Lake visitors get crafty

Photo: Laura Wild

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali having a go at wool spinning

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Hollingworth Lake Visitors Centre was taken over by craftsmen and women today (Sunday 1 August 2010) keen to show of skills which are sometimes forgotten.
 
The centre played host to the annual Country Craft Display Day which has been running for about 20 years.
 
Visitors of all ages were given the opportunity to try something new, to practice and learn a craft rather than buy something that has already been made.
 
There was a chance to make gypsy flowers carved from branches, spin wool, which the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali had a go at, create baskets and bookmarks from rushes and of course traditional stalls selling cards, jams and toys.
 
Eleanor Sherwin from the countryside service said: "This day has been going for many many years, it started as countryside crafts but we wanted to give people chance to make something themselves and discover various crafts.
 
"All the stall holders here today have given up their time free of charge; I think it is something they really enjoy.
 
"Although we aren't having the best summer in terms of the weather quite a few people have come along today."
 
Ms Sherwin continued: "People are always keen to look at the stalls but we want to engage them, we aim to offer things which are much different to traditional summer fetes."
 
Speaking about the public’s response to the day Ms Sherwin said: "It is good to see people here and happy and it is very nice to see people taking part and getting into the different crafts."
 
The craft fair is held in the first weekend of August each year and Ms Sherwin's message to those who missed this year’s event is: "Next year is not to be missed."
 
Mayor Ali added: "Today has been so touching; it has taken me back in time to see how our ancestors used to do things to survive. It is a pity more people don't have these skills.
 
Mayor Ali concluded: "I would like to thank the organisers for organising this wonderful event, it is eye opening for everybody and I hope in the future people will come and support the craftsmen and also bring their children along."
 
Proceeds from purchases at the stalls will go to a charity of the stall holder’s choice.