Dorset County Show 2008

[blacksmithuk]

The Dorset County show in the Uk hosts the final heat of the National Blacksmiths Competition on 6th and 7th September 2008. One of Nine shows that hosts a qualifying heat. The live competition is to make a knife fork and spoon in 90 mins. The competition so far has seen some imaginative live topics, such as a forged tree at the New Forest show, an item from the farm at the Royal Bath and west and a shepherds crook at the North Somerset, to name a few. Anyone wishing to follow the progress of the competition can find all the schedules and results for each show on the website National Blacksmiths Competition Some of the winning entries are shown on the results page for individual shows. These shows are a great way to network with other smiths from across the country (and why not the world) and promotes the sharing of ideas and development of new ones. Judges are appointed by the worshipful company of Blacksmiths judging panel and are selected from the best and most experienced smiths in the country. The constructive criticism and feedback that is always given goes a long way to promoting the trade and the craft in general in the UK. Details of how to enter can be found on the website.

[John B]

These shows on the NBCC circuit (This is the last one this year) are a great marketing opportunity with a very low cost to enter, giving exposure to thousands of visitors to the show that are interested in the craft and who are often looking for smith's to commission work from.

It is also a great way to network with other smiths and exchange ideas and techniques, and to see other smith's work.

They present an opportunity for smith's to show their skills on the forge live to the public if they wish to demonstrate them and this may inspire others to take up the craft.

They can also show their skills in the static competitions with larger pieces.

This can, and often does result in commissions large and small being generated from the display on show.

The judges are selected from the best and most experienced smiths in the country. The constructive criticism and feedback that is always given as part of the judging proceedure, is a useful skills development feature for the individuals, as they can discuss their work with the judges and other experienced smith's who can explain how they are judged, thus helping them to develop their understanding of the finer points of the craft.

These shows on the circuit are a major way of promoting the trade and the craft in general in the UK. Supported mainly by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, and the Blacksmiths Guild, and the individual show organisers, but open to all who would like to enter.