Folk at the Forge

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.

                                                                 Game of Thrones?

                                          Jim examining some of the wares in the Gallery.

                                              One of the old farm vehicles Nigel reconditions.

                                                                      Shepherd's Hut.

                                                  Alternative living accommodation!

 Some of the iron sculptures to be found as you wander through the woodland around the forge.

The Showman's Van, reconditioned by Nigel. You can buy a truck or a shepherd's hut, fully kitted out with pot-bellied stove  to keep you toasty warm.

The ingenious and wonderful BBQ. We all took something for the communal table inside the marquee.

                                                          Marquee central heating!

                                                       Rob and Lynne get the boxes out!

                                         Young dancer, totally unfazed by her audience.

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..........