phill Gregson,wheelwright Based in the north-west, Phill grew up with wheelwrighting at the hub of his family life - a family business which had begun with his great grandfather after the First World War. His grandparents and parents continued in the trade and it was during his early years helping out in the workshop that his love of wheelwrighting began. Phil qualified in the trade at Herefordshire College of Technology. Phill demonstrated the art of wheel wrighting at Woodworks! and chatted about the skills involved. This was the first time we were lucky enough to be joined by a wheelwright at Woodworks! |
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Sonia Griffiths Glass jewellery and suncatchers. |
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Kevin Grimley - Coracle Maker Visitors found out about the history of the coracle and saw how they are constructed.
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Kevin was located on the banks of one the Park's lakes. 01455 845390 |
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Peter Hall - mobile sawmill Throughout the weekend Peter gave demonstrations on the sawmill, cutting posts and planks from huge tree trunks. Peter works in north Bedfordshire and is able to take his saw into woods to cut timber on site, avoiding the problems involved in moving large trees. Big, noisy, dusty and exciting... ..the saw wasworth seeing too! |
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Lidlington Church A free, interactive event offered a positive experience of meditation using wood, ropes and other material to help gain spiritual balance. |
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| Launch of Living Woods magazine You'll love the new Living Woods magazine. A year's subscription was won in the free prize draw |
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Face Painter - Cathy Malcolm £1 donation to the Forest Browse Cathy’s beautiful oil and watercolour paintings of local woodlands – all works for sale, prices from £25. |
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The Marston Vale Line was designated a Community Rail Service in November 2006 and brings together a wide range of organisations to form the Partnership. The aim is to safeguard the future of the line by raising its profile and increasing the number of people using the trains; for work or leisure. |
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Marston Vale Tree Care MVTC was formed in 2001 to provide a complete professional tree care solution to both domestic and commercial clients alike. |
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Makita (UK) Ltd Outdoor power equipment manufacturer Many thanks to makita for donating the first pize in our free draw! 01908 211 678
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Medical Herbalist Maggie Haworth, a qualified medical herbalist, gives advice on the use of herbal medicine; also sales of medicinal plants |
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| Mid Shires Fire and Rescue Midshires is a lowland search and rescue organisation whose role is to assist in the search for members of the public who have gone missing, particularly if they are deemed to be especially vulnerable, and to assist county teams in dealing with other types of civil emergencies. They assist Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police forces, the Milton Keynes division of Thames Valley police, county Emergency Planning Officers and other search teams. www.midshires.org.uk |
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Musical Mud Create clay instruments and cardboard didgeridoos. £1 donation to Marston Vale Trust. |
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Nautilus Design
David Holmes brought his decorative art created from driftwood and recycled wood. |
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Nude Ewe Sheep’s wool and fleeces plus some knitted and spun items were on display. Visitors to the stand could purchase wool and fleeces from local conservation grazing flocks (50g balls of wool from local sheep £3.50). This is part of a joint project between the Wildlife Trust and Bedfordshire County Council - proceeds from sales go to the Wildlife Trust.
