Pilgrim Fayre Bishops Palace, St Davids Monday 29th May 2023
The Pilgrim Fayre promises to be a special occasion in St Davids Bishop’s Palace from 11am-6pm, with a programme of performance, song, guided walks, a medieval marketplace, traditional skills demos and film screenings. It marks the achievements of the Ancient Connections project in Wales and the launch of Wexford Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way, with a celebration of communities past and present and the historic and future links between North Wexford and North Pembrokeshire. (for more details Ancient Connections — Small World Theatre)
The Tywi Centre will host a Heritage Skills area with demonstrations and displays on stonemasonry, thatching, decorative plasterwork, traditional carpentry, lime work and wood turning.
Come along to enjoy the following exhibitions:
STONEMASONRY
The Pilgrim Fayre is set to take place in the stunning grounds of a medieval Palace with a breathtaking view of St Davids Cathedral. What better place to explore the traditional art of Masonry with Master Mason, Oliver Coe? On the day, Oliver will be demonstrating his mastery of stone carving and will be available to discuss his craft with those interested.
With over 30 years of experience in the stone industry, Oliver Coe is the director of Coe Stone Ltd. He has worked on a wide range of projects both large and small across the United Kingdom. He has a passion for teaching and is the Tutor on our NVQ3 Heritage Masonry course.
The Pigrim Fayre is the perfect opportunity to gain insight from a master of his craft. Oliver will be demonstrating his stone carving skills while offering advice and guidance to those looking to explore traditional Masonry.
WOOD TURNING
Lee Burton- The Milkwood Project
The Milkwood Project will be showcasing the ancient craft of wood turning.
’ll be bowl turning on a Viking style pole lathe using hand forged traditional hook tools after preparing half a small log with an axe, which will then be mounted in the foot powered lathe to make it the desired shape' (Lee Burton)
The Milkwood Project is a Community Interest Company which is a part of Milkwood Woodworks. They are based in Pembrokeshire and have a deep belief in the value of craftsmanship and the power of nature. They focus on teaching the traditional craft of woodworking, while also promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Their demonstrations are ideal for those interested in learning the craft of wood turning. They will show you how to use the tools, techniques and materials to turn a log into a beautiful bowl. You will learn about the history of wood turning, the different tools and techniques used, and the importance of safety.
Milkwood Studio | Lee Burton - Pole Lathe Bowl Turning Demo - YouTube
DECORATIVE PLASTER WORK
Jason Bushnell- Pembrokeshire Limework
Decorative plasterwork is an ancient art form, with a long and varied history. Plaster has been used to decorate walls and ceilings in a variety of ways since antiquity, making it one of the oldest forms of art still practiced today. The techniques used in decorative plasterwork are varied and range from molding and casting to carving, stencilling, and painting.
Jason Bushnell from Pembrokeshire Limeworks will be sharing his knowledge of decorative plasterwork with demonstrations and samples of his work.
Jason is a highly experienced lime plasterer with over 20 years in the construction industry. Pembrokeshire Limework specializes in renovation and restoration work, including plastering and rendering, decorative plaster work on cornices, and hemp-lime work.
THATCHING
Alan Jones- Pembrokeshire Thatch and Carpentry Service
Thatching is a method of roofing that has been used for thousands of years. Thatching is known for its unique appearance and natural insulation properties.
Come along to meet Master Thatcher, Alan Jones. He will have a display of traditional thatching materials and tools and will be able to talk to you about this highly skilled craft.
A carpenter by trade, Alan was introduced to thatching out of necessity when he helped construct the Castell Henllys iron age fort in north Pembrokeshire back in 1982. He got a taste for the craft and went to Holland to learn the techniques with a professional master thatcher.
Today Alan is one of only two master thatchers based in Wales. His reputation has won him contracts in East Germany, southern Italy, France, Holland and virtually every county in England, he's worked on numerous film sets including 'Robin Hood' which was shot in Freshwater East
HERITAGE CARPENTRY AND TRADITIONAL WINDOWS
Tom Duxbury- Canolfan Tywi Centre
You only need to wonder around the streets of a beautiful historic City such as St Davids, to appreciating the important role that traditional windows play in preserving character. Their intricate craftwork and beautiful designs bring character, charm and beauty to an area.
Tom is a heritage carpenter and a particular passion for windows and historic glass. His knowledge of the history of windows and window repairs is extensive. Tom will be on hand to answer all your questions about the care and repair of old windows.
As a Heritage Carpentry tutor and assessor, his work ensures that the traditional windows remain an integral part of character of a buildings for future generations to enjoy.
WORKING WITH LIME PLASTERS AND MORTARS
Joe Moriarty-Canolfan Tywi Centre
Lime is the binder in almost all traditional mortars, plasters and renders. It is also increasingly popular as a material for new building projects. The wide range of lime products available present us with a pallet of possibilities.
Joe Moriarty is a Heritage Plastering tutor at the Tywi Centre and has recently completed an MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation in the Welsh School of Architecture. Joe will be available to discuss types of lime, the choice of aggregates and additives and the selection of the appropriate combination to suit the task.
HERITAGE CONSTRUCTION- TRAINING, EDUCATION AND ADVICE
Nell Hellier and Helena Burke- Canolfan Tywi Centre
The Tywi Centre offers a suit of training relating to old buildings. Whether you are a homeowner who would like to understand how your old building works; a specifier who would like to better understand lime products or a contractor who would like to gain an NVQ3 qualification- we can help.
Come along to the Pilgrim Fayre to find out how the Tywi Centre can help with your building projects.