TheWorshipfulCompany ofBlacksmiths

Newsletter41st Issue

December 2012

Editor:Nigel Whitehead

Published by: The Publicity and Public Relations Committee,Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, 9 Little Trinity Lane, London EC4V 2AD

www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk

On Other PagesInter Livery Walk 2Events Attended by the Prime Warden 2Garden of Remembrance 2The New Prime Warden – Chris Childs 3The Future of the Company 3Visit to HMS Sultan 4The Elworthy Trophy Competition 4Trafalgar Night Dinner 5“Vandalism” 6The Huguenots of Spitalfields 6Profile – Adrian Legge FWCB 7New Liverymen 7Awards Presentation 8 - 9Tonypandy Cup 10

Work of Julie Grosse 10BABA – AGM and Forge-in 11Edenbridge & Oxted Show 11Dorset Show 12Michelham Priory 12Royal Norfolk Show 13Plumpton College Success 13Old Clem's Feast Day (Blacksmiths’ Holiday) 14Proposed International Blacksmithing Event – 2014 14Titanic Inspirations 15Diary Dates 16Show Dates 16Correction 16New Judges’ Scoring card 16The Company Shop 16

Across Sun and Moon– Charles Normandale FWCB

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BABA AGM and Conference at Ironbridge

Society of Apothecaries Installation Dinner

‘Big Society’ Presentation at Guildhall

Searcy’s Reception at Vintners Hall

Livery Halls Walk 40 Halls visited

Old Bailey Lunch with the Judges

Fuellers Company Lecture

Guild of Air Pilots Lecture

Election of Lord Mayor & luncheon Guildhall

Musicians Company Service and Reception

HMS Sultan Livery Companies visit

Elworthy Trophy Tri-service competition and prizegiving

Framework Knitters Dinner at Mansion House

Guild of Arts Scholars Lecture

Events attended by the Prime Warden

Garden of Remembrance

The commitment to remembering the fallen of the two World Wars and so many other conflicts showsno sign of abating as the years pass. As part of its

Annual Appeal the City of London Branch of the RoyalBritish Legion arranges for a Garden of Remembrance to beplanted in the precincts of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The importance of the Ceremony is highlighted by thepresence of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs, with the Deanand other Civic Dignitaries.

The Masters, Prime Wardens and the Upper Bailiff aregiven the opportunity to plant a wooden cross bearing thename of their Livery Company. This follows the planting of

crosses by The Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, the Castle BaynardWard, the Cathedral, Police, Fire Brigade, Air AmbulanceService and representatives of different elements of theLegion.

The Standards of the Royal British Legion are paradedwith music this year provided by the Band of the IrishGuards. There is a short and dignified service with hymnsbefore the planting of the crosses. The Service concludeswith the haunting words from the Kohima Prayer:

When you go home, tell them of us and say,For your tomorrow, we gave our today.

A humbled observer

Inter Livery Walk of 40 Halls in the City

On Thursday 20 September our Prime Warden ChrisChilds and Assistant Zena Sanders joined withtwenty three other Livery Companies to walk to

forty Livery Halls in full robes, hats and chains. The daystarted at 0800 with breakfast at the Armourers’ Hall, lunchat the Bakers’ Hall and finished late afternoon. The pictureshows the group nearing the end of the walk on boardHQS WELLINGTON which, as the home of the MasterMariners, is the furthest hall from the City centre. The 13 km walk was organised by the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners and comfortable shoes was the order of the day. Fortunately the day was warm anddry for this crash course in Livery Hall locations, and the walk raised a minimum donation of £1,500 for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Winston Churchill said ‘The only way a man can remain consistent amid changingcircumstances is to change with them whilst

preserving the same dominating purpose’.The WCB is not immune from change and so the

Wardens have asked Past Prime Warden Keith Gabriel to chair a small group to look across the spectrum of emerging ideas appropriate to Blacksmithing andconsider recommending possible alliances with otherLivery Companies and commercial organisations.

In parallel with this, Past Prime Wardens RodneyLyons and Tim Herring are leading a review of the waythe Company operates. The use of the wide skill baseand talents within our Livery, recruiting new membersand speeding the entry process are but a few ideas thatneed consideration. At the same time the Chairman ofthe Finance Committee, Assistant Mark Abraham, hasformed a group to have a root and branch examination

of our finances so we can meet the challenges of thenext decade.

Every Prime Warden has just one year and I am surethat if you ask any of our Past Prime Wardens they wouldagree it no sooner starts than it comes to a finish. Thismeans there is so little time for one individual to makemeaningful changes which allows the Company to movewith the times.

This thinking by the three groups is long overdue andwill provide the input to a strategic plan approved by theWardens and give successive Prime Wardens continuity.Because the Court is not imbued with all the knowledge,we need your views and ideas to prepare the WCB tomeet the future challenges.

The Publicity & Public Relations Committee has beenre-established under the Chairmanship of Assistant Zena Sanders and many initiatives are being consideredincluding advertising in the Newsletter.

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Chris Childs – The New Prime Warden

Chris Childs joined Britannia Royal NavalCollege, Dart mouth in 1961 and servedfor thirty five years as an engineer

officer in the Royal Navy, specialising innuclear engineering and submarines. Heserved at sea on five submarines including thefirst Polaris submarine HMS RESOLUTION, as well as aircraft carriers, assault ships,destroyers and frigates. Chris is proud that, atthe nuclear submarine base Faslane, he hadcharge of the last blacksmiths’ workshop in theRoyal Navy.

It was at Chatham that Chris had the projectresponsibility for HMS CHURCHILL whichproved to be the last nuclear submarine refitundertaken there before the yard became theHistoric Dockyard.

