Forging new interest

THERE are times at the blacksmith’s forge at the Mont De Lancey historic homestead in Wandin when you have to queue to watch the smithies at work.
It is just one indication of the resurgence of interest in a pioneer skill which all but died out when motorised transport replaced real horse power.
Another indication is the growing number of people of all ages, and from a surprising range of backgrounds, who are taking up blacksmithing as a hobby.
Mont De Lancey blacksmiths, Oskar Huecherig and Fritz Rappold, are passing on their skills to aspiring artisans through a four-week introductory blacksmithing course run by the Upper Yarra Community House at Mont De Lancey from July 15 to August 5.
Blacksmithing has been a passion for Oskar for more than 18 years. He started honing his skills in his homeland of Germany as a way of decorating a farmhouse he had built.
For further information about the course, contact the Upper Yarra Community House on 5967 1776 or visit www.uych.vic.edu.au
– Kath Gannaway