There are some weekends that remind you exactly why craft matters: not only for the objects made, but for the friendships formed, the skills shared, and the laughter generated along the way. The Bodgers Ball 2026, held at the wonderfully atmospheric Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in Bromsgrove, was just such a weekend.
The Worshipful Company of Turners was out in force, flying the flag quite literally thanks to Upper Warden Bill Morris, who somehow managed to arrive with camping kit, benches, catering equipment, a magnificent Kadai fire bowl, livery hall-standard provisions and a Turners flagpole all packed into one car. Richard Lucas had arrived on Wednesday to secure a good spot, and by the weekend the Turners’ encampment had become a happy gathering point for members, partners and friends.
Those attending included the Master Turner, Joey Richardson, and her consort Andrew; Past Master David Batchelor and Leslie Batchelor; Court Assistant John Khan; Liverymen and APTGW members Katie Abbott, Jon Warwicker and Stuart King; Emma Cook, Chair of the Register of Professional Turners; professional woodturner Carlyn Lindsay and her partner Fraser Burchill; Liveryman and professional woodturner Simon Hope; Upper Warden Bill Morris; and Renter Warden Richard Lucas. John Wagener, newly appointed Court Assistant, also visited on Saturday with his family.
The Ball itself was a joyful celebration of green wood, fresh air and generous fellowship. Bodgers and makers were scattered among Avoncroft’s historic buildings, with craft competitions, demonstrations, pole lathes, campfires, the famous Log to Leg challenge and plenty of tea, toast and talk. Stuart King, at 83, competed in Log to Leg, making two chair legs using a template he had created himself — which, it must be said, seemed a little close to home advantage.
A particular highlight was a whittling class run by Nico de Wispelaere, where many of the party successfully carved their own butter knives. Meanwhile, Joey, Carlyn, Simon, Emma and Fraser carved wooden pint mugs, leading to a fiercely contested competition to discover whose mug held closest to an exact pint. Despite a late, and laudable, entry from Katie Abbott the winner was Joey Richardson, Upper Warden, a fitting result just before her appointment as Master Turner.
The Bodgers Ball is whimsical, welcoming and wonderfully hands-on. It deserves support not only from Turners, but from fellow craft-minded Livery Companies too: Basketmakers, Carpenters, Cutlers, Feltmakers and others with an interest in sustaining practical skills, fellowship and traditional making.
For next year’s event and more information, visit Bodgers.org.uk.
