April Report

Mr. Terence Heard was the speaker at the April meeting. He gave us a most interesting and entertaining talk entitled "Traditional Woodcrafts and Coppicing". The hall was filled with a variety of products which he produces from coppiced wood. These items included amongst others Tree Props used in Apple orchards, pea sticks, thatchers bars and walking sticks. Since retirement Mr Heard has been engaged full time in coppicing, working within hazel woods in Dorset, where some of the woods have been neglected for many years.

Mr  Heard had a large site model which he used to explain the various stages of the coppicing and management of a wood. He also explained the process of making charcoal which is on of the by products of this management.  Coppicing is done between October and the end of March when there is no sap in the wood. Any english hardwood can be coppiced, it encourages new growth and in the case of Hazel extends the tree's life. 

He then showed us a selection of his tools and explained their uses. He finished his talk by making a Beson Broom which he gave to the Society for the Raffle. The lucky winner was Mrs. Jenny Halsall. Several other members bought Beson Brooms but contrary to belief, nobody flew home on one!!

Winner of flower of the Month Competition - Mrs Peggy Worboys with this Azalea

Date of next meeting - Wed. 9th May at 7.30pm All welcome. The speakers will be Peter and Jill Pitman with a talk entitled "A Quart in a Pint Pot"

Future Dates :- Tuesday 22nd May 10-12midday - Village Hall - Coffee Morning and Plant Sale.