TheWorshipfulCompany ofBlacksmiths

Newsletter39th Issue

December 2011

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

Text here

On Other PagesEvents attended by the Prime Warden 2The Court of Wardens & Assistants 2The New Prime Warden – Don Barker FWCB 3Kensington Palace Reception 3New Priest in Charge 4Chief Commoner’s Consent Requested 4The Silent Ceremony 4Lord Mayor’s Banquet 4Lord Mayor’s Show 5Women in Blacksmithing 5The Elworthy Trophy 6Ironworking in the Weald 6Chance Reunion 7Visit to HMS Sultan 7

Awards – 2011 8 – 9International Forging Championships 10 -11Competition Judging at Stia, Italy 12Dorset County Show 12Visit to Kingston Maurward College 13Impressions on visiting my first County Show 13Edenbridge & Oxted Show 14Great Yorkshire Show 14Profile – Nigel Barnett AWCB 15New Liverymen 15 Diary of Events 16Show Dates 2012 16Correction 16 Data Protection 16The Company Shop 16

Jubilant winners of the Elworthy Trophy

– see page 6

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Clockmakers Company Reception and Exhibition at Sothebys

Apothecaries Company Election Court Dinner

Innholders Company Dinner

Mansion House Lord Mayor’s Awards Reception

National Arboretum Visit with Masters

St James, Garlickhythe Installation of new incumbent and procession to St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe followed by reception

The Old Bailey Lunch with the Judges

Jubilee Sailing Trust Visit to SV Tenacious

Mansion House National Arboretum Appeal

Elworthy Sword Competition Presentation of prizes

Guildhall Election of the Lord Mayor

Royal Hospital Chelsea Visit

HMS Sultan Visit

Gunmakers Company Lunch

Painter Stainers Company ‘Art in the City’ Reception

Watermans Hall Scout Association Reception

Mansion House ‘Cities of the future’ Lecture

Mansion House Book launch. ‘The City of London’

Edenbridge & Oxted Show

Dorset Show

St Paul’s Cathedral Remembrance Service for Victims of 9/11 andCentenary of Fire-Service

St Paul’s Cathedral Musicians Company – Evensong

Carpenters Hall Breakfast prior to Elections at Guildhall

Butchers Hall Lunch following Guildhall Elections

HMS Sultan Visit including formal lunch

The Prime Warden’s wife Barbara attended the Mistress Tallow Chandlers’ Luncheon

Events attended by the Prime Warden

The Court of Wardens and Assistants – 2011

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The Prime Warden Don Barker and his wife Barbaraattended a Reception at Kensington Palace inNovember in support of the Royal London Society

for Blind People. They were welcomed by HRH TheDuchess of Gloucester. Guests at the Reception wereentertained by Derek Paravicini, the blind and autisticmusical prodigy who, despite his blindness, is anextremely talented pianist, and Victoria Oruwari, theyoung opera star from Nigeria who has established aformidable reputation in the UK. Victoria lost her sightat the age of six after a failed cataract operation.

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Don Barker FWCB – The New Prime Warden

Don Barker is a Yorkshireman, born and raised inScarborough. At the age of sixteen he left home totake up a five year engineering apprenticeship with

Simon Engineering in Manchester. After completing hisapprenticeship he worked as a design engineer in the foodhandling and manufacturing industry.

Blacksmithing was originally a paying hobby but theincrease in commissions through word of mouthrecommendations led to him giving up his job withRowntree Mackintosh and setting up his blacksmithingbusiness. In 1972 he completed his first restoration project for York Minster and his business was incorporatedin 1991. His forge has carried out many prestigiouscommissions including restoration and new work forWestminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, the bronzelamps and handrails for the new monument to the QueenMother on The Mall and work on many heritage sitesthroughout Great Britain. He has also participated intelevision programmes demonstrating his skills as ablacksmith.

His parents both served in the Royal Air Force duringWorld War II leaving his father with a permanent disabilityfollowing a near fatal air accident. His father later took upteaching but Don’s grandfather and namesake, DonaldBarker, was a village blacksmith following a familytradition of blacksmithing that Don has already traced backover 300 years.

With a similarly long history of blacksmithing to befound in his mother’s ancestry, it is not surprising that Donsays the urge to bash hot metal is “in his blood”.

During his apprenticeship he met Barbara and theyrecently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.Barbara is also involved in the business as CompanySecretary and Director of Finance. She is a member ofMensa with interests including dress-making andmillinery. They have two sons and four grandchildren andhave also cared for several foster children.

Don, who is a Queen’s Scout and Duke of Edinburgh’sGold Award Holder, spent many years serving as a scoutand youth club leader. He is very proud of being the firstworking smith for several generations to have held theoffice of Prime Warden.

Don Barker and his wife Barbara

The Prime Warden and his wife being welcomed by HRH The Duchess of Gloucesterat the Reception held at Kensington Palace for the Royal London Society for the Blind

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Reception for the Royal London Society forBlind People (RLSB)

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Past prime Warden John Barber DL who is a memberof the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs Committee attendedGuildhall on the 2nd November for the rehearsal of

the Silent and Presentation Ceremony. During the rehearsalhe was shown how to carry a wand. The wand is a symbolof authority.

Later, the Committee returned to Guildhall for the‘Lighting-up Ceremony’. Before the dinner, a rehearsal forthe Lord Mayor’s Banquet, consent is sought of the ChiefCommoner (Richard Regan CC and Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths Court Assistant) and members of the Court ofCommon Council, to use Guildhall for the Silent Ceremony,

the Lord Mayor’s Show and Banquet. By tradition there ismuch banter between the Chief Commoner and theChairman of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs’ Committee; the argument against using the Great Hall this year beingthat “it is required for an Olympic event on the day of theBanquet and tabards and fire extinguishers had to beavailable in prominent places during the Banquet”. This wasall taken in good fun and to mark a satisfactory conclusion acelebratory glass of champagne was served.

