Creative and Rural pursuits at Mottisfont Abbey

Yesterday I spent time at Mottisfont Abbey where the Hampshire Weavers, Spinners and Dyers guild was demonstrating at a 'day of country side pursuits and forgotten rural skills'. We had a wonderful day talking to the public and demonstrating our skills. A great deal of fun and laughter was shared liberally in the Stables where we were situated. The day was well attended. I took some shaky photos when things quietened down for a moment.

In the few minutes that I took to wander around, I captured some scenes to show you what was on offer. Outside the Stables was a potter working on beautiful little bowls with bird lids, one of which you can seen here.

There was a leather worker with decorative leatherwork, belts

and the tools of her trade.... all except for the little pink rubber ball in the corner which she was guarding for her daughter.

A thatcher demonstrated thatching and I eyed his reeds with thoughts of handwoven reed mats.

A woodturner with his beautiful hand lathe

was a delight to watch.

This gent was making my new broom....

If the Saint had been with me, he would have steered me clear of this stall. I was really tempted. I may be thinking about going to learn to make them myself..... 

Look at all the animals behind him.

They are made from this which is recycled chicken wire (as I know it) from thatched roofs that are being replaced. A lovely lady makes these wonderful creative animals out of it. Her husband is the thatcher who wanted to keep the wire out of rubbish dumps.

Sadly I missed the trout fishing and the blacksmith. It is April and the time for showers. We are having plenty of them at the moment.