Fendermaking Course at Audlem Mill - 30 & 31st October 2010

Over the last weekend we ran our autumn fendermaking course at Audlem Mill next to the Shropshire Union Canal. We had 5 Trainees, Dave from NB Hollinhurst,  Pat & Alan from NB Plan B...C,D,E&F, Paul from NB Honey and Pete fron NB Dragonfly.

On Saturday after a brief introduction, we soon got knotting, crowning a pair of side fenders. Later in the afternoon we started work on building the core of our button fenders. Also on Saturday we had the NHK film crew following us which managed to make headline news on the Audlem Website! http://www.audlem.org/newsitem-1-1-5493.html

Above:- Pat with her finished side fenders


On Sunday morning everyone turned up bright and early and no they hadn't forget to put their clocks back, they where just keen to get hitching. We soon completed our button fender cores and the set about covering the fender, half-hitching 100' of victory black rope. Everyone completed their button fenders and we were very pleased with the final results.

During the course we were all very well looked after by our hosts Peter & Christine Silvester who provided wonderful lunches, as well as plenty of tea and coffee and even cream cakes for afternoon tea!

Finally, well done to Dave, Pat, Alan, Paul & Pete, you where a great bunch to work with and it was a pleasure to work with you learning your new skills.

If you are interested in attending one of our courses the next introduction to fendermaking course is 5th & 6th March 2011 at Audlem Mill. To book your place phone Peter or Christine at Audlem Mill on 01270 811059.

Above:-  Alan, Pat, Dave, Paul & Pete with their finished Fenders.

Fendermaking Course at Audlem Mill

This weekend saw us gluttons for punishment running our Spring Fendermaking Course. What a fun weekend it was with a good gang of apprentices getting stuck in and learning new skills. We had Colin (nb Collette), Suzi (nb Orma Grace) Nick (nb Journeyman) and Colin (nb Pelestry). Saturday saw us making a pair of side fenders, this was slow going at first but soon everyone picked up the technique of crowning and went home with at least 2 side fenders.

Sunday started of frosty but the atmosphere in the workshop was warm and friendly with plenty of banter as we all got to know one another. In the morning we completed our button fender cores, then the half hitching commenced in earnest. By the end of the weekend everyone had sore hands but beaming smiles, happy with thier achievements. We have been asked if we will consider running a more advanced fendermaking workshop, so if there is sufficient demand we will arrange one this winter.


A big thank you to Peter & Christine of Audlem Mill, for being such wonderful hosts for the course, keeping us supplied with coffee, tea, biscuits and cakes. As well as providing lovely home cooked lunches, we really appreciate the effort you go to. If anyone is passing through Audlem do pop in and make use of thier super shop.

Well done to Colin, Suzi, Nick & Colin, you were a great bunch - keep on knitting!