Dinner in the Crypts followed and all the ‘behind thescenes crew’ including coachmen, firework operators andothers, is invited for a very enjoyable occasion.

The Silent Ceremony takes placeat Guildhall on the ‘Friday nextpreceding the second Saturday

in November in every year’. It is so called because, apart from themaking of the Declaration by theLord Mayor Elect, nothing is said. The Admission of the incomingLord Mayor takes place at the

Silent Ceremony. The outgoing LordMayor ceremonially hands the Cityinsignia (the mace, the sword and the jewels of office) to his successor.

Following the Silent Ceremony a presentation was made by theLivery Companies, Ward Clubs and other City bodies to the LordMayor and Sheriffs with the Lord

Mayor and Sheriffs Committee withtheir wands acting as guard to theevent.

The next day the newly electedLord Mayor goes to the Royal Courts of Justice and signs thedocuments of office before theJudges who are dressed in wigs andblack caps.

The Silent Ceremony

Chief Commoner’s Consent Requested

Planning for the Lord Mayor’s Banquet is highlyorganized to ensure that the occasion runs with nearmilitary precision. At 5.00.pm the Lord Mayor and

Sheriffs Committee of twelve arrive at Guildhall and afterpartaking of a glass of champagne receive further instruc -tion in the use of the wand; on this occasion wearing whitegloves which must not be removed. The wand has to be heldsix inches off the ground when walking and rested on theground with the City crest facing to the fore when stationary.

The Prime Minister David Cameron and his wifeSamantha, the Justice Minister Kenneth Clarke and theSpeaker of the House of Commons were received withgreat pomp and ceremony in the formal rooms of Guildhallbefore pro ceeding into the Great Hall for the Banquet.Seven hundred people sat down to a superb four coursemeal accompanied by fine wines from the cellars ofGuildhall. After the Banquet a stirrup cup was taken in theOld Library.

Lord Mayor’s Banquet

John Barber DL

John Barber DL

John Barber DL

In September the Bishop ofLondon the Rt Revd and Rt HonRichard Chartres KCVO DD FSA

licensed the Revd Guy Treweek asPriest-in-Charge of two historic Citychurches, St James Garlickhythe andSt Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe.

The service, taken by the Bishop ofLondon with clergy including theArchdeacon of London and AreaDean, was also attended by Citydignitaries, many in full robes andwearing regalia, including PrimeWarden Don Barker and John BarberDL in his capacity as churchwarden,and representatives of the ArmedForces. The service began at St James

Garlickhythe before processing to St Andrew’s to allow Revd GuyTreweek to be licensed to bothparishes. City of London Girls Schoolchoir sang at St Andrews.

Guy, who before ordination workedin the City of London’s financialsector, was educated in London andstudied at the LSE and in Tokyo. Hetrained for ordination in Cambridge atPeterhouse and Westcott House, andat Yale Divinity School, Connecticut.He has previously served withdistinction at St Peter’s Black LionLane, Hammersmith.

This new appointment brings newlife to these two ancient parishes. Guy Treweek at St James ,̓ Garlickhythe

New Priest-in-Charge Appointment

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Lord Mayor’s Show – 2011

Not much in life is free thesedays, but the Lord Mayor’sShow remains a wonderful

free spectacle, combining the best ofthe old and the new in London. It is agrand experience for participants andspectators alike. This year onehundred and fifty three floats andcarriages formed a parade three mileslong which took over an hour to pass,before the new Lord Mayor appearedin his gold State Coach.

The floats (none, I hasten to addas impressive as the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths float in2005!) represented a rich cross sectionof London life. Music was in abun -dance with no fewer than six militarybands and a host of others including

drum, bugle, flute, trumpet, steel andsalsa. Costume ranged from the verytraditional to very little (in the case ofthe salsa dancers) who were for -tunate that the weather smiled on us!

This year two of our Liverymenwere directly in volved with the Show;Richard Regan in his role as ChiefCommoner, and John Barber DL whois on the Lord Mayor and SheriffsCommittee, both of whom weretravelling in the official carriages in the procession.

Some of us took seats in thegrandstands beside St Paul’s towatch the spectacle, while otherslined the edge of the pavement toenjoy the sights, sounds (and smells)of the parade and wave their flags in

the friendly and relaxed atmospherethat always exists on these familyfriendly occasions. After watchingthe show parade past, LiverymenBlacksmiths and friends, with thePrime Warden Don Barker at thehelm, gathered in Davy’s WineBar for an excellent roast lunch.

Adrian Oliver

Don Barker and gathering at Davyʼs Wine Bar

Our presence at Stia as an all-women team sparkedoff debates around Blacksmiths’ Competitions andthe separation into male and female classes,

inevitably extending to the place of female Blacksmiths inthe craft. I will try to distil the essence of the ideas and flow of opinions expressed.

We have a strong awareness of working in a field which ispredominantly male and associated in the minds of the vastmajority of the general public with the masculine attributesof physical strength, aggression, fierce determination,control by domination, (with a load of beards and sweatthrown in), in an environment of loud noise, heat andsparks, dirt and grease; not a feminine place to be. Until thisperception changes, women will continue to be consideredan unusual and unexpected presence to many of those whowill contemplate engaging a Blacksmith.

This is a controversial issue in other spheres wherewomen are under-represented such as politics, highermanagement, and science and engineering; should weemphasize and positively exploit the differences orconcentrate more on the similarities?

Within the Craft I believe the situation is far lessanachronistic, but there are still issues to be considered inconnection with the undeniable fact that “we are different”– to quote Peggy Seeger in the title of one of her albums,“Different therefore equal”.

