Forget the Olympics – when it comes to keeping fit there’s only one sport in town – bodging!
The age-old way of making chair legs using a manually powered pole lathe – a technology that dates back thousands of years – is still cutting edge as far as wood smith Mike Ashton is concerned.
The 45 year-old from Branston, Lincoln, is one of scores of passionate craftspeople set to demonstrate their art at the 3rd Limewoods Working Woodlands Weekend in the Forestry Commission’s Chambers Farm Wood, near Wragby, Lincs, on 13/14 September.
The spectacular event, which last year attracted over 600 people, is being staged by the Lincolnshire Limewoods Project and the Forestry Commission as part of Heritage Open Days. Entry is free.
Mike – a carpenter by training - was inspired to branch out after watching a traditional wood working display at Lincoln Castle in the early 1990s. Enthused, he ditched the electric drill and set out to become a wood turner and chairmaker using the rustic machinery of bygone times, like the pole lathe. It takes him nearly 60 hours to make a hand-made Windsor chair from lumps of ash and elm. But the finished result has gained him customers from the UK and further afield. However, you’d have to be fit to measure up to the old time Lincolnshire bodgers! They could make 100 chair legs in a single day, powering the lathe with a foot pedal, making them real eco-athletes!
Last year’s Limewoods event was a massive hit, making the 360-hectare (900-acre) beauty spot buzz with activity. This year revellers will get the chance to witness experts showcasing skills from hurdle making to willow weaving.
Liz Fleuty, Limewoods Project Officer, said:
“After last year’s brilliant success, we’ve extended the event to a full weekend and made it even bigger and better. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a revival in ancient skills and celebrate the stunning natural beauty and history of the Limewoods. There will be loads for kids to do with plenty of hands-on activities.”
Other highlights include a medieval woodsman leading treks into the wood to uncover its past and experts showing how plants were used to make medicines. There’ll also be besom making, chainsaw sculpture, wildlife activities, forest machine displays, children’s activities and a medieval smithy.
Turning the clock back even further will be Jake Keen, an experimental iron-smelter. He’ll be building a clay forge to smelt iron ore at temperatures up to 1,500 degrees centigrade using the basic technique that fired the Iron Age. Jake travels the globe probing how iron has been used over the centuries. For his Lincolnshire project he’ll use fuel made by Stuart Gill, from Woodhall Spa, a traditional charcoal maker who will fire up his kiln in the Limewoods. Mary Porter, Forestry Commission ranger, added.
“All the experts will give a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of the Limewoods and the weekend promises to a great outing for young and old alike.”
The event runs between 11am and 4pm both days and is based around the Chambers Farm Wood Centre off the B1202 Bardney to Wragby road. Further information on 01522 554835, or go to www.limewoods.co.uk
Media calls to Richard Darn on 0775 367 0038 / 01226 246351, or Liz Fleuty 01522 554831 / 07917 780471.
Notes to editor
Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For more visit www.forestry.gov.uk/eastmidlands
The Lincolnshire Limewoods Project is a five year initiative to protect, enhance and promote the natural and historic landscapes and features of the Limewoods area. It is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and project partners Lincolnshire County Council, Forestry Commission and Natural England.