PEAR TREE LOG

pear tree log: I started this blog to keep my younger son, Jonny, in touch with life in Lincolnshire, while he spent a year working in China. That year turned into five! Now he is home and training to become a physics teacher. This is simply a patchwork quilt of some of the things I enjoy - life in rural Lincolnshire, our animals, friends, architecture, books, the gardens, and things of passing interest.



Friday 24 February 2012

Arnold and The Village Blacksmith

We may have lost our school, post office, butcher's shop, grocery shop, cobbler and church, but our tiny village still has a pub, a village hall and a blacksmith!  


In 1908 a blacksmith fresh out of his apprenticeship set up in business at the far end of the village.  Horses from the nearby villages were brought to the premises for shoeing, and the blacksmith would also travel to several other local villages which had small forges.  
In 1936 they moved the business up to this end of the road.  The main business was shoeing horses but they also made and repaired cartwheels in conjunction with the carpenter.  I have heard it said that the carpenter also used to make coffins, on the top floor of the black corrugated building.  When the coffin was ready to be loaded it would be discreetly loaded down a chute onto the back of a wagon!


During the Second World War the blacksmith was commissioned to provide 1000 shoes for mules.
To this day a member of the same family is still active making weather vanes, wrought iron gates and commissioned works.

I like this place for many reasons - including the beautiful worn and weather doors, the quaint roof tiles, the old metal work around the place, the sun-bleached wood and, of course, the sense of continuity.

Of course, on the way home I called in to see Arnold.
His sheep friends have been taken away because the farmer doesn't want any more accidents.  So poor Arnold is on his own again.
See Bennie having a wash as Arnold prepares to frisk my pockets for some more carrot or apple!
Except, who should I spy there but Bennie,  sitting having a lick and a wash near Arnold!
I had a chat with John and he said she has been spending time up there recently.
I'd like to think she is keeping him company, they certainly seemed very relaxed together.

As I was leaving Bennie was checking out John's workshop
 -  which pleased him -
 apparently he has quite a mouse problem.
Not for much longer with Bennie on the job!

13 comments:

  1. Sadly our local blacksmith closed up shop a few months ago. The original old (for Canada) building is now an antiques store.
    Jane x

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    1. Hi Jane, Does that mean that it is difficult to find a blacksmith now? It is also a shame about the building - have they managed to preserve the forge?

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    2. I'll have to have a look inside.
      Jane x

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  2. Hi Elaine...I just came in from fighting with the wind today. Another great story written by you. Do you know I have a farrier that comes to the farm to trim hooves. That is much easier than bringing your horse into town to the vet. Such wonderful buildings again. I do enjoy the stories with them. That was a very interesting tidbit about the 1000 shoes commissioned during the war.

    I feel bad for Arnold. I think animals really need a companion.

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    1. Hi Meggie, Poor old Arnold, we were very upset for him. The trouble is that I do understand where the farmer is coming from, after all John is in his 90's and a bang on the head like that could have been very serious.
      We visit him daily and I do know that some other people also call in to see him. His paddock is right across the yard from John's door, so he gets to see all the comings and goings throughout the day, plus John spends time with him every day. So don't worry, it is not ideal, but he is not too badly off.

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  3. thank you for a lovely blog read

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    1. Hi Molly, I am so pleased you enjoyed it. We walk and drive past those buildings most days and they become 'invisible'. I'm just so happy that I am now able to share some of the small delights of local life with you!

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  4. Arnold and Bennie are both lovely! It's sad that we are losing trades and small businesses like blacksmithing. :(

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    1. Hi Knatolee, I've just been to visit Arnold again, he is in good spirits and enjoyed his customary chat and a treat. I took Toby with me today as Arnold enjoys bending his head and 'greeting' him. The first time it happened Toby almost wet himself, but now he is happy to interact with Arnold!

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  5. When I win the lottery (next Wednesday - I've decided) I'll engage your services Elaine, as my personal estate agent (you find the loveliest properties) like on 'Escape to the Country'...

    For a fee of course.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Chris, That's a deal! I love old country properties, especially when they come with history, outbuildings, and a fair bit of land!

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  6. I love to hear about all your animal friends and their interactions. I'm also pleased to hear that John is up and around. Your blog brings a sweet bit of serenity to my day. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. Hi Ms Sparrow, We have been in winter hibernation, we'll up the pace soon - then you'll really see some action! Who am I kidding! I'm so pleased you are enjoying it.

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