Everyone believes that, as working Blacksmiths, we arecompeting on equal terms to provide quality forgedironwork: to quote Michelle Parker, I feel that I cancompete on the same level as male Blacksmiths, and indeedI have to, as I am in direct competition with all Blacksmithsin my own business”. Some women consider that our workis generally no different in scope, size and technique, withthe evolution of individual style of more importance thangender, which is not a major factor; others feel that it isimportant to make creative use of the more feminineaspects affecting our choice of tools and section, techniqueand expression, and that, far from indicating anyweakness, this becomes a part of our strength as wedevelop our own unique styles. As Melissa Cole states,

Following the continuing debate around women inblacksmithing, I feel that I am bringing something differentto blacksmithing that is intrinsically linked to my gender.The nature of blacksmithing demands physical fitness andstrength, it is part of the job, the craft; however we forge, itis an unavoidable talking point. This difference is a part ofthe context of blacksmithing, from the stereotypicalstrapping strong men working as a team of strikers forgingcenturies ago, to the women and children forging nails. Theskill level is not in question. I am using my femininity inmy craft as my strength.

There is no doubt that the women blacksmiths I havespoken to, and I include myself, consider themselvesperfectly able to carry out any commission as well as a manand that gender is not a consideration so far as competenceis concerned. However, in the way that they carry out theirwork, from client relationship through design, forging andinstallation, they are aware of differences in approach whichbring a feminine quality to the process and creation.

Through nature and nurture, whatever your take on thecontribution of each, we have to accept there are differencesin physique and psychology between men and womenwhich affect the way we work. I think this leads to anenrichment of the Craft through the variety of interpretationand expression which is to be celebrated.

The jury is still out regarding the arguments for andagainst women-only classes; some are pro, some anti, usingsimilar rationale to that outlined above in relation to theworking environment, while others are ambivalent. Perhapsthe function of female classes in competitions, where we canattract enough women to take part, is to draw to the attentionof the public that we a re an important force in blacksmithingtoday, and to provide role models to aspiring femaleblacksmiths, giving encouragement and inspiring confidence.

Competing under these strict conditions is a challengingand testing experience; to quote Melissa after the Stiacompetitions, it felt like more of an endurance test than a showcase for my skills! But honestly, it is great fun,produces some sensational pieces, and I wouldn’t havemissed it for the world!

Women in Blacksmithing Wendy Alford

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Army cadets from 148 Coulsdon Detachment have won thecoveted Elworthy Trophy, the country’s only tri-service militaryskills competition. The challenging competition was fiercely

contested with Air Cadets from Middlesex Wing ATC (94 Feltham and862 Sunbury Squadrons) being worthy Runners-up by just one point.

Seventy eight cadets from the four Cadet services within GreaterLondon (Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps andCombined Cadet Force) participated in the event held at WoolwichBarracks in SE London. The competition tests the basic skills of theteams of Cadets aged 12-18 years and combines these with general

physical and mentalagility.

The Cadets were put through their paces during the one day eventand took part in a series of fun and demanding team activitiesincluding an Obstacle Course, March & Shoot Competition,Drill/Turnout, First Aid, Orienteering, and Watermanship, where theCadets’ raft building skills were put to the test.

Presenting the trophy to the winning team Prime Warden DonBarker, accompanied by Deputy Lieutenant for Croydon, Colonel Ian McRobbie OBE TD DL, said, “The Worshipful Company ofBlacksmiths is very keen to support London’s youth and today I havewitnessed and been most impressed by, not only the determinationshown by all the Cadets but also how each team worked closelytogether to achieve its aim”. The Worshipful Company of Blacksmithshas provided sponsorship for the event for the past three years.

Ironworking In The Weald: Part II Merv Allen FWCB

The introduction of the BlastFurnace in the late 15th centuryraised the production of iron to

its highest level. Incorporating waterdriven bellows, the design was adirect descendent of those used in the Namur region of what is nowBelgium, and the Pays de Bray inNormandy. The first Wealden blastfurnace was constructed at Buxted,circa 1491, and it was then that the Weald saw an influx of Frenchand Belgian iron-workers lookingfurther afield for employment as the French iron industry declined. Theseworkers had particular expertise inordnance founding.

In 1543 the first cannon was cast at Buxted under the supervision of a Mr Ralf Hogge and subsequentlycannon producing sites were estab -lished at Ashburnham, Heathfieldand Robertsbridge. It is known thatHogge, who became one of the

wealthiest men in Sussex, workedwith a French cannon maker namedPierre Baude.

By the middle of the 16th centuryat least fifty blast furnaces and forges had been established and by1580 this number had doubled. Thiswas mainly due to the ability ofironworkers to supply a growingtrade for bar iron to the EnglishTudor Crown. In addition, militaryordnance was needed to protect traderoutes and arm the British Navywhich most notably fought theAnglo-Spanish war (1585-1604). Witha rapidly expanding market for iron, the iron-makers of the Weald faced competition from cheaper over -seas suppliers, so they concentrated their efforts on the more profitablebusiness of gun founding. To give an idea as to how intensive wasproduction, it has been calculatedthat the weight of cannon cast during

1708 and 1709 was 1.2 tons per day in Heathfield foundry alone. Othersites such as Mayfield, Cowden and Pippingford had cannon boringfacilities in addition to iron makingfacilities.

A consequence of this expansionwas the ever increasing demand for ore and charcoal with whichultimately suppliers were unable tokeep pace. Eventually, around thelate 18th early 19th century, with theonset of the Industrial Revolutionleading to rapid development inmetallurgical processes, the ironindustry moved to the northerncoalfields where the coke-fired blastfurnace developed by AbrahamDarby in 1709 led to a dramaticincrease in iron production atsignificantly lower costs than those inthe Weald. In 1813 the last remainingWealden furnace at Ashburnhamnear Battle in Sussex was closed.

Photography by Stewart Turkington

High drill standard

Colonel Ian McRobbie OBE TD DL and Prime Warden Don Barker

Coulsdon Army Cadets ScoopPrized Elworthy Trophy

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Chance Reunion

Visit to HMS Sultan

During August this year PastPrime Warden John Shreevesand his wife Jean who have

a home in Norfolk visited theSandringham Craft Fair and weredelighted to come across a magnifi -cent Blacksmithing display includinga prominently placed live forgerun by the Blacksmiths Guild ofWestpoint Forge, Exeter.