On leaving the Service Chris joined BabcockInternational as its Nuclear DivisionalManager at Rosyth and was seconded asmember of the Government Special ExpertGroup for nuclear waste in North WestRussia. More recently he has spent time as aconsultant engineer advising on setting upcompanies in the UK.

Chris and his wife Lyn live in the village ofMarden in the Weald of Kent and have twodaughters and five grand-daughters. He isPresident of his local British Legion, retains aninterest in the Service Cadet work, supports thelocal church and has a passion for golf. The Prime Warden Chris Childs

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The Future of the Company The Prime Warden

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The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths becameinvolved with The Elworthy Trophy Competitionwhen, some seven years ago our present Prime

Warden Chris Childs, then a Court Assistant, was havinglunch with Lt. Colonel Barry Paddison the competitionorganiser. Lt. Colonel Paddison, who retires next year,suggested that the Worshipful Company of Blacksmithsmight like to consider supporting the event. Chris Childsmanaged to convince the Court to provide fifty per centsponsorship of the event with the remainder coming fromex-service and individual contributors.

The Elworthy Trophy is the Battle of BritainCommemorative Sword presented to the late Marshall of the Royal Air Force, Lord Elworthy KG GCB CBE DSO MVO DFC AFC. When he retired in 1978 as Lord Lieutenantof Greater London, Lord Elworthy presented hisCommemorative Sword as a trophy for annual competitionbetween cadets of the three services,four teams from each, from withinGreater London.

This year the competition took placeover the weekend of 6th/7th Octoberat Woolwich Barracks in SE London.Only seven teams entered with a totalof seventy eight cadets from the Army,Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and theCombined Cadet Force.

The competition teststhe basic skills of theteams combining thesewith general physical andmental abilities. Activities included archery, first-aid,drill/turnout, a command task, marching, shooting,orienteering, rowing and watermanship skills; the latter twowhich involved constructing and paddling a raft wereevaluated on Danson Park boating lake in Bexley.

344 Squadron (Fulham ATC) were this year’s winner ofthe Elworthy Trophy having won five out of the total eightevents. Prime Warden Chris Childs presented awards to allmembers of the event winning teams. Past Prime Warden SirDavid Brewer, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London,presented the Elworthy Sword to the winning team.

The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths was alsorepresented by Past Prime Warden Hugh Adams

CWCB, Past Prime Warden JohnBarber DL, Renter Warden AdrianOliver, the Clerk, Christopher Jeal and Liveryman Maurice Greenberg.

Grateful thanks are offered to Sarah Johnson for providinginformation about the weekend’sevents and to Stuart Turkington,freelance photographer, and allinvolved at Woolwich Barracks.

Maurice Greenberg

Twenty five guests from the Worshipful Companies of Plumbers, Founders, Blacksmiths, Turners,Shipwrights, Engineers and Fuellers, all Companies

affiliated to HMS SULTAN, visited the shore basedestablishment in October. These Companies, some of whichdate back to the middle ages, originally developed asregulators for their trades but now act primarily ascharitable organisations, sponsoring prizes that areroutinely awarded to HMS SULTAN’s trainee engineers.

The visit began with briefs from Commodore Slawson,Commander Bowser and Captain Gulley to update ouraffiliates on the role of HMS SULTAN and the major training schools onsite. This was followed bycareer summaries from twomembers of staff illustratingthe varied and excitingopportunities available in aNaval Career. The morningwas concluded by the RoyalNavy Presentation Team,

whose modern and relevant presentation informed thelisteners about the role, capabilities and current operationsof the Royal Navy.

Delegates enjoyed lunch in the Siskin Room of theWardroom before being introduced to HMS SULTAN’sfamous steam lorry. Following lunch, guests were shown the facilities used by trainees learning marine and airengineering skills, as well as traditional manufacturingcrafts. To the enjoyment of all, guests travelled betweenfacilities in the steam lorry while bathed in bright sunlight.

To conclude the visit, the Commodore hosted a question and answer session,addressing thoughts andquestions provoked by theday’s activities. The day wasjudged by everyone as a realsuccess, and guests left witha new found understandingof the training provided atHMS SULTAN, its personnel,and the role and value of thewider Royal Navy.

On Danson Lake – that sinking feeling!

Livery Companies visit to HMS SULTANLieutenant Carl Perry RN

The ElworthyTrophyCompetition 2012

The jubilant winners – 344 Squadron ATC

Photography by Stewart Turkington

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Trafalgar Night Dinner

It was Chris Childs’ desire to hold a Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths’ Trafalgar Night dinner

during his year as The Prime Warden and this plan came to veryimpressive fruition at the Vintners’ Hallin the City of London on 18October 2102. It was co-hosted bythe three Worshipful Companiesof the Blacksmiths, Cooks andShipwrights which is a veryappropriate combination in viewof the key skills that each tradewould have brought to thecapabilities of Admiral Nelson’sFleet. Our Prime Warden acted asthe Mess President, Vice AdmiralPeter Wilkinson CB CVO, theVice President, and the Guest ofHonour was Admiral Sir JockSlater GCB LVO DL. The venueof the Vintners’ Hall was animpressive location in which tohost such an auspicious dinner.

After being formally greeted,the guests enjoyed a pre-dinnerreception before entering themagnificent dining hall. Beautifullyprepared menus were provided,which contained not only the dinnerand wine to be served and seating planbut also a brief history of Nelson’sSignal at the Battle of Trafalgar, thehistory of the Vintners’ Hall and apictorial representation of the Flagsused by Captain John Pasco, FlagLieutenant in HMS VICTORY, to giveAdmiral Lord Nelson’s uniquelyfamous Order ‘England expects thatevery man will do his duty’.

