THE Smithy Heritage Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary by holding International Blacksmiths' Day on Saturday, May 23, between noon and 5pm, (though the bar will stay open till 11pm.).

A local real ales and hog roast event. As well as a horse being shod, there will be blacksmithing and wheelwrighting and other traditional craft demonstrations until 5pm. Entry Admission is free and there will be cakes, snacks, soft drinks, and traditional games.

Vicki and Joanne recently gave a talk on the history of the Smithy at the monthly Sprayhurst Club local history talks and some of us were reminiscing about the delights of past hog roasts and real ales served there. My diary noted in bold. I will also see their new exhibition, ‘Man’s Best Friend’.