Dying trade kept alive

Warburton blacksmith Barry Alexander with colleagues ‘Smithy’ and Navarr Van Dyk. 129211_01. Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

By KATH GANNAWAY

BLACKSMITHS from all over Australia were at Wandin on Sunday 12 October, as the annual Australian Blacksmith Convention fired up at Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead.
The Blacksmith Shop is an integral part of the homestead with enthusiasts meeting each weekend to hone the craft.
“Our aim is to keep the blacksmithing craft alive by demonstrating and sharing the knowledge and skills of forging with hammer and anvil,” Mont De Lancey’s Jill Sebire said.
The Blacksmith Shop is the focus of the convention, but with market stalls, medieval re-enactments and craft tables, the event is also an increasingly popular day for families.
Mont De Lancey is now forging ahead with plans for their next big event, the Draught Horse Festival on 22 and 23 November.