The menu had been imaginativelyplanned with 4 courses: ‘Breaking theLine’ (Loch Dart Smoked Salmon);‘Fleet Broadside’ (Beef Wellington);‘Victory Desert’ (Spiced PoachedConference Pear) and finally ‘Hardy’sFinale’ (Selection of British Cheeseswith Quince Jelly). The wines chosenperfectly complimented the courses: aChilean Sauvignon Blanc (2011Errazuriz Aconacagua Costa); Berry’sExtra Ordinary Burgundy (MaisonRoche de Bellene 2009) and finally and(essentially at Trafalgar Night!) Berry’sSt James’s Finest Reserve Port (Quintade las Rosa).

Throughout the dinner, the BrassQuintet of the Royal Marines

Association Concert Band played aselection of stirring music. For many ofthe songs and subsequent sea shanties,they were accompanied by theClassical Vocal Duo ‘Cripps andSaunders’. To have music performed

by the Royal Marines was clearlyappropriate for a Trafalgar Night. Inaddition, Jill Saunders and AlisonCripps added immensely to theatmosphere. Indeed, Alison is aserving Major in Queen Alexandra’sRoyal Army Nursing Corps(QARANC) currently based at theSurgeon General’s Headquarters inLichfield and had been given specialpermission by her CommandingOfficer to wear her QARANC MessDress which added panache.Additional mention must be made ofthe Trafalgar Drummers of the RoyalMarines Association Concert Bandwho also added their unique skills tothe military ethos of such a specialdinner.

The Toasts, reflecting the traditionof the Royal Navy, were given asfollows: ‘The Queen’ by the Mess VicePresident, Vice Admiral Wilkinson;‘The Prince Philip, Duke ofEdinburgh, The Prince of Wales, TheDuchess of Cornwall and othermembers of the Royal family’ wasproposed by the Prime Warden of the Shipwrights’ Company, Mr W DEverard CBE and the toast to TheLord Mayor and the City of LondonCorporation was proposed by theMaster of the Worshipful Company of

Cooks, Mr G J Osborne BEM. TheToastmaster for the evening wasWarrant Officer C J Cash MBE whocarried out his duties with distinction.

After the toasts, the ‘ImmortalMemory’ was proposed by the

Guest of Honour, Admiral SirJock Slater. Sir Jock’s speechwas a detailed analysis of theinspiring leadership qualitiesthat made Admiral Nelsonsuch a revered figure who stillcommands such immenserespect and relevance. Inaddition, the historical contextof the Battle of Trafalgar wasbrought forward to moderntimes with a reminder of thecrucial importance of the RoyalNavy and Royal Marines to theprosperity and stability of ourisland nation in today’s highlyunstable and turbulent world.The speech was fast paced, full of interesting reflections

and was a stirring conclusion to amost memorable evening.

In view of the basis of ‘TrafalgarNight’, it is very fitting that surplusmoney raised by the event will go toThe Royal British Legion, Seafarers(UK) and Help for Heroes. LordNelson would have surely approved!

The Brass Quintet & TrafalgarDrummers from The Royal MarinesAssociation Concert Band (Website:http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/ Articles/RMA.htm) was arrangedby Andrew Wood (Tel: 02392 876656).The classical vocal duo ‘Cripps andSaunders’ (Website: http://www.crippsandsaunders.com) can be contacted on 07773 260784 and 07949 376475.

Surg Cpt Robin MC McNeil Love

The Prime Warden, The Shipwrights Company, Mr W D Everard CBE,Guest of Honour, Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB LVO DL,

The Prime Warden, The Blacksmiths Company, Mr Christopher Childs, The Master, The Cooks Company, Mr G J Osborne BEM

Leader of the Royal Marines Concert Band, AndyWood and the Trafalgar Drummers

Photography by M. O’Sullivan

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In this world of mass-produced,cold bent, machine made “wroughtiron” components, am I alone in

my despair over the wantondestruction of some of the finestexamples of our craft that goes onaround us all the time. I rescued theseclassic examples (see photo) of thework of a Master Smith from a skip ata private house where I had recentlycompleted a large commission. Thesepieces had formed part of existingbalustrading both within the houseand on the external entrance steps. The work had been breathtakinglywell executed by a skilled andknowledgeable craftsman so imaginemy horror upon returning to the houseseveral weeks after finishing my workto discover the whole lot had been tornout and dumped in a skip. Most of thisbeautiful ironwork was buried welldown but I managed to rescue thebaluster and a newel post seen here.Their replacements were machinemade infill bars and, of course, theobligatory cage twists! Have modernarchitects/designers no appreciationof our craft? Some do, and I have

worked with them but their ranks arediminishing.

I am also in despair at theapproach of the insurance industrythat appears bereft of any knowledgeabout period ironwork when itcomes to repair or replacement. Iwas recently asked to quote forreplacing the gates at what had beenthe local forge. These had beendamaged beyond repair. The gateshad been made in the ‘70s by JohnProbert, the smith who taught memy craft, and I calculated I would beable to make replacements foraround £4,000. I was not given thejob and was not surprised whenreplacements were produced whichwere in box section hung onadjustable hinges and yes, full of“wrought iron component pieces”.There is an irony in thesereplacement gates having been fittedto a Forge which, before its demise,had produced two Silver medalholders, one Bronze medal holderand two National ChampionBlacksmiths, both being awarded theChampionship twice in their careers.

BY HAMMER AND HAND ALLARTS DO STAND.........or do they?

Huguenots of Spitalfields

2013marks the 250th anniversaryof the death of AnnaMaria Garthwaite

(1690 -1763), the outstanding Englishtextile designer who lived inPrincelet Street, Spitalfields andworked closely with Huguenotweavers of silk. 2013 is also the415th anniversary of the signing of the Edict of Nantes on 13th April 1598 which allowed FrenchProtestants (Huguenots) to worshipfreely providing they did not inciteCatholic opposition.

