Rob, Julie, me, Jan, Colin on piano accordian, Roger on Uillean pipes. Early starters at the Folk at the Forge BBQ. This is an annual event at Fransham Forge, in Norfolk, owned by Nigel Barnett, Master Artist- Blacksmith, flute/whistle player and all round Good Bloke.
Nigel and Sue, woodwind section!
Magnificent entrance to Nige's kingdom.
The Gallery - here you can see examples of Nige's work and photographs of previous commissions and press coverage. His work is sought after as far away as Saudi-Arabia, Russia, Australia.
So much to say about Nigel's work, but you are better off going to his website http://artist-blacksmith.co.uk and you can see his work, and read about all the good stuff he does. At a session in a pub last year I met a delightful young man who came in dressed almost in Amish fashion; these, he explained , were his Journeyman clothes and he had come from the Netherlands as a journeyman blacksmith to work as Nigel's apprentice. They come from all over Europe to work with him.
The ingenious and wonderful BBQ. We all took something for the communal table inside the marquee.
And so it went on, into the small hours, though it was chilly, not quite June weather! What a splendid day it was, good food, great company and (ahem) brilliant music! Oh, and some really good beer, local Real Ale, Beeston Brewery. I don't drink beer, but I tried some, very hoppy, I'm sure if I DID drink, this would be my beer of choice! Rob had my share..............
Thanks to my lovely Jim who took most of today's photos, And sampled a little Beestons Beer as reward..........
Nice record of a great session with added extras :0)
ReplyDeleteWas great to be there, Rob we enjoyed it immensely. Lx
DeleteWhat fun! Love the beautiful workmanship, the shepherd's hut, showman's van and of course the crazy quilt!!
ReplyDeleteAh it was great! I could have posted dozens more photos but you have to stop somewhere! Lx
DeleteVery interesting. Looks like you had a good time despite it being a little 'parky'. Love the ironwork, never been there.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly worth a visit, Dc, lovely woods to wander through and a great gallery. Shame the weather wasn't all it could have been!
DeleteOh, such memories... I sometimes slept in a shepherd's hut with our old shepherd, Davy, when I was a child. It was such a treat for me, but I wonder about Davy's stoicism - sleeping on the floor with the dogs, so I could have the bed - and he in his 70s by then. I'm guessing it was a relief to get back to a real bed in his cottage from time to time!
ReplyDeleteWish I could have one now.
Hello Jenann, thanks for visiting! Yes, I think they may be a little chilly, but then Nigel has them all centrally heated, clever chap!
DeleteWhat a lovely day Lynne and amongst all your favourite people. I'd love to hear your music one day. Maybe if we visit Norfolk this summer.....who knows!
ReplyDeletePatricia x
Hi Patricia, it's just the best thing to do on a sunny day (or even evening!) You'll have to let me know when you are in the area, there are a few festivals the Mollies are dancing out at, and I can often be found making merry (musically!) in a pub somewhere!
DeleteYour outings always make me envious ... that so looks like me kind of night. But better to enjoy it vicariously through Jim's great pics than not at all. Hope there was cider!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant time, Annie, just the best. and yes, there was cider, real ale and ....er....lager......! Lx ps loved your post, I do face book, but mainly to keep in touch with friends and family, mostly banter. I wouldn't tweet if I could and Pinterest is for looking at, right? Not carrying on a conversation. Good post. Lx
DeleteLynne, you strike me as someone who certainly gets the most out of life! :) x
ReplyDeleteOne tries, Ada, One tries! But it's like feast or famine, nothing for months then you get asked to everything going! Grab it while you can, that's my philosophy! Lx
DeleteLove your photos of all this. I feel my foot tapping somehow.
ReplyDeleteYou'd have been pushed to keep still had you been there, Elizabeth! It was a great evening, thanks for popping in!
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