Walshaw schoolgirl, 14-year-old Sylvia Hall, gets a lesson in wrought ironwork from Simonstone blacksmith Mr Ron Carter.

A sweltering hot weekend's weather greeted visitors to the 1976 Craft Fair at Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, an annual event where visitors can see or even take part in traditional art and craft displays. The fair was organised by the Friends of Gawthorpe Hall in co-operation with Nelson and Colne College, the National Trust, Mid-Pennine Association for the Arts, and the Crafts Advisory Committee. The displays were situated throughout the Hall and its outbuildings, and in a craft shop in the stables there was a selection of studio pottery, a National Trust display, and other items made by the craftsmen.

Among the exhibitors was 23 year old Rene Dymtrenko, who had arranged a display of embroidery. Canvas work, applique, quilting, machine embroidery and knitting are the main techniques used, with lots of different colours. In the coach house, by the stable yard, visitors were able to watch Simonstone blacksmith Mr Ron Carter hard at work. He even brought along a couple of rare leather aprons, so that people might have a go themselves. His work is extremely varied in approach and design. He enjoys a challenge and has made furniture, fire grates, staircases, lamps, gates, and other smaller items.

In complete contrast, there was also a display of lace making by Mrs Mildred Stock, whose husband also played an active part in the craft fair with an exhibition of woodwork. Mrs Stock has been interested in lace making since her childhood and actually started making lace at the beginning of the last war. She has been teaching the craft for about 18 years. There were many more displays in the craft fair, including spinning, handloom weaving, jewellery making and wood carving.