A series of activities to commemorate theseevents will take place between 8 -13th April

2013. As well as daily walks and talks byexperts, there will be a Thanksgiving

Service at Christ Church on 11 Aprilto recognise the contribution thatHuguenots made to Spitalfields,and, on Saturday 13th April, the Big Weave in Spitalfields Market.

If any members of the Liveryhave Huguenot connections or

would be interested in the aboveactivities they are invited to contact The

Clerk, Christopher Jeal.

“Vandalism”This shocking story (shortened and edited) was recently relayed to meby one of the Company’s most experienced and highly qualified smiths.His disgust and despair is plainly evident in what he has written. Ed.

Rescued from skip

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Adrian grew up on hisparents’ farm in ruralHerefordshire about six

miles from where we live nowwith our two terriers. He trained as a blacksmithing/farriery apprentice to his father,Tom, with whom he ran thebusiness for many years, trainingthree apprentices along the way,each of whom now has his ownbusiness. Adrian eventually tookover the business; he also spent sixmonths training farriers in Cyprusin 1983. As well as continuing with his own blacksmithing andfarriery work, he has beeninvolved in the management and teaching of blacksmithing and farriery at HerefordshireCollege of Technology for 25years, during which time he haswritten various blacksmithingcourses for national qualifications,as well as having responsibilitiesas a course tutor.

Along the way Adrian hasbeen invited as a guest lecturer/demonstrator to various international blacksmithingevents in Europe and North America and has beeninvolved in setting up blacksmithing exhibitions andorganising ‘forge-ins’ both in this country and abroad. Heis a member of the Three Counties Agricultural Society’sBlacksmithing and Farriery Committee, a member and pastsecretary of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association anda director of the National Heritage Ironwork Group as well

as a National Judge, Liveryman,Fellow and Licentiate of theWorshipful Company of Black -smiths. He also sits on the WCBcraft committee. Blacksmithing is Adrian’s main hobby as well as his profession. He ispassionate about blacksmithingand is keenly interested in theeducation and teaching of notonly the traditional craft skills butalso contemporary design, as wellas promoting the craft as arelevant and vibrant part oftoday’s Arts and Crafts.

He is currently working onfire irons, light fittings, a balcony,and an outside staircase for ourhome – all unfortunately still atthe ‘concept’ stage as histeaching, blacksmithing, farrieryand his work for NHIG take up most of his time (when he’snot avidly reading, watchingfilms or playing the occasionalgame of golf – badly!) In recentyears he has been rentingBringsty Forge (on the Worcester

side of Bromyard) which he shares with Henry Pomfret and Tony Ingarfield. He’s hoping to make more time to ‘play in the forge’ there before he gets too old to swing a hammer! As you will have gathered, Adrian is a man with too many talents tosqueeze into the time available to him – fortunately, he’s also generous-spirited, easy-going and excellentcompany!

Adrian Legge

Adrian Legge FWCB, LWCB, PQCG Fiona Legge

New LiverymenDonald Baim Ormiston was admitted to the Livery atthe Midsummer Court. Donald is a retired police officerwho in ‘retirement’ worked for the General Council ofthe Bar. He has been a Freeman of the City of Londonsince 1992 and has frequently accompanied his sponsor,Harry Corben to Livery luncheons.

The other admission at Midsummer was David DanielTheobald AWCB. David is a working blacksmith basedat Linford in Essex. He is a traditional blacksmith andproud of his craft and appreciative of the support givento it by the Worshipful Company. David holds a Diplomaof Merit and was nominated by Godfrey South FWCB.

The number of working blacksmiths in the livery wasfurther increased at the Michaelmas Court when Stephen Lunn FWCB was admitted. His Silver Medaland victory in the Tonypandy Cup in 2010 (seeNewsletter Issue 37) stand testimony to the outstandingdesigns and work Stephen produces from his forge atMorpeth, Northumberland.

It is always a pleasure to welcome new Liverymen,whether working blacksmiths or from the varied walksof life that make our Company such an interesting Liveryto be part of. We look forward to seeing all our newLiverymen at Company events.

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Award Win

Photography by

The Requirements for Awards are described on ou

Presented by the Renter Warden, Adrian Oliver

John Webb Cup

Grace Binding

Presented by the Craft Warden, Mike Shepherd

Stanley Allcard Cup

Rowan Taylor

Camelia Botnar Foundation Cup

Charlie Whittingham

Les Armstrong Paul Gilbert Andrew Hall

Richard Jones Daniel Liggins Adrian Legge

John Beavis Mark Lewis David Skinner

Bronze Medal

Presented by the Third Warden, Don Barker

Diploma of Merit

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nners 2012

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ur website www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk

Presented by Commodore Mark Slawson RN

Other Award not collected on the day

LicentiatePeter Smith

Champion Blacksmith

Richard Jones

Presented by the Third Warden, Don Barker

Simon Grant-Jones Dyfed Jones Christopher Blythman

Reserve National Championship Blacksmith

Reserve Champion Blacksmith

Richard Bent

Charles Normandale

David Harman

Corporal Paul Hunter David Tucker Simon Grant-Jones

National Championship Blacksmith Licentiate

Steven Mitchell

Presented by the Prime Warden, Chris Childs

Silver MedalBlacksmiths Army Cup

Tonypandy Cup

Presented by Craft CommitteeChairman, Richard Regan

Charles Normandale is a larger than life personality and his creativeapproach is extrovert, anarchistic and discerning. He believes passionatelyin pushing at the boundaries and restrictions of technique in order to

extend and further develop his own high levels of craftsmanship andachievement. This enables him to create new and innovative abstract sculpturalforms whilst working as a well respected Artist Blacksmith.

