Andrew Hall FWCB Master Blacksmith

I competed at the North Somerset show yesterday in the live blacksmithing competition. The live competition requires blacksmiths to make an item within a specified time limit. For the this years competition at North Somerset the brief was to create a farm implement or tool, the time allowed was 1 hour 15 minutes. The competition ran all day with the first 2 competitors starting at about 9:30am and the last 2 finishing at about 4:30pm.

It was a beautiful day and the show was very busy with many of the visitors enjoying watching the blacksmiths work. I can tell you it was hot work too.

The judge then assesses each competitors entry. There were a few shepherds crooks, a couple of forks, a hoe and a hook amongst the entries.

My entry was a shepherds crook and it was assessed to be the winner.

In addition there was a static competition. In this competition pieces pre made are submitted to various categories and assessed by the Judge during the day. In the Artistic category my branch Wall Art achieved first prize.