St Albans Country show AL4 0RE 15/6^th July

This was my second outing with the organizers (Framlingham Country Show being the first).

A much smaller event but was well organised and very friendly and helpful staff.

The weather was not kind and early Saturday drizzle kept the numbers down. Sunday was better.

Unfortunately I was sighted next to a chainsaw carver which made it impossible to talk to anyone for long periods. The female carver was however a lovely lady and very good (and well respected amongst the APF).

 

Happily Robin Fawcett and Vanessa were 2 tents away (Mike Church being next door).

They both  saved my weekend!  Always a pleasure to get together – do not see the Fawcetts  enough, I need to make more of an effort.

 

Robin inspired my green woodworking after a chance encounter in Lee Valley Park a week before my first Ball - Horton Cum Studley.

Robin had to revert to a power lathe as back problems stopped his pole lathe activities.

This Polish gentleman was showing us his marquetry skills; he was a joiner working in Hemel Hempstead and made beautiful boxes.

I invited him to our next Ball with some of his work. Hopefully we can all meet him and enjoy his craft.

 

Had a great Bangladeshi meal on Saturday – I found some interesting plumbing (no musical instruments or classy artwork – however definitely a specialty from the sub continent!)  

Mike brought some goodies from his allotment – peas and carrots.

And of course the famous cherry cake with brandied cherries!

 

Mike Church has been in Galacia (Northern Spain) with their best basket maker for a fortnight. He was experimenting with Split Chestnut baskets with Hazel rims.

At the end of the show he gave me his first  one!

These were a couple that he made during his Spanish trip. The large one is for grape collection.

All in all an enjoyable weekend, it was not a woody event - too much imported stuff.