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Tonypandy Cup Awarded to Charles Normandale FWCB

Combinations of metals, stone,light, water, movement and reflectionare often employed. His two largeentrance sculptures for Southsea TownCentre in Hampshire demonstrate this

well. Working with the given theme ofContemporary Seaside this awardwinning response consists of twoWave sculptures seven and ten metresin height. Huge mild steel, forged,

ripple bases support stainless steelquills that sweep upwards in largecurving crests. Each quill reflects the sky during the day and containsfibre optic coloured lights that arechoreographed by bespoke motorisedcolour wheels. These colours changecontinuously at night to simulate themovement of a rolling wave.

Taking a basic metal and working it skilfully and creatively by hand,giving it a life and form thathumanises the original material sothat people can relate to it, is anotherdefining personal philosophy. Thework of Charles Normandale can be viewed on his website atwww.charlesnormandale.com.

Wave sculptures at Southsea

Work by Julie Grosse – blacksmith

Julie Grosse who workedwith Bob Oakes was therecipient of one of the

Company’s bursaries severalyears ago. Examples of thework Julie is now doing areshown here.

Charles Normandale

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BABA AGM and Forge-in

On Saturday the eleventhof August Past PrimeWarden Hugh Adams

CWCB and Liveryman MauriceGreenberg attended the AnnualGeneral Meeting of BABA andthe Forge-in at Blist Hill,Ironbridge to which they hadbeen invited.

During the course of theday members of the BABACouncil welcomed thePrime Warden Chris Childsand his wife Lyn andshowed them around thevarious activities.

The Forge-in area was a hive of activity with many senior and Awardwinning smiths workingindividually and in teams.Among the smiths weresome from the National

Heritage Ironwork Group which runs one year trainingcourses in the theory and practice of conservation, includingwork experience placements on conservation projects.

The theme of the Forge-in was the development andversatility of Iron through the ages, demonstrated by theuse of conceptual models. The models were to bepresented in fabricated steel foundry box outlinearranged in three vertical stacks of four, spaced at onehundred and twenty degrees on a circular steel base with

ramp access for thedisabled.

One box was to be used for a DVDpresentation aboutiron while anothercontained flat platesof steel which, whenviewed by parallax,produced an image

of the face of AbrahamDarby (1678-1717) who developediron sand casting and cokesmelting. Other boxes had copiesof iron beads found in ancientEgyptian tombs which legend suggests were a gift from the Gods, delivered by angels, as were all elementsfound on Earth.

Other displays demonstrated the concept of a pouringcrucible, parts of bicycle wheels suggesting travel and

exploration, and conceptualhaemoglobin – the iron carryingelement of blood. The com -pleted works are to be placed on permanent display in one of the Ironbridge Museums.

This article would not becomplete without a special wordof thanks to the BABA Councilfor its kind invitation to attendthe AGM and Forge-in and alsoto those Smiths who kindlyspent time talking to us duringthe course of the day.

Maurice Greenberg

Edenbridge & Oxted Show

This year wasnot just anothersuccessful one

for the Edenbridge &Oxted Show but, withits links to the EastSurrey Show Society,founded in 1837,marked the hundredand seventy fifth yearsince its formation.

Held annually over the August bank Holiday it attractsvisitors not only from the nearby Counties of Kent, Surreyand East Sussex but from the much wider area of the HomeCounties including London.

Anyone with a family in tow looking for a day out in thecountry would be hard pressed to find an event offeringsuch a wide range of entertainment and skills for all ages.Whether you are a townie or country person there is alwayssomething to attract your interest. For dog lovers there is the

arena where dogs are putthrough their paces, oftento the amusement ofonlookers, and, for thosemore interested in horses,a whole range of events inthe main arena includingcarriage driving are thereto thrill. Displays of livestock abound and throughout the showground is an array of stands selling goods andservices to satisfy all tastes.

Then there is the spectacle provided by blacksmiths and farriers demonstrating their skills on their respective stands. Neither stand ever fails to attractonlookers who, in the case of the Blacksmiths’ stand, areentertained with a running commentary as the smithscompete in the Live-forging Competition.

Hats off to Eric Lamprill and Judith who together withtheir stalwart band of helpers do so much to make theBlacksmiths’ stand such a huge success.

A hive of activity at Blist Hill,Ironbridge

Enginuity takes shape

The Prime Warden with smiths Oliver Boyett, David Frazier and Matthew Snape

Nigel Stenning receiving his award from Hugh Adams CWCB

Eric Lamprell FWCB receiving the Mick Orgill Special AchievementAward, with Judith and Lynne Orgill

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The Editor

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Michelham Priory near Hailsham in East Sussex is abeautiful Tudor mansion set on a tranquil islandsurrounded by England’s longest water-filled

medieval moat. Its picturesque grounds include a physicgarden, herbaceous borders and sculpture trail.

So, what has a Priory to do with The Sussex Guild ofCraftsmen? Every year for the past forty years, MichelhamPriory has played host to The Sussex Guild of Craftsmen forits annual get-together, sale and promotional exercise.

All forms of craft, too numerous to list individually, are ondisplay including live demonstrations – which brings me tothe point of this article.

Blacksmithing plays a very active role at the Priory. A member of our Livery, Eric Lamprell FWCB, has been amember of The Guild since he was a boy and now isresponsible for the running of the Blacksmiths stand. This isno small undertaking as the Show runs for four days andthere are significant logistical problems to be considered.

However, as always in theBlacksmithing world, help isat hand (no doubt aided andabetted by there always beinga barrel or two of beer on tap)and other Sussex blacksmithsare happy to join in.