John was particularly thrilledwith this chance encounter as,during his year as Prime Warden(2004 - 2005), the WorshipfulCompany represented by him,the Wardens, the Learned Clerkand others, had the privilege ofbeing invited to open WestpointForge for the then named Guildof Wrought Ironwork Craftsmenof Wessex. The occasion was inassociation with the Incorpora -tion of Weavers, Fullers andShearmen of Exeter, a fraternityfirst mentioned in the annals ofExeter in 1459.

The opening of Westpoint Forgewas marked by a ‘Forge-in’ com -petition between representatives of

the Worshipful Company and thoseof the Incorporation of WeaversFullers and Shearmen of Exeter. At that point participants weregenerally untutored, thus local help,including the Hall family, wasgenerously given, to the extent that

the competition was won by ourLearned Clerk, Christopher Jeal. The weekend also included aprocession through the centre ofExeter headed by The Lord Mayor

of Exeter and the Prime Warden.It was therefore an enormous

pleasure for John to be greeted at the display by Andrew Hall AWCB(four times WCB Champion LiveBlacksmith) who showed him aroundthe fine ironwork for sale including

companion sets, elegant candleholders of varying heights andgroupings, sculptural work,chandeliers, other light fittingsand wall lights. Three generationsof the Hall family were involvedin the show. Organiser Roland,plus Andrew, Gary and Simon,between them provided threeconsecutive days of live forgingincluding an open competition.

The Guild (President JohnBellamy) uses the Shows (twelvethis year) to promote ‘TheBlacksmiths and their Craft’, andthe courses available at WestpointForge. The bond between the

Worshipful Company and the Exeterhosts has since been melded with thethen Master of the ‘Incorporation’,Henry Parkin, becoming a Liverymanof the Worshipful Company.

Past Prime Warden John Shreeves with Andrew Hall at theSandringham Craft Fair

Prime Warden Don Barker and his wife Barbara, Past Prime Warden Hugh Adams and Members of the Worshipful Companies of Turners, Founders, Engineers, Fuellers,Plumbers and Shipwrights at HMS Sultan

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Award Win

Photography by

The Requirements for Awards are described on o

Bronze Medal

Bruce Wilcock

Presented by the Renter Warden, Christopher Childs

Other Awards not collected today

Champion BlacksmithNicholas Bates

Paul Allen AwardKyle Swann

Camelia Botnar Foundation CupLuke Jibb

Blacksmiths Army CupCraftsman McRitchie REME

Richard Bradshaw David Cooper

Reserve National Champion Blacksmith

Michael Maxen

Presented by the Craft Warden,Adrian Oliver

Reserve Champion Blacksmith andNatioinal Champion Blacksmith

Richard Jones

John Webb Cup

Jonathan Crewe

Stanley Allcard Cup

Simon Bushell

The highest award that the Company makes, based on technicalskills alone is the Silver Medal Award. The Gold Medal Awardis reserved for those Blacksmiths who have produced work of

a Silver standard over many years; who have made a significantcontribution to their craft and community and command the respectof all those who work in the craft. It is awarded at the sole discretionof the Wardens of the Worshipful Company.

The Gold Medal is open to working and retired Blacksmiths. Theymust be nominated by two blacksmiths who should submit anapplication form giving detailed reasons for their recommendation.

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Gold Medal

Camelia Botnar Cup

Hugh Adams

Mike Roberts receives his Gold Medal from Prime Warden Don Barker

Luke Jibb being presented with the Camelia Botnar Cup by the Prime Warden Don Barker with Emma Mitchell,

Principal of the Camelia Botnar Foundation

Presented by the Prime Warden, Donald Barker

Companion of The Worshipful CompanyDiploma of Merit

ʻRickyʼ Delaney

Presented by the Third Warden, Rodney Bole

Andrew BrindThomas Ricketts

Gabriel Masterclass

ʻHectorʼ Cole

Andrew Nice

nsiderable importance will be attached to the Blacksmith’sputation and the respect in which he or she is held within themmunity and amongst the craft.Initially the nomination will be submitted to the Awards Sub-mmittee which will decide whether a further inspection of work isquired before passing the recommendation to the main Committee

further consideration.Holders of a Gold Medal are titled “Supreme Master Blacksmiths”d may use the letters FWCB (Fellow of the Worshipful CompanyBlacksmiths).

Early in September, Melissa Cole FWCB from Wiltshire,Michelle Parker FWCB from Worcester shire andWendy Alford from Norfolk took part in the

International Blacksmithing Festival and Competitions heldin Stia, a picturesque town in the mountains to the east ofFlorence, Italy. Having begun 37 years ago as a festival tocelebrate the skill and craft of the Blacksmith, this was the5th World Forging Championship to be held there.

Our team was generously sponsored by the WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths and assisted by the Jinny QuinnellTrust. We were the first and only all women team to competein this prestigious event.

We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, after 23 hourstravelling, in the middle of a heat wave – 32 degreescentigrade in the shade, over 40 degrees next to the fires.

As a team we took the first 3 hour slot on Thursday 1st September at 17.45 pm.

Based on the theme of Evolution publicised one monthearlier, we designed a flowing piece representing the tail ofa fish disappearing into the waves,rippling water and sand patterns oneither side and the figure of a womanemerging from the waves. Despiteonly one design and planning meetingand one practice session workingtogether, our team co-ordinated andworked well, completing within thetime allowed, and we were pleasedwith our finished piece. SeveralBlacksmiths compli mented us on oureffort, entitled at the last minute “Bornfrom the Sea” (there is no greateraccolade than praise from your peers);some even had interesting interpre tations of it, relating tothe mix of styles, which had not previously occurred to us!

