Kids carve out new skills at Country craft display day

Reporter: Katie Hill
Date online: 08/08/2007

The Visitor Centre at Hollingworth Lake hosted the Country Craft Display Day on Sunday 5 August, as part of the ongoing Canal Festival.

Crafts included lacemaking, woodworking, woodcarving, beadwork, and smocking as well as embossed card-making, painting and miniature stonework models.

The sun shone down on the many stalls which were showcasing the crafts, and members of the public were given the chance to try out new skills and peruse the many handcrafted items which were available to buy.

The day allowed several skilled craftspeople to share their talents with others, while for residents it was a pleasant day out and many children enjoyed learning how to make something of their own.

Hazel Harrison was exhibiting cards made by residents of the Briarmede residential care home, which were for sale with the proceeds going to Christie’s. She commented: "It is so gratifying to be here showing everyone what the residents have done - they get so much out of making the cards. We come every year to sell them and the residents enjoy being able to give something back."

Another stallholder, Colin Wilson, whose skills include toy making, woodwork and fretwork, said: "It started off as a hobby when I retired, but it is so enjoyable to come to a day such as this and show youngsters how to make things. As well as that it is a lovely day with a real community atmosphere, and it has brought a lot of people out to the Country Park, which can only be a good thing."

The event, along with the glorious weather, certainly did bring a lot of people to the lake, many of whom seemed to be motivated by the numerous stalls to try something similar themselves.