This year those taking partincluded Remuna Picard,Nigel Stenning, Ben Woodand Rikky Delaney. David Harman FWCB, usually to befound with Eric at this event, was unable to attend as alsowere John Grantham and Andrew Nice.

This Show takes place at the beginning of August eachyear and is considered by many to be a really pleasant dayout. Any Liveryman who would like to visit in the futurecan be assured of a warm welcome from Eric and his merryband of men.

Nigel Stenning, Remuna Picard andEric Lamprill FWCB

Michelham Priory and The Sussex Guild ofCraftsmen

The Dorset Show Susan King

Iam Susan King and I have beenemployed as a Teaching Assistantby the Learning Support Depart -

ment at Kingston Maurward College,Dorset for two years. Over the lastyear I have had the privilege ofworking in our state of the art Forgeand Welding departments and havebeen impressed by the dedication of the team, which includes JustinButler (The Boss), Simon Grant-Jones (The Film Star), and Brian Hill (TheJack of all Trades). Their enthusiasmis infectious and I, myself, have nowdeveloped an interest in Forge work.I am particularly interested in thehistory and creativity of the craft andlove to see the achievements of ourstudents.

This summer I was thrilled to beinvited to steward on the Blacksmiths’stand at the Dorset County Show,organised by Simon Grant-Jones. Onarrival I was immediately introducedto the gentlemen Blacksmiths whose

camaraderie soon put me at my ease.I was amazed at all the exhibits

(there were fifty nine altogether) andhad great fun watching the livecompetitions where the challenge wasto make nutcrackers within seventyfive minutes and a saleable itemwithin thirty minutes. The activitycertainly drew the crowd and gave methe opportunity to promote the craft.

Hugh Adams CWCB of theWorshipful Company of Blacksmiths,whom I had met briefly on a previousoccasion when he was visitingKingston Maurward College, wasthere supporting us. The WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths has beenfantastic in supporting the Collegeand its students and it was greatbeing able to spend time with Hughand learn more about the Company,its history and how it supports andprovides funds for these and otherevents and charities.

Winners of the Competitions werepresented with their awards by our Principal, Clare Davison, and Richard Jones FWCB. Our own Simon Grant-Jones AWCB, of whom we arevery proud for his winning theNational Championship Blacksmithaward this year, won the staticcompetition and Dyfed Jones fromNorth Wales claimed the reserve.James Crossman from Somerset wonboth the live competitions. John

Bellamy from Devon claimed thereserve for them both.

Overall, it was a lovely event and aspecial thank you is owed to LynneGrant–Jones for the wonderful feastshe provided. I feel extremely gratefulto have been involved as a stewardfor these amazing craftsmen and havebeen inspired by such interestingpeople. Perhaps if I work hard, nextyear I will have a go at the livecompetition, myself!

The Blacksmiths, Hugh Adams and Sue King

Hugh Adams CWCB and Simon Grant-Jones with his award winning screen

The Principal of Kingston Maurward College, Clare Davison with Simon Grant-Jones at the

Awards Presentation

Hugh Adams CWCB

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The Norfolk Show held on Wednesday and Thursday,27th and 28th June, lived up to its reputation withhot weather, traffic congestion – a new colour coded

system made the congestionso much worse it was changedfor the second day – andqueues. Even the Blacksmiths’marquee was sultry, nevermind the Forging stationswhich were reminiscent of theItalian heat-wave conditionsexperienced by those of ustaking part in the StiaInternational competitions lastyear. We were honoured tohave Stephen Lunn, a memberof the winning team at Stia, asour Show Judge.

Some sixteen Blacksmithsexhibited their work and tookpart in the live forgingdemonstrations/competition. The hard work setting up theexhibition and performing before the great East Anglianpublic was rewarded when we were presented with secondprize for best trade stand at the Show.

Stephen worked diligently assessing the items ondisplay, inside and outside, testing the new judging criteriain the process. He awarded First prize and WCB ShowChampion Shield to Graham Chaplin for his beguiling“L’Equilibriste”, a life size female figure balancing on awheel, so animate you half expected her to roll it alongwith her feet. We learned this was an actual likeness of thecommissioning client - an amazing piece of work. Secondand Reserve Champion was Nigel Barnet with hiswhimsical “All legs, no arms”, an edge on spinning ring,

topped by an allegorical figure “kicking his/her heels”;one or two of us gave in to the temptation to ride on it. Thefive Highly Commended works comprised two villagesigns, a fireplace companion set, and “Rococo” handle.

After two days of sweat, dust and fumes we had allfinished our live forged pieces, on the theme “your sport”,and set them out for visitors to see and the judge to examine.As usual, a wonderfully imaginative range of items hadbeen created, including Bill Cordaroy’s elegant sailing boat,Jason Greenberg’s badminton player, flattened under a one ton weight, and Dave Townsend’s brazed-in-the-firefootball boots. To his surprise and delight, Peter Allen, a firsttime participant at the Show, was given First prize and LiveForging Champion WCB shield for his man on a bicycle.Second was Wendy Alford’s gymnast on the parallel

bars and Third came MeganRobin-Abbots from Connecticut(Journeyman smith, workingwith Nigel Barnet) who hadforged a dangerously realisticColt 45 pistol.

We had had quite anaudience at the Forging arenaand a steady flow of visitors to the exhibition and, whilstnot much was sold at theShow, we all made newcontacts, distributed literatureand hope that avenues havebeen opened for futurecommissions. We enjoyed theusual blacksmith camaraderie,some of us only meet once a

year, with well-meant promises to visit in between.Perhaps this time we will!

The Royal Norfolk Show – 2012 Wendy Alford

Barney Cheeseman, a student from PlumptonCollege, has been awarded the Frank Day Trophyin a National Competition open to blacksmithing

students with less than three years’ experience. TheTrophy which is sponsored by the Blacksmiths Guildincludes a framed certificate and £250.