The following day we each competed in a 3 hour solosession; all felt the effects of the extreme heat but Wendy –and 4 other smiths over the 3 days - succumbed after 2½

hours of hot forging and had to rest and re-hydrate underthe trees. Fully recovered, she was, happily, allowed tocomplete her “Tree of Life” between 7.30 and 8.00 thefollowing morning.

The team of volunteers, all non-blacksmiths, who run the eventincluded “Forge Assistants” who, aswell as lighting the fires, continuallywent to and fro along the forgingstations clearing clinker, refilling orchanging water, supplying drinksand generally checking things wereOK. They offered fantastic support inthe excessive heat conditions. Therewere strict rules about the materialsused which had to be from a specificset of stock sizes but we were allowedto cut to length before the start. We

were not supposed to use any prepared or bought-in itemsso we made our own rivets. No electric or mechanical toolswere permitted, although we noticed later that there wassome use of electric drills and wire wheels.

We took a selection of our own hand tools, restricted byweight for flying; it was good to have their familiarity andwe used some from the wide range of tools available on site.The Judges, in particular Britain’s Peat Oberon andGermany’s Martin Ziegler, observed the forging closely andwere seen to be making notes. (Some of Peat’s commentsand views appear following this article).

We wore our shirts with the WCB logo which helped toraise the Company’s profile and were pleased to besupported by a visit from Liveryman Mike Shepherd and family who kindly treated us to a most welcome lunch. Many holidaymakers from the UK were delighted to see our team competing and were very supportive and enthusiastic.

The atmosphere in the Piazza was terrific. Twelveforges were arranged along one side with tiered seatingfor the crowds of onlookers, whose encouragement andapplause was a great boost to the participants. A fountain(very tempting, but mostly resisted!) coolly occupied the

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International Forging Championships, Stia, Italy

Melissa, Michelle and Wendy working on the joint entry

Wendy Alford, Michelle Parker and Melissa Cole with their individual entries

“Born from the Sea” – team entry

Wendy Alford and Melissa Cole

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centre and long trestle tables were placed in two L-shapesacross the other side, upon which were arranged thelabelled, completed pieces at the end of each 3 hoursession. We were amazed at the relaxed attitude toleaving exhibits out all night on tables and plinths, dottedaround the Piazza – how different to the UK. We felt itwould have been beneficial to see the hundred plusindividual entries dis played separately from the fortyteam pieces, although on the last day entries from the‘women’s class’ were displayed separately.

There was some concern over whether the women’sclass would run due to low entry numbers but we werepleased to learn that it would be judged. There was muchdiscussion amongst the women taking part, who includedKate Dineen from the USA, Orit Weinberg from Israel, aSpanish blacksmith also called Wendy, along with severalother female mixed team members and helpers fromother classes, about the legitimacy of separate women’sclasses. This issue is addressed in the following article aswe revisit the ‘women in blacksmithing’ debate.

With over a hundred Smiths from all around theworld taking part, there was live forging action non-stopfrom Thursday evening to Saturday night, with somedemonstrations whilst the judging took place duringSunday. So many blacksmiths signed up to compete thatan extra slot was organized from 12.00 midnight onSaturday to 3.00am on Sunday! In fact, at half pastmidnight on Saturday the Piazza was buzzing; it seemedthat, along with all the blacksmiths, the whole town wasthere! With a population of only 3000 it was wonderfulto see how involved the local residents, shops andbusinesses were, there was ironwork everywhere!

Accommodation was arranged in hotels, B&Bs, youthhostels, the clock tower, gymnasium and people’s homes;we were made to feel very welcome.

Behind the Piazza, in one of the steeply climbingstreets, the Exhibition Stands were arranged on steppedplatforms displaying a fascinating range of work of a veryhigh quality, mostly by Italian smiths. Set up andtransport costs must inhibit those from further afieldtaking a stand here. Lower down, near the river, therewere trade stands for tools and equipment; it would havebeen nice to take home a memento but, watching ourluggage weight and Euros, we merely looked, longingly.

Unfortunately, the Prize-giving Ceremony on Sundayafternoon dissolved under torrential rain. This could notdampen the spirits of the smiths, especially the Britishteam led by Stephen Lunn, with James Spedding and IanMoran, who won the team class with a precisely forgedpiece incorporating stone – a “cave” – surrounded by“tower blocks”. Our team mate, Michelle Parker, won firstplace in the women’s individual class with her wittypiece “Eve” – a dinosaur reading a book! Con gratu lationsto both. The plaques they were presented with were awork of art in themselves and certainly something to beproudly displayed. All the participants were presentedwith a certi ficate, which will take pride of place on ourworkshop walls.

Making new and renewing old friendships, enjoyingthe warm Italian hospitality as well as the challenge andaccomplishment of the competition, it was altogether aninspiring, exciting and rewarding experience.

Michelle with her award winning entry entitled “Eve”

Michelleʼs Award

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The Blacksmiths Competition held atthe Dorset County Show over the firstweekend in September was deemed a

success by all those involved. The Show waswell attended and Simon Grant-JonesAWCB and his team of volunteers receivedbetween fifty and sixty entries overall withseveral new comers. The WorshipfulCompany of Blacksmiths donated prizemoney, and support was also provided byKingston Maurward College whichdonated prize money and offered the use ofsome of its equipment.

Visitors to the Show included the Prime Warden Don Barker with his wifeBarbara and Hugh Adams. The Judge wasChez Chescoe who did a splendid jobrepresenting the Craft of the Blacksmith and

the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.Live show champion was Richard Jones

from Somerset with reserve being awardedto Nick Bates from Kent. Static championwas Mick Maxen who also took the reservespot with his fabulous Damascus work.

The Dorset County is the last of nineshows on the national competition circuit.Competitors from all over the countryparticipated, and several members of theNational Blacksmiths CompetitionCommittee were also either present orcompeting at the show. The nationalcompetition goes a long way to promotingthe craft of the Blacksmith in general andshows how we are involved withsupporting trades and crafts that were onceso important to agriculture and industry.

