Solid Oakleigh

In the south-east, Oakleigh Fairs have more than 20 different craft events lined up for the rest of the year. Oakleigh are realistic about the threat high-street shops pose to the UK’s arts & crafts movement, & they aim to promote events that appeal to a wide audience. So you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding something of interest for the different members in your group.

You can browse through handworked arts & crafts that range from the traditional to the contemporary. Food halls, rural demonstrations, & living history are also part of Oakleigh’s programme. And if you find there isn’t enough time to see everything you wish to see, you can return free-of-charge on subsequent days – a nice added touch.

Entertainment varies from craft show to craft show; it might take the form of birds of prey & gun dog displays, fly-fishing, or ferret racing. At some events you can see steam engines, vintage cars, & camper vans on display. Visit http://www.oakleighfairs/. co.uk or telephone 01223 306655 to check for craft fairs in your vicinity; & if you’re planning a visit to the southeast, it’s worth seeing if one of Oakleigh’s craft shows fits in with the rest of your schedule.

A good Living

With locations like Sandringham, Tatton Park & Woburn Abbey, you can combine a visit to a historic building with one of Living Heritage’s country & craft shows. Living Heritage have been organising events for over 25 years, & they have more than 30 country & craft shows lined up for 2006.

This year’s main-arena events include horse ball, chase the bunny, mounted games, stalking pony, siddlesaddle, scurry racing, lurcher & terrier racing, gun dogs, & falconry displays.

Living Heritage take pride in selecting the best craft exhibitors, & they offer a wide variety of handcrafted products for you to buy, including glassware, pottery, jewellery, woodcraft, leather, & pressed-flower work. You can also pick up pottery by Elizabeth Bailey, Pauline Baines’ leather goods, & one of Tony Cowlishaw’s landscape paintings.

A craft show wouldn’t be complete without live demonstrations, & woodturning & pottery are just a couple of the techniques on display. Over in the food hall you can take a glimpse at the beekeeping exhibit - & maybe pick up some honey & some other local produce while you’re there.

Coach parties & group bookings benefit from special rates for all Living Heritage events; go to http://www.craftshows/. co.uk for entry prices & information about their upcoming events.