HUNDREDS of people descended on Stott Park Bobbin Mill to celebrate woodland crafts and industry in a special weekend of events.
The Mail, on October 5, in 1998, noted that the preserved factory, near Newby Bridge, was the temporary base for a host of experts using traditional techniques to create unique and practical wares.
It noted: “Leading coppicer Bill Hogarth was making wattle fences, besoms and witches’ brooms, while Graham Wilde was showing his talent at making traditional Lakeland walking sticks.
“Visitors to the mill could also see Arthur Barker creating simple green wood country furniture and Rebecca Oaks demonstrating the ancient skill of coracle making.
“There was a charcoal-making kiln smouldering in the woods.”
Most of the crafts on show were based on the use of coppiced woodland, where trees are cut back and managed to produce clumps of long, tall and straight stems for working by lathe or hand tools.
Bobbin mill manager Mike Nield said: “The idea is to show people what the coppice industry is all about.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here