The Prime Warden with Mick Maxen

Mick Maxenʼs Damascus steel flower

Dorset County Show

Competition Judging at Stia Wendy AlfordThe text of an interview with Peat Oberon

Peat Oberon had the following comments in response to my questions, specifically about this competitionbut which could be relevant to others:

How did you feel about the requirement to observe the live forging,prior to judging the finished pieces?

As far as I’m aware, there’s no great requirement forjudges to observe much of the forging process. There’s alot to judge. This year there were 147 finished pieces both

team and individual entries. There were also 50 stands in themain street to be judged in various categories; artistic merit,traditional/contemporary, content, etc. In addition to that,there were 46 drawings to be adjudicated. My mentor in thispart of the jury work, undertaken for the first time two yearsago, was Uri Hofi (Israel). He set an example by observingapproximately 75% of all the forging, noting technique andapplication to the theme. I followed his example, not asdevotedly as he, being present for approximately 60% of thetime (I drew the line at 2-45 on Sunday morning – finish 3-30).How much did this affect the final decisions and was adherence tothe rules, such as no electric tools (e.g. electric wire brushes and drills)or pre-prepared or bought-in parts e.g. rivets, taken into account?

I don’t think this presence really made a large difference tothe final decisions. It was my personal decision to see as muchof ‘the action’ as I could because I am interested in the processof making. Some of the jury members are only interested inthe finished pieces. The conduct of the event has been refinedover the years, and the conduct of the contestants is overseenby the stewards. They note every use of ‘extraneous’ toolsand are very strict about timing – especially overruns. If ajury member notices anything and reports it to the stewards,it has usually been noticed – and noted – by them already.These notes are considered by the organising committee andbrought to the attention (if necessary) of the jury. All brushesand drills were duly noted, as I recall.Was the assessment carried out in a very organized and strictfashion and how was any disagreement between Judges’ opinionsdealt with?

The assessment was well organised. It was superintendedby a local lawyer in the presence of three members of thelocal committee, accompanied by a translator (Italian,German and English being used). Any disagreement wasdiscussed fully, and in the event of impasse, was voted upon.Did you think that the balance between “Art” and “Blacksmith -ing” considerations was right?

The composition of the jury is considered verythoroughly by the local committee. This year, there wasPierre Cardin (France), a famous designer, as the head of thejury (I think there was some thought of a ‘Name’ drawingthe crowds in his selection). There was Emanuel Borg(Malta), a noted Painter and Art Critic; Karel Bures (CzechRep) an artist-blacksmith whose output is mainly modernsculpture, and who writes extensively on art matters; MartinZiegler (Germany) who is a noted artist blacksmith and whoteaches smithing, both in Berlin and Israel; and Peat Oberon(Britain), artist blacksmith and teacher of smithing. Twoyears ago, it was Prof. Cicinelli (Italy) Art Historian, Prof. JanMohr (Czech Rep.) Art Historian, Achim Kuehn (Germany)artist blacksmith, sculptor and architect, Uri Hofi (Israel)artist blacksmith, teacher and philosopher, and Peat Oberon.I think the balance is about right.

Do the organizers welcome feedback/ suggestions and do you haveany which you would like them to consider vis-a-vis the Judging.

Feedback/suggestions were passed to the organisers asthe topics arose by Martin Ziegler and me, who were onsite for a lot of the time, and were dealt with promptly. I ampreparing a letter, listing some suggestions which I amintending to forward to the committee. In my experience,they are very receptive to constructive arguments.

As the event is funded by E.U., National Government,Regional Government, Local Government, and manysponsors’ money, it has to be seen to be scrupulously fair. It is set up as a world event – though it is predominantlyItalian – and wishes to maintain its status.

The setting, hospitality and ambience are wonderful andmost people wish to return to enjoy it again – as I did.

13

In early October Hugh Adams and I spent a thoroughly enjoyableand rewarding day at Kingston

Maurward College in the company of Simon Grant-Jones AWCB. TheCollege, which is owned and run byDorset County Council, has for oversixty years provided courses in landmanagement and a wide range ofagricultural skills including, morerecently, blacksmithing, carpentryand building.

On our arrival we were amused tofind a parking bay allocated for ouruse complete with our names set in a frame mounted on the wall of thefine Georgian manor which is home

to the college administration. After a refreshing cup of tea Simon took us on a tour, first of the house which is Grade 1 listed and which,despite being requisitioned formilitary purposes during the secondworld war, survived the ‘occupation’without too many scars, and thenaround the lovely formal gardens.

We then went with Simon to theForge, housed in a former, brick builtbarn and equipped with individualwork stations and a very effective air extraction system. Simon, whocollects old tools associated with the craft, has created a most effectivedisplay against a colourful back -ground at one end of the building.

Students can choose from a rangeof courses offered depending onwhether they are complete beginnersor have already acquired a level ofskill qualifying them for a moreadvanced course. Both part-time andfull time courses are available. Moreadvanced students can study for aCity and Guilds qualification.

At the time of our visit plans werein hand to rehouse the welding shopfrom its rather cramped premises

into the vacant end of the Forgebuilding. The move has now beencompleted much to Simon’s delight.

Simon has the support of theenthusiastic Principal of the College,Clare Davison, and over a verypleasant lunch with her and othermembers of her tutorial teamincluding Simon, Hugh and I had amost interesting discussion about theobvious enthusiasm of the students,much of it emanating directly fromthe tutors themselves.

Visitors are welcome, and from apersonal perspective I can recommendmaking a visit to this lovely arealocated in the Frome Valley a few miles from Dorchester.

Kingston Maurward College Visit Nigel Whitehead

The Edenbridge and Oxted Show is traditionally heldover the August bank-holiday. Having lived for most of my life in England and never having visiting

a county show before and knowing that there would be aBlacksmiths stand supported by the Worshipful Companyat which demonstrations of the craft would be given, nowwas the perfect time to go.

