Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Bells Ring at the Traditions Craft Fair

By Rick Amorey

A symphony of brass bells start to ring out, as a verse from "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". The instruments are the size of milk bottles and swinging them are six people; each of them have never lifted a bell almost half an hour ago. This is an event called the Lancanshire's first ever Traditions Craft Fair, and these are some of the hundreds reliving some of England's forgotten arts. Recently, this event took place at the Lockstock Hall High School.

According to Simon Rennie, chairman of Maghull Parish Ringers from Liverpool, Lancanshire was once constantly graced with tintinnabulation. Some bright fellow had the idea that if you have bells that are smaller than those in the Church Tower, then you can ring bells anywhere. And there's no better place to ring them than in a pub.

Other people, in addition to the bell ringers, are also showing off their treasured crafts to everyone. The aptly named Natasha Twigg, for example, was there holding an ancient wooden contraption while she fashioned flowers made from bark stripped from pieces of wood. And there's also Linda Courthold; she began her quilting as a form of therapy, but she has since branched out and has made a profit from it.

A small part of the fun is an activity called the Rag Rugging Workshop. Go into the packed hall and see stalls selling homemade fudge, some adorable paintings, and ornaments to boot. Include the band that plays traditional folk songs playing on; there are simply a multitude of things to try out.

Other than the Lancanshire Craft Fair, there are many other events that will truly be enjoyable. Or even better, you may decide to have your crafts appraised, and you could earn some extra money by becoming an amateur vendor! Hurry and show your skills to the world!

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