Past Tense

A symphony of brass bells start to ring out, as a verse from “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. The instruments are the size of milk bottles and swinging them are six people; each of them have never lifted a bell almost half an hour ago. This is an event called the Lancanshire’s first ever Traditions Craft Fair, and these are some of the hundreds reliving some of England’s forgotten arts. Recently, this event took place at the Lockstock Hall High School.

According to the chairman of Maghull Parish Ringers from Liverpool, Simon Rennie, Lancanshire was once constantly graced with fun and festivities. Then, there was this idea from some bright fellow that if you have bells that were a lot smaller than Church Tower bells, then you can ring the bells anywhere. There’s no better place to ring them than in a pub.

Other people, in addition to the bell ringers, are also showing off their treasured crafts to everyone. The aptly named Natasha Twigg, for example, was there holding an ancient wooden contraption while she fashioned flowers made from bark stripped from pieces of wood. And there’s also Linda Courthold; she began her quilting as a form of therapy, but she has since branched out and has made a profit from it.

There is also an activity called the Rag Rugging Workshop, which is a small part of the fun. You’ll see stalls selling homemade fudge, some very nice paintings, and ornaments when you go into the packed hall. You’ll get to listen to the band that plays traditional folk songs, as well; there are a great number of things to try out.

Other than the Lancanshire Craft Fair, there are many other events that will truly be enjoyable. Or even better, you may decide to have your crafts appraised, and you could earn some extra money by becoming an amateur vendor! Hurry and show your skills to the world!