With my wife Pravina and fellow liveryman, RickyToomey, we drove there intending to arrive early on theMonday. Unfortunately, we were totally unprepared forthe numbers visiting the Show and joined a traffic jam forthe car park, which was situated in a huge field.

On entering the Show we were lucky to spot theFarriers to our left and our own Blacksmiths’ stand to theright. We were greeted by the Prime Warden, Don Barkerand his lovely wife Barbara. Liveryman and blacksmithClive Mockford, who was on duty judging the workingblacksmiths, also came to greet us along with RenterWarden, Chris Childs, and his wife, Lynne. After sometwenty minutes exchanging gossip we were getting dryand Clive recommended the beer tent nearby. The

ladies then decided to wander off and we thirsty ladsdowned a pint of the local real ale which was verywelcome!

Don then went back to the Blacksmiths’ tent whilstRicky, Chris and I went in search of our wives. Theywere easy to find as the first clothes outlet was just ashort stroll away!

I was amazed at the number and range of exhibits atthe Show. Contests for dogs, a gymkhana, displays ofwild birds, powerful, gentle shire horses together withevery type of farm machinery and animal was on show.It was truly amazing.

Later, we joined other Liverymen in the Blacksmiths’marquee for lunch and spent a pleasant time chattingwith friends.

I had promised Pravina that we would do someshopping in the many clothing outlets but, for a change,Pravina bought nothing whilst Ricky and I “went totown”. By the end of a busy and enjoyable day we lefttired but exhilarated.

My thoughts on my first visit to a Country Show?Quintessentially English – one of many wonderfultraditions of the countryside; I can’t wait to visit againnext year.

Impressions on Visiting my First County ShowJash Joshi

Simon Grant-Jones with Hugh Adams in front of the display of tools

Students under instruction in the Forge

Edenbridge & Oxted Show

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This Year’s Show must rankamong the best so far thanks tothe forward preparation by Eric

Lamprell and Judith and the hardworking team of blacksmiths, wivesand girlfriends who provide theessential support. Most encouragingwas the increase in the number ofLiverymen attending with wives and

families, and members of the public.The Blacksmiths stand attracted greatinterest with its working forges andstatic display in and around theadjacent marquee, where a wideselection of individual items stoodfrom which members of the publicwere invited to vote for theirfavourite piece. The winning piecewas made by Nigel Stenning.

The customary live forging com -petitions, some against the clock,gathered many onlookers to watchthe Smiths working at the forges. The competition results were:Class A (traditional):

1st Nigel Stenning, 2nd RichardJones, 3rd Michael Heart

Class B (contemporary):1st Kevin Boys, 2nd Kevin Boys,3rd James Price

Class C (novelty): Richard BradshawClass D (industrial): John DaleyClass E (pairs):

1st John Daley/Chris Pardoe, 2ndJim Price/Nick Bates, 3rd RichardJones/Nick Bates

Class F (live):1st Nick Bates, 2nd Richard Jones,3rd James Price

Following the prize giving EricLamprell asked Past Prime WardenHugh Adams to step forward andreceive from Lynn Ortgill CWCB The Mick Orgill Special AchievementTrophy, presented in recognition ofthe many years Hugh has been the principal link between TheWorshipful Company and the Craft.The trophy itself, a magnificent modelof a shire horse beside an anvil uponwhich rests an apron and cap, wasmade by David Harman FWCB.

The weekend was brought to aclose with the now traditional auctionof the pieces made during the courseof the weekend by the blacksmiths.Eric Lamprell’s skill and turn ofphrase as auctioneer improves eachyear. This year the auction raised £320 which was donated to theNational Brain Appeal, UrologyAnalysis Centre Scanner.

Nigel Whitehead

The Great Yorkshire Show proclaims itself tobe England’s Premier Agricultural Showand with some justification. It is a huge

event and this year’s Show, the one hundred andfifty third, saw a record 135,086 visitors attendingover three days in July, with the Prince andPrincess of Wales visiting the Show on the second day. Impressive advance planning tohandle anticipated traffic movements generated

by the Show ensurethere is a reasonableflow of traffic atmost times. This isimportant bearingin mind the closeproximity of theshowground to Harrogate.

The Worshipful Companyof Blacksmiths stand includedan impressive display ofironwork including pieces by

Annabelle Bradley amongstothers. Hugh Adams wasthere for the three dayssupporting the blacksmithsand greeting visitors to theStand. Live demonstrationswere given and two youngItalians (guests of the Editorand his wife) whose greatgrandfather had been ablacksmith were given anopportunity to try theirhand under the expert eye of blacksmith Mark Carpenter. Their finished pieces were carefully packed into their luggage for theflight home.

Liveryman John Thring is the Wrought Iron Steward forthe Show and cuts a distinguished figure appropriatelyattired in dark suit and bowler. Visiting members of theLivery were made particularly welcome to the BlacksmithsStand by him and his wife Elizabeth.

Barry Graham

A quieter moment in the marquee

Merv Allen working at the forge

Hugh Adams receiving The Mick Orgill specialAchievement Trophy

Two young Italians being tutored byMark Carpenter

John Thring resplendent insuit, Blacksmiths Company tie

and bowler

Great Yorkshire Show

First Prize

15

Nigel Barnett FWCB

Growing up in the market townof Braintree, known for itsironworks, Nigel was almost

bound to become an ironworker: heplayed in the coal yard and fields bythe foundry, watched in awe at nightwhen the sky was illuminated by theopening of the furnaces, and thrilled tothe sound of hammer striking iron. Hiswalk to school found him loitering bythe local forge and dreaming of theseexperiences and of his future.

On leaving school Nigel joined afirm of fabricators and, as he seemed to have a natural aptitude formanipulating metal, he became awelder. He followed this trade formany years, taking on any task –racing cars, ships, bridges, steamengines – becoming eventually a littledissatisfied with the repetitivenessand the burns – up his nose and downhis trousers!

