The WingSmith Project
Recently a few members of Devon Dowsers took part in the WingSmith project. In a traditional forge deep in the heart of Devon there is pure alchemy going on.
Two skilled and passionate artisans are bring some magic into the world. Nick Mussell (the Tanglewood Project) and Matt Coe ( Dingle Design) posed a question “What if they we were able to create an aspiring sculpture made by members of the public to show their support for front line workers?”
WingSmith was born; the project to encourage members of the public to learn coppersmithing skills and forge a feather that would become an amazing sculpture.
The inspiration for the project Karen Stead-Dexter and her amazing birds of prey. Karen is a regular guest speaker at Devon Dowsers sharing her knowledge and wonderful bird medicine with our members. Karen arrived during our feather making with Rosie her Eagle Owl and George her Barn Owl, who watched over our smithing skills.
Nick and Matts vision to encourage ‘new apprentices’ to create two copper feather, one to add to the amazing sculpture, the other a unique keepsake as a permanent reminder of the day.
The original launch day was restricted to the new Covid guidance that came in, when the original plan was for an open venue which had to be shelved along with the attendance of ourselves to the event. Matt and Nick were resourceful as ever and came up with an alternative plan to use the permanent forge instead of the mobile and those of us that had already brought tickets, the opportunity to create our copper feathers.
There will be more opportunities for you to forge your own two feathers so keep a look out for new dates coming up. You never know you may find yourself forging a feather with one of Karen’s birds watching on.
More information can be found on the project can be found at WingSmith and to meet the inspirational birds Kingfisher Falconry
Funeral of John Bowers ~ 13th October 2020
The funeral of John Bowers will take place at 11.00 am on Tuesday 13th October 2020 at Winkleigh Parish Church.
Covid regulations permit thirty people to be present at the funeral, so only invited family and friends will be in attendance. John Down will represent Devon Dowsers.
Any members of Devon Dowsers who wish to pay their respects in Winkleigh, can do so by standing on the pavement in the street, socially distancing, or in the church yard if there is room.
By sharing his dowsing knowledge and skills over the years, John touched many people’s lives in Devon and beyond. Devon Dowsers are forever indebted to him. We can each say our ‘Goodbyes’ to John in whatever way feels right for us and we send our love to Marjorie and Kathryn.
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