Barney, whose tutor Ricky Delaney is a Licentiate ofthe Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, submitted amatched pair of floor-standing lights in the form of sailscombining traditional ironworking techniques with theuse of material and LED lighting.

Judging took place at Westpoint Forge in Devon andwas carried out by a panel of National BlacksmithingCompetition judges.

Trophy Awarded to Plumpton College Student

Peter Allen –WCB Live ForgingChampion

Graham Chaplinʼs LʼEquilibriste

Barney Cheeseman with his tutor Ricky Delaney

Old Clem’s Feast Day – Blacksmiths’ Holiday

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Great Snail Race winner – Greg Abel

Proposed InternationalBlacksmithing Event – 2014Aproposal to hold an International Blacksmithing

event at Westpoint, home of the Blacksmiths Guildand the Devon County Agricultural Association, is underconsideration. 2014 will be the twenty fifth anniversary ofthe DCAA’s move to Westpoint and the Association iskeen to see blacksmithing at the Devon County Show.Kingston Maur ward College is interested in participating.

With news of serious flooding in Somerset, Devonand Cornwall being broadcast, Past PrimeWarden Hugh Adams and your Editor ventured

forth independently, not knowing whether, or how forcertain, they would reach their destination - to join anintrepid band of blacksmiths set upon celebrating the feastday of St. Clement at Sticklepath in North Devon. Old Clem,believed to be the first man to refine iron from ore and toshoe a horse, and St. Dunstan, another blacksmith, are thepatron saints of metalworkers and blacksmiths so theseworkers traditionally enjoyed a holiday on the feast day.

The village of Sticklepath stands on the northern fringe of Dartmoor National Park some three miles fromOkehampton. It became home to The Finch Foundry in 1814which is believed to be the last remaining water poweredforge in the country. During its existence the Finch familybusiness produced a huge range of tools mainly for agrarianpurposes but, with the increase in mechanisation after thesecond World War, many of its traditional products were nolonger in demand and the forge became more of a “jobbing”workshop. After its closure in 1960 the foundry fell intodisrepair before being restored as a working museum by agroup of volunteers and given to the National Trust(sponsors of this year’s event) in 1994. Around this time the

foundry reinstated the annual get-together of West Countryblacksmiths who participate in competitions including TheGreat Snail Race, and re-enact the “firing of the anvil”. Thislatter event involves compressing an explosive charge into ahole in the anvil, lighting the touch-paper and waiting asecond or two before an almighty bang and clouds of smoke! Some spoil-sport (aka ‘elf & safety) must have deemed itunsafe to follow the tradition of placing one anvil atopanother so that, when the charge between them was fired,the top anvil shot up high in the air.

Since early Greek and Egyptian times water has beenused to provide power. The use of water power atSticklepath was first recorded in 1147. Mills have stood on the site of the Finch Foundry for over 700 years, the last before becoming a foundry being a woollen mill. AtFinch Foundry water provides the power for three largewater-wheels which drive the trip hammers, the fansupplying draught to the forges, and the grindstone tosharpen the tools made there.

Little was it appreciated that the cold, wet weatherheralding our arrival on the Friday afternoon was a foretasteof the weather for the remainder of the weekend.Nonetheless, by 7.30 the following morning Richard JonesFWCB was on site setting up the forges for the splendiddisplay demonstrated later by twelve smiths and fivestudent blacksmiths from Kingston Maurward College,brought along by their tutors, Simon Grant-Jones AWCBLWCB and Colin Edward Jones. Another early arrival wasJohn Bellamy of the Westpoint Guild of Blacksmiths. Theother smiths were Kevin Mahoney, Adrian Wolfe, RobbieSavill, Brian Hill, Dave Denford, David North-Lewis, JamesDeane, Sid Blackmore, Brian Collis, Ben Tanner, MarkWeller, James Paterson and Alastair Weldon.

Despite cold and very wet weather some hundred andfifty visitors attended the day’s event, many gettingdrenched while watching the competing smiths. At the endof the day Hugh Adams was invited to judge thecompetitions and awarded the prize for The Great SnailRace to Greg Abel from Moretonhampstead and the prizefor the Candlestick making competition to Andrew Hallfrom Branscombe. After dismantling and loading the forgesand associated equipment for transportation the smiths,friends and families gathered in the nearby bar where awarming log fire beckoned.

Next morning lighter skies were a welcome sight but –guess what? – by the time breakfast was over rain wasfalling again.

Keith Mahoney & James Deane in competition

Photography by John Bellamy of the Blacksmiths Guild

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Titanic Inspirations Exhibition – Belfast

I got a call from a more organisedcolleague, “Hey Merv did you knowyou had a pile of BA Air Miles to use up. Better use ‘em or lose ‘em!”Quickly searching through a pile ofpaper and checking the BAwebsite I discovered hewas correct and mythoughts turned towhere these might best be spent. Havingrecently read the IABANewsletter highlightingTitanic Inspirations I madeplans to get me over to Belfastas soon as possible. And so it was that on the 13th November I struggled from my bed at 4:00am,dashed around the good ol’ M25 and climbed aboard the first BA flightout of Heathrow to Belfast.

Shortly after my arrival, Peter andCiaran Cassidy together with MickeyMallon were on hand with transport tothe exhibition centre. After parking

underground, Mickey, who obviouslyhad extensive knowledge of thesubterranean routes of entry, led uswithout hindrance into the AndrewsGallery, much to the astonishment of the Events Manager, KatherineGardiner. After muttering some wordswhich to my ears sounded like “howthe xxxx did you get in?”, she sped off

to inform security and other interestedparties, returning several minuteslater to inform us that we were nowbona fide guests and could continueunhindered with our visit!

