Good Cause, Good Company

by | May 27, 2016 | 7 comments

Richard Arnold

Richard Arnold at his Charity Open Workshop

Next weekend (4th & 5th June) is an opportunity to visit a small and rather special show for those interested in hand tool woodworking.

It’s held in Market Harborough, UK, at the workshop of traditional joiner Richard Arnold. This is the third year that Richard has been so generous with his time and energy and has turned his workshop open to visitors.

The event is a great place to pick up old hand tools, and you can also donate something yourself. It’s all about raising money for Macmillan Cancer Nurses, so whilst there’s no ticket price you’ll get to donate your cash in exchange for tools, and delicious home made cakes.

Along with great company you’ll get to admire Arnold’s expansive collection of 18th century hand tools, and I understand he’s also donating a beautiful early 18th century moulding plane, which you can bid for through an auction.

Mr Sparks in his swimming shorts, making shavings with a propane torch...

Mr Sparks in his swimming shorts, making shavings with a propane torch…

This is a great community event rather than a commercial one, but there’ll be some of Britain’s finest tool makers there, including Oliver Sparks, whose workshop is conveniently located next door and will be open for you to have a peek. Skelton Saws will also be there so you’ll be able to pick his brain on anything saw related, and legendary plane maker Bill Carter is going along with wife Sarah (whose cakes are equally legendary.)

It’s a Saturday and Sunday event, we’ll definitely be there on the Saturday.

If you are thinking of going along it would be a big help if you could give Mr Arnold a head’s up so he has an idea of numbers. For info and address details email charityevent@oliversparks.co.uk

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About Richard Maguire

About Richard Maguire

As a professional hand tool woodworker, Richard found hand tools to be the far more efficient solution for a one man workshop. Richard runs 'The English Woodworker' as an online resource and video education for those looking for a fuss free approach to building fine furniture by hand. Learn More About Richard & The English Woodworker.

7 Comments

  1. Jim Hendricks

    Definitely going to be there…glad you and Helen are going.

    See you Saturday!

    Jimi

    Reply
  2. patrick anderson

    I’d be there in a flash if I could. Wonderful idea and I hope they do well!

    Reply
  3. Gary Cook

    Really enjoyed this a couple of years back. Will try my best to get a free day to get up there, probably with a glut of saws to hand over!

    Reply
  4. AndyT

    I’ll definitely be there on Saturday – I didn’t manage to talk to everyone or look at everything last time round!

    Reply
  5. Chris battelle

    I have emailed to ask for location of workshop, but not had a reply. I’d love to go. Does anyone know where and what time is open.

    Reply
    • peter flavell

      I have emailed and had no reply Can anyone enlighten us of the address?

      Reply
      • Richard Maguire

        Hi Chris & Peter, I’ve had a check at the times and it seems to be planned for most of the day, at least on Saturday, but 9am – 4pm I expect will see most of the visitors.
        The address is Dallacre Farm, Wilbarston, LE16 8QL

        Reply

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