Get fired up at foundry day

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

The forge originally produced sickles, scythes and shovels for Dartmoor farmers

You learn something new every day in this job and for me, today, it is the name of the patron saint of blacksmiths.

Until this morning I though St Clement was either a drink or a line in a child's nursery rhyme.

But he will be celebrated at Finch Foundry in Sticklepath in traditional fashion on 21 November 2009.

That means a firing of the anvil with gunpowder and a chance to see blacksmiths from across the country.

Roger Boney, the foundry's custodian said: "St Clement's Day is the main highlight in our calendar at Finch Foundry.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to see and meet blacksmiths demonstrating their craft in such an historical setting.

"They come from all over, some from as far afield as Yorkshire and Cumbria.

"It's a great chance to celebrate the craft and skills of what was a dying art which is now having a resurgence."

Roger Boney at work on the anvil

Finch Foundry is a traditional 19th Century working forge powered by three water wheels driving a huge tilt hammer and grindstone and has been owned by the National Trust since 1994.

It originally produced sickles, scythes and shovels for Dartmoor farmers and miners and produced up to 400 tools a day.

As part of the day some of the country's top blacksmiths will be producing test pieces for judging and will also be demonstrating the foundry's unique water-powered trip hammers.

St Clement was celebrated as far back as the medieval period when members of the Worshipful Company and Guild of Blacksmiths traditionally paraded through the streets.

The tradition died out in the 1940s and then about 15 years ago the enthusiasm of local blacksmiths brought it back to life.

The celebratory day - which is free - starts at 10.30am with the Forge breakfast and continues until 4.30pm, work being interspersed with anvil firing and entertainment from local Morris dancers.

"It is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into this highly skilled craft and to see some of the country's top craftsmen in competition," said Roger.

St Clement's Day
Finch Foundry
Sticklepath
EX20 2NW
Saturday 21 November 2009
10.30am-4pm