APTGW Bodger's Ball 2014

This weekend, at Playsters Farm, Herstmonceux, East Sussex.

Here's hoping we don't get too wet ! I'll try to get some pictures.

Well, we did get a bit damp, but got a very good blow dry after that !  My tent survived, but several did not, including the caterers shelter   

Still, a reasonably good Ball,  not quite so good as last year's at Wimpole, I thought, but I would say that wouldn't I ?  The layout of the site had a huge marquee (great idea),  but positioned so that it seperated the site in two, a campground on one side and the demonstration area at the other.  The demos were good, but the seperation from the camping area discouraged more amateur bodgers from setting up their kit - not much point setting up shop by your tent away from all the action.  My lathe stayed in the car - but on the plus side, it meant more time seeing the demos and sharing ideas and chat.

The craft competition had some good entries this year - Nick and Katie Abbott excelled and took the best in show prize for a lovely rocking chair.  I got a second prize in the "Tools" category for my travisher.  I was actually pretty pleased with second; the first place went to a rather lovely hand forged axe, with a beautiful yew handle and perfectly made leather sheath which fully deserved the honour.

Tools for self reliance had a stand there, so my prize winnings went on a few new carving chisels.  Our "wood of the month" at an upcomming meeting will be lime, which is excellent for carving, so I can soon try them out.

Oh well done you. It's not just us that think you're brilliant then.