One date that is clearly marked and religiously set aside in both mine and my son's calendar is the annual Woodfair held at Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum in Halland East Sussex. Last year we along with many other enthusiasts of all things timber, tolerated driving rain and high winds all day. Which for an open air event dedicated to timber, tools and electric machinery was far from ideal. Thankfuly the weather this year was glorious with a blue sky that was filled with nothing more than a few silent white gliders from a nearby air strip.
Covering three fields and a small woodland inhabited with Oak, Ash and Beech trees, the Woodfair is a place to try out new tools and machines, watch demonstrations of wood crafts new and old, and just catch up with friends to share a passion for what we do. There is even a chance to fire a few arrows ( my son's favourite part of the show ) from bow's beautifully hand crafted by a bunch of local enthusiasts. Half way through the day we took a break to take a trip on a miniature steam railway that winds through the woods, I should explain that my son is only five, although I think I had a larger grin on my face.
In the woods, bodgers have set up their pole lathes, charcoal makers their fire pits and everybody has the common sence to let the chainsaw carves work were ever they wish. As you make your way through the trees you come apon small camps where these wood folk have fires to brew strong tea, a bivouac to spend the night and beautiful collections of well used and well loved woodworking tools. Heaven.
