Saxon Stickmakers
Keeping up traditional skills in stickmaking and related country crafts.
Club Meetings Quarterly at various locations in Sussex
Our Specialities
Many people know walking sticks and shepherd’s crooks, but far fewer know the names and design considerations for the variations on those. Each has been refined over the years to suit the traditional use and standards have evolved. Now our members make competition sticks.
Some examples:
Market Stick
The market stick is the staple of farmers used for herding and navigating the daily routine on the farm.
Thumb Stick
The simplest of the sticks we enter in to competitions and can be cut and used green as-is. The go-to choice of walkers especially when the usual one is left at home.
Fancy Stick
The most challenging category of stick as the artistic skill comes to the fore. Often depicting animals these sticks are a labour of love that often go on show; never to be used as a walking stick.
Discover Woodland Coppicing
Learn ing
The members share their stories and sources so new members quickly gain competence in this new area
Featured Member Stories
Most members did not set out to become a stickmaker. They have a vast experience and trades from their past. Here are a selection of members stories shared with you.
Ken Wood
Ken has always had an interest in working with wood. His background is IT and he maintained printers for some national companies before retirement. Now he makes all types of stick and shows them around the country
Simon
Simon is a master carver and who specialises in country animal carving. Dogs, pheasants, deer and horses to name but a few of his magnificent creations. Unusually, Simon has practiced his skill since leaving school and mastered his craft while training to become an estate manager.
Bernard
Bernard is a master craftsman.
Stickmaking Social
Some prefer the isolation and self reliance of stickmaking while others enjoy social stickmaking, shaft cutting, wood preparation, carving fitting, straightening and finishing. Alone or in groups the social side can be enjoyed as much or as little as you like.
Meeting Commitment
The club meet four times a year and try to fit in with member’s wishes to have a purpose for each. Sometimes guest presenters come along and show specialist skills such as working horn, making whistles, turning on a lathe and painting finish techniques.
“I joined the club five years ago and have gradually learned enough to make my first sticks. The members have been hugely supportive and friendly – men and women. You can put as much time in as you are comfortable doing. It has also served my need to find a way to get out walking and stay fitter. Thank you Saxon Stickmakers.”
If you would like to find a club in your area contact the Stickmakes Guild
Guild Information
Reach Us
Address
West Sussex
UK
Website Contact
+44 1903 892428
nev@poweredbyvision.co.uk