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Palaeojos Fossils Fossils , minerals and jewellery for sale – children could come and sift for small fossils. |
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Perrett's Amusements Ever popular - Perrett's traditional swingboats and helterskelter returned this year. |
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Phoenix trading Greetings cards, gift wrap and stationery for sale. |
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Pog Craft Part of Bedford Makers and Designers - a group of artists, makers and designers from Bedfordshire. POG Craft have a main workshop, studio and pottery at Cardington Workshops just outside Bedford, where we produce high quality porcelain and stoneware pottery and ceramics. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4.30pm – telephone 01234 741677 for details |
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Recycling and Waste Reduction Can you do more to recycle your waste? Find out with Bedfordshire County Council’s Recycling Officer, Alisa Maguire. Plus badgemaking and composting demonstration. |
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The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and other wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Come and join the RSPB; singing birds for sale for £4 + free prize draw competition. |
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Robins Reach Archery Have A Go at Archery Suitable for everyone over 5 years To email Robins Reach click here |
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Malcolm David Smith Hand made ergonomic seating for sale – stools, chairs and rocking chairs. Prices from £200 |
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Stables Christian Centre The Bolnhurst Stables Trust is an interdenominational Christian charity (registration no. 327398) which has sponsored a number of projects since the Centre was founded in 1984. At this stall you can buy herbs and wildflowers, preserves, greetings cards, jewellery and gifts – all made at the Centre. |
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Sustrans Can you pass the turbo-trainer bicycle test – free go, cycle maps & advice. |
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SWL Supplies Wide range of Fairtrade foods and crafts for sale. |
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New to Woodworks - Tatty Bumpkin offers a range of bamboo, organic cotton and fair trade clothes, toys and acessories, all designed to help your child (and the planet) feel good and enjoy life.
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Toft Alpacas Alpaca is a uniquely soft and light weight lustrous fibre. Celebrated for its inherent hypo-allegic qualities, yet providing outstandingly warm and beautiful garments. Visitors toToft Alpacas could browse and purchase a wide range of luxury British-made alpaca products, from token gifts to indulgent gestures. The alpacas got much fuss and admiration! |
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Traditional Oak Carpentry, Rick Lewis Rick started life as an everyday site carpenter but became disillusioned with the industry and nearly quit to study medieval art history. By chance a local contractor sent him to repair a Suffolk church and he has been studying Medieval architecture instead ever since! Gaining knowledge from obscure books, attending lectures and talking to other framers but most of all by closely observing the historic framing of East Anglia. Having repaired over 100 timber framed buildings and visited many more in his spare time Rick has had a rare insight into vernacular carpentry. The future of Traditional Oak Carpentry is in safe hands with Rick's son Henry already showing an interest in the tools of the trade. See Rick in action, illuminating visitors on medieval timber contruction. |
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The Urban Forester Nick Sutton once again brought the awesome 'Silent' a purebred Clydesdale to demonstrate the power and skill involved when a heavy horse is used to move timber. Once a common site, horses in woodland fell out of favour as steam and diesel powered machinery moved in. There are places where horses remain the power source of choice and these include sensitive woodlands where heavy machines can damage the ground and destroy delicate plantlife. email: theurbanforester@aol.com |
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Mick Walters Micksticks Mick Walters demonstrated traditional skills of hurdle making and broom making. |
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Wheal Rose Windsors Windsor Chair making demonstrations and display of hand crafted traditional Windsor chairs. |
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The Wildlife Trusts Promoting local nature reserves, wildlife, gardening and the children’s watch club. |
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Sandy Williams Crystal jewellery, dream catchers, fairies & dragons (not real!) and more for sale. From £1.50 |
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Ian Willoughby We were delighted to welcome, chainsaw carver, Ian Willoughby to Woodworks! making his first appearance at the show.
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Based in Leighton Buzzard, Ian wields his chainsaw to create a fantastic range of wooden garden sculpture and furniture - from planters to ornate benches. |
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Leo Wood – Thatcher Leo Wood brings his display of thatching tools and artefacts to Woodworks! See the master at work - visitors of all ages could try their hand at thatching too (on a low-level panel).
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Woodland Ways Visitors could try thier hand at bushcraft survival skills with Jason Ingermells. Woodland Ways was founded in order to build on the tradition of teaching Bushcraft and Survival Skills, with an emphasis on the protection and conservation of those environments we work within. |
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Woodlaw Sculptures in Wood by Munkey. Luke Wesley aka 'Munkey' is a chainsaw carver who created beautiful wood sculptures throughout the weekend. 01234 296841 |
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If you wish to enquire about taking a stand at Woodworks 2009, please contact: Alexis Pym email 01234 762614 or Jackie Brown email 01787 221830 To download an application form (pdf) please click here |
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