On entering the gallery I wasimmediately struck by the excellentlighting effects and general layoutof the exhibits.

Most had dedicated plinths withsufficient space around each allowingvisitors to discover fully the piece fromevery angle. Prominent descriptionsprovided useful information for theviewer including the price if the piecewas for sale. Having the exhibitionentitled ‘Titanic Inspirations’ hadobviously struck a creative chord withthe makers, for on display were nearlyfifty works that delivered a fullspectrum of impact and emotions.Many of the pieces were not onlythought provoking but also providedthe viewer with degrees of poignancy,inspiration and in some cases humourwhilst demonstrating great originality,all made with high levels of artisticand craft skills.

I know it’s a cliché but mere wordscannot do justice to the display andunfortunately space does not permitall the pieces to be reproduced in this article. I sincerely hope, however,that the selection shown here provides the reader with a sense of the exhibition. Anyone interested inseeing all the works can email memetalwizard@btinternet.com and Iwill be pleased to send a CD on receipt

of a suitable SAE.My visit had been over a long

tiring day, but I would gladly repeatthe experience for a chance to see such work again; even without thehelp of Air Miles! My sincere thanks

are extended to Peterand Ciaran Cassidy,Mickey Mallon andMichael Calnan for thephoto graphs, theirtime and generoushospitality, and ofcourse to all theparticipating black -

smiths of IABA. Youcan be rightly proud of your

tremendous efforts in putting onthis exhibition, the quality of which in my view was of Internationalsignificance. Thanks are due also toKatherine Gardiner for sparing timeduring her busy day in making uswelcome and explaining many of theaspects of the Titanic Experience.

Postscript – Although the TitanicInspirations exhibition has now closed I would thoroughly recommend a visit to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter where theWhite Star trio of ships: Olympic, Titanicand Brittanic were built. The fantasticarchitecture of the Titanic Experiencebuilding itself is worth the trip. Check it out at: www.titanicbelfast.com

Titanic Sorrow – by Thomas Allison Elephant – by Donnacha Cahill

Work by The Irish Artists Blacksmiths Association (IABA)

“.....I never doubted that the items you would provide me with would be fantastic, but in allhonesty the whole exhibition has blown me away. You are an amazingly talented group of artistsand I will do all I can to push the exhibition and your organisation to my fullest ability” –Katherine Gardiner, Titanic Belfast Programming and Events Manager

Merv Allen FWCB

Lifeboat – by IABA members

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Published by: The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths · Design and Typesetting by: Les Allen – 07944 295613 · Printed by: LeA Printers – 0845 232 2322

Prices:

• Livery Tie £10 (Liverymen only)

• ‘Social Tie’ £22• Umbrella £15• Cuff Links £66.50• Brooches £45

All items available from the Clerk, Christopher Jeal.A limited supply might be available at Court luncheons.

Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ Shop

Epiphany Court & Luncheon Thursday 17th Jan

Wardens' Court Thursday 28th Feb

United Guilds' Service Friday 15th March

Ladyday Court & Luncheon Thursday 11th April

ANNUAL BANQUET Friday 26th April

Prime Warden's Weekend 17th - 19th May

Wardens' Court Thursday 23rd May

Election of Sheriffs Monday 24th June

Midsummer Court & Luncheon Thursday 4th July

Election Court Thursday 25th July

Wardens' Court Thursday 5th Sept

Election of Lord Mayor Monday 30th Sept

Michaelmas Court & Awards Lunch Thursday 24th Oct

Lord Mayor's Show Saturday 9th Nov

Wardens' Court Thursday 28th Nov

Carol Service Friday 13th Dec

Show Dates 2013North Somerset Show May 6th

Devon County Show May 16th, 17th, 18th

Royal Bath & West Show May 29th, 30th, 31st, June 1st

Royal Cornwall Show June 6th, 7th, 8th

South of England Show June 6th, 7th, 8th

Three Counties Show 14th, 15th 16th June

Royal Highland Show June 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd

Royal Norfolk Show June 26th, 27th

Great Yorkshire Show July 9th, 10th, 11th

Royal Welsh Show July 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th

New Forest Show July 30th, 31st, August 1st

Edenbridge & Oxted Show August 25th, 26th

Dorset County Show September 7th, 8th

Diary of Events 2013

Editor: Nigel Whiteheade-mail: nigelbw@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone: 01580 713302

Copies of the excellent photographs taken by MichaelO’Sullivan of the Awards Luncheon and other formal

events and reproduced in the Newsletter can be obtaineddirectly from:

www.michaelosullivanphotography.co.uk or michaelphotography@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone: 020 8363 8350

Copies of photographs

Correction –In the last issue of the Newsletterthe picture of the Vase of Flowerswas incorrectly attributed. It wasin fact the work of Richard JonesFWCB.

The National Blacksmiths’ Competition Committee(NBCC) has announced that a new Judges ScoreCard, designed by Wendy Alford and Adrian Legge,

both members of the Worshipful Company of BlacksmithsCraft Committee, has been released and will be used for a trial period at all NBCC Shows during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Copies of the Score Card which incorporatechanges to the judging criteria are available from TheClerk, Chistopher Jeal, The Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths, 9 Little Trinity Lane, London EC4V 2AD(hammerandhand@btconnect.com)

In order to promote the new design and to gain familiarity with the judging criteria a Seminar will take place on April 13th 2013 at Kingston Maurward College(www.kingston-maurward.co.uk). Further details may be obtained from Simon Grant-Jones 01305 833059(simon.grantjones@kmc.ac.uk)

New Design for Judges Score Card Merv Allen FWCB