Crafts from music to baking to rafting showcased at Pakenham mill

Traditional craftsmen and women from bread bakers and musicians to sailors have been showing off their talents at Pakenham Water Mill.

The Traditional Crafts Day on Sunday, September 13 attracting hundreds of visitors to see a variety of skills from history and the present day.

Demonstrations of more than 14 crafts included activities from wood carving, leather working and baking to blacksmithing, thatching and even bee keeping.

The Mill’s Blackstone Stationary engine was operating during the day and attracted a great deal of interest.

Three car clubs, the Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club, East of England Practical Classics Club and the Gay and Bisexual Car Club, exhibited some of their best vehicles at the event.

Live music through the day was provided by musicians on a variety of traditional modern instruments. There was even a chance for visitors to take part in the demonstrations out on the river with a ride in a coracle made of cow hide.

Barry Forster, of Pakenham Water Mill, said: “The good fortune was that the weather stayed dry.

“Fourteen crafts persons exhibited their skills throughout the day and all of them said what a pleasurable event is was to attend. Our thanks are especially given to John Kemp, our volunteer, who organised such a grand event.”