At this point fate took a hand. Nigel,now self-employed and married toAngie with a son and two daughters, a dog, a cat and a mortgage, fell from scaffolding whilst welding a ship’s water tanks in dry dock,fracturing his spine. Clearly some -thing would have to change as paidemployment was beyond reach (aswere his beloved motorcycles) but the bills just kept coming. Nigeland Angie pooled their practicalresources and, with Nigel perched in a fixed position, welding torch inhand, and Angie ‘prepping’, cleaning

and finishing, they set up a mini-factory in the garage.

As Nigel’s back improved theyrisked a weekend away with otherbikers (taking the car as well – just incase). Among the rabble Nigel wasprivileged to meet Dave Capes andfound they shared a passion for metal – this was all the inspiration he needed. Angie and Nigel found

an old farm building and, withencouragement from Dave, the ownerof the farm and many friends,Fransham Forge was born. Nigelrealised his childhood dream ofworking at the fire and designing hisown pieces in his own forge.

One thing was lacking – a powerhammer. Once more fate and DaveCapes stepped in when, at a BABAweekend forge-in at Terrence Clark’sforge, Nigel spotted a 5 cwt. Massey,

chugging, thumping and purring.Like a child seeing his first steam train,Nigel was hooked – he had to haveone. As luck would have it he was justthen offered a job welding gas ducting;it was a huge job to be completedquickly but Nigel managed over a mileof welding in three weeks and theMassey was his!

Now you will find him in the heartof rural Norfolk in his workshopwhich includes a forge-showroom, amuseum and a four and a half acrewoodland sculpture trail. In his workNigel uses a variety of power andhand tools to produce and repair alarge range of iron work, includingwork for the heritage sector, largepieces of public art and restorationprojects, some for the Royal Family.

Nigel has served as Chairman ofBABA for three years and hecontinues as enthusiastic as he was asa youngster. He is never happier thanwhen passing on his knowledge to a stream of students from home andabroad, many of whom ‘live in’ withthe family. As a hobby Nigel plays the whistle with local folk musiciansand has used his professional skills to forge a sixteen foot long whistle(blown by a bouncy-castle fan) whichstands in the sculpture trail and isused by visiting children – and adults– to play magical tunes.

Editor: Nigel and Angie Barnett nowrun the Blacksmiths’ Stand at the RoyalNorfolk Show.

New Liverymen

Nigel working at Fransham Forge

Angie Barnett

At the Midsummer Court we were pleased to welcomeMichael WHYTE as a Liveryman. He was sponsored byRobert Linton. Michael told the Court of his work withCourage Brewery and its shire horses, in and around theCity. Also admitted was John Edward SLATER a retiredpolice officer with a keen interest in education and themaintenance of traditional crafts. He was sponsored byPast Prime Warden Keith Gabriel.

It was only appropriate that two of the admissions at the Michaelmas Court should have been professionalblacksmiths. Both Mervyn Thomas ALLEN andRichard Charles JONES have contributed much to thecraft over the years and both received the acclamation oftheir fellow professionals at the Awards luncheon after

the Court meeting. ‘Merv’ was sponsored by Past PrimeWarden Hugh Adams and Richard had the support ofAssistant Mike Shepherd.

The other admission at Michaelmas was BenjaminWilliam OLIVER, the son of the Craft Warden AdrianOliver. He had been apprenticed to his father and wehope that he will follow his example and be able to make the same commitment to the Company in the yearsto follow.

It is through the strength of our Company that weattract Liverymen from such varied walks of life as well as a growing number of professional blacksmiths.We look forward to welcoming them all at Companyevents in the future.

16

Published by: The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. Printed by: Shooter & Mallet, 11 Agaton Road, New Eltham, London SE9 3RN. Tel: 020 8859 5070.

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 Thurs 12th Jan

Wardens’ Court Thurs 23rd Feb

Ladyday Court & Luncheon Thurs 29th Mar

ANNUAL BANQUET Friday 20th April

Wardens’ Court Thurs 10th May

Prime Warden’s Weekend Fri 18th-Sun 20th May

Midsummer Court & Luncheon Thurs 21st June

Election Court Thurs 26th July

Wardens’ Court Thurs 13th Sept

Michaelmas Court & Thurs 25th OctAwards Luncheon

Wardens’ Court Thurs 6th Dec

Carol Service Fri 14th Dec (tbc)

Show Dates 2012North Somerset Show May 7th

Devon County Show May 17th, 18th, 19th

Royal Bath & West Show May 30th, 31st, June 1st, 2nd

Royal Cornwall Show June 7th, 8th, 9th

South of England Show June 7th, 8th, 9th

Three Counties Show 15th, 16th, 17th June

Royal Highland Show June 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th

Royal Norfolk Show June 27th, 28th

Great Yorkshire Show July 10th, 11th, 12th

Royal Welsh Show July 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th

New Forest Show July 24th, 25th, 26th

Edenbridge & Oxted Show August 26th, 27th

Dorset County Show September 1st, 2nd

Diary of Events 2012

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

Telephone: 01580 713302

We publish your address in the annual yearbook.This is not generally distributed but a copy isavailable at the Guildhall Library. The addresses

of Liverymen are on the Electoral Roll for the election of Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor. It is used when there is a disputed election so that the notice of a secondCommon Hall can be sent out. This too can be found inthe Guildhall library. Finally there is the City of Londonand Livery Companies Guide which is a commercial list [though with limited distribution] which containsaddresses of Liverymen.

While we know of no example of any problem with this long established routine, I can offer the Companyaddress as the contact if anyone is concerned with thisprocedure.

Data Protection The ClerkCopies of the excellent photographs taken by Michael

O’Sullivan of the Awards Luncheon and other formalevents 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

Previous issues of theNewsletterPast issues of the Newsletter can be accessed through the

Company website:www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk

•click on Livery

•click on Newsletters

Correction – In the July 2011 Issue of The Newsletter thecaption to the photograph published on page 11 was wrong andshould have read – Mike Demianow with Luke Jibb, WCOB and South of England Show Champion.