In traditional fashion the Woodlanders had a display at the Small Dole Summer Show. This year we provided a large display and demonstration in the main arena, and a large charcoal burn, taking place in the wood. Ian Betts giving a guided walk through the wood provided unity to the two activities. The charcoal burn used the large kiln in the clearing to the southern end of the wood. The burn takes at least two days and so at the end of the show day we had no idea how successful the charcoal making had been.

It was not until the next weekend when the kiln was opened that we realised we had produced over 30 bags of high quality charcoal. If you would like a bag of local charcoal for your barbeque please contact any member of the committee (collection only). In addition we produced several bags of horticultural charcoal, which is a good soil improver. Again purchase enquiries should be directed to committee members.

The afternoon in the arena was a great success. The weather was warm, and for those of us slaving over a hot pole lathe too warm! Our sales table managed to turn a modest profit, and we were kept busy throughout. I managed to turn the bodies of two giant dragonflies. Now all I need to do is find the time to make some wings!

For me, one of the highlights of the show was being approached, on three separate occasions, by people who could remember pole lathes being used commercially in the woods.

The first helped her father on his pole lathe as a child in Angmering. The next could remember bodgers (people who make chair parts on a pole lathe) working in the New Forrest, and the third remembered men turning chairs in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. High Wycombe was a major centre for chair manufacture so the latter was less surprising than the previous two. I have been demonstrating on the pole lathe for twelve years, and it was the first time that anybody had ever indicated that they could remember commercial bodgers. I suppose they’re a bit like buses - come in threes.

- by Malcolm Knight