Supporting local heritage crafts
The Country Ways area of the Heathfield Agricultural Show is a demonstration area of local craftsmen displaying centuries old skills associated with the countryside.
The definition of a heritage craft is defined as a practice which employs manual dexterity and skill and an understanding of traditional materials, design and techniques, which has been practised for two or more successive generations.Throughout the day there will be demonstrations of these crafts.
Additionally, in the Country Ways arena there will be raptor displays, and working horses. Also within the area will be Working Steam, a blacksmith, terrier racing and chain saw carving.
Exhibitors 2023
|
Exhibitors |
Organisation Contact Details |
Description of Craft |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Beekeeping Association – Hastings and Rother Division. |
Harold Cloutt |
An observation hive, complete with Queen bee and workers, will be the main focus on this stand with a team of experts on hand to answer questions from the crowd. A full array of honey products will be available and reference booklets for sale |
| Basketry | John Waller 01892 740303 |
The Underwoodsman, will be demonstrating his considerable basket making skills. You can also purchase some items of his work |
| Blacksmith | Andy and Mikey Orchard 01825 872277 |
Showcasing their ancient craft in the smithy area adjacent to the Green Gate in Halley Road. Traditional and contemporary crafted items will be demonstrated by these two very skilled craftsmen. |
| Chain Saw Carver | Les Langley 07885 2236234 |
Les Langley 07885 2236234 – Bespoke carvings from wood. Demonstrations throughout the day – fascinating to watch Les showing off his skills |
| Hazel Wood Flowers | Ken Dower 01708 857581 | Hand carving of coppiced hazel wood to make wooden flowers |
| Hedgelaying | Phil Hart of SEHLS | This ancient and highly skilled art of hedge laying will be demonstrated by Chris and he will be very pleased to answer any questions you may have. |
| Lace making | Jennifer Able | The beautiful art of lace making has enjoyed something of a revival over the past few years and an increasing number of people are finding it to be an absorbing hobby. Jennifer will be displaying her hobby here today. |
| Potter | Susan Ramsay – Smith, Experience Sussex 01435 810390 |
Demonstrating the craft of pottery making on a potters wheel – absolutely fascinating to watch |
| Rush, Cane & Cord Chair Seating | David Fowler 01825 722253 |
Examples of cane/rush and corded chairs on the stand and David will also be demonstrating chair caning. |
| Sign Writer | Ian Adams 01435 813040 |
Demonstration of sign writing skills in the Country Ways marquee using traditional techniques to produce any style of sign |
| Spinning | Heffle Spinners | Spinning and rug making using natural wools and dyes and a display of finished goods. |
| Stained Glass | Isobel Brunsdon 01323 842161 |
Design and fabrication of bespoke stained glass and leaded lights – both traditional and contemporary. |
| Stone Mason | Wendy Hazleden 07729 625128 |
Working with a range of materials such as sandstone, slate, marble and granite, Wendy will be demonstrating her stonemasonry skills throughout the day in the Country Ways marquee. |
| Sky Birds of Pray | Paul Green 0754 4696199 |
Owing to the local outbreak of Avian 'flu there will be no raptors to display at the Heathfield Show this year. |
| Terrier Racing | Organised by Sussex Young Farmers Club | This display creates a noisy and popular attraction, it is fun and involves anyone with any breed of dog turning up and entering. The terriers love it too. Not only do they have a good chase, but if they are very lucky they can have a darned good scrap with one of the other terriers at the slightest provocation! Come and enter your dog for some fun – two sessions – 10.30am and 2.15pm. |
| Thomas Smiths Trug Shop |
Robin Tuppen |
Commenced business in April 1983. Suppliers of trugs throughout the country including to Peter Seabrook and the Royal Estate at Windsor Castle. The Trugs are almost completely hand made. Demonstrations of trug making can be seen throughout the day. |
| Underwoodsman | John Waller 01892 740303 |
Hurdlemaker, creates living willow structures, woven fencing, basketry and rustic garden furniture – come and see John at work using his traditional skills and hear more about his craftsmanship. He runs Green Wood workshops and teaches at colleges and schools throughout the in the county. He will also be demonstrating pole lathe turning this year |
| United Retriever Club (Southern Group) | Mrs P Elliott | The Club will be demonstrating the skills of their Retrievers in the Country Ways ring. Come along and see these highly trained gun dogs in action. |
| Walking Stick Display | Paul Jones | An amazing and extensive variety of walking sticks on display and is extremely knowledgeable. Come and investigate the different varieties and talk to Paul about their differing uses |
| Wheelwright | Dougie Andrews | A demonstration in the art of the wheelwright will take place throughout the day on this stand. Surrounded by a collection of wheels in various stages of completion come and see how an iron strap is put around a wooden wheel to hold everything in position. |
