One of the Group’s objectives is to ensure coppice and woodland based skills and knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. Last Saturday, 31st August 2024, Group members where fortunate enough to take part in a skills sharing workshop of Bessom Broom making at the Group’s headquarters in Sussex, led by Chris Letchford. Bessom Broom making is on the Heritage Craft Association’s “Red List” of endangered crafts and it’s incredibly important that we create the opportunities for people to learn these fading skills. One of our newest members, Simone Poulter kindly shared her experiences of this fantastic day in the woods learning new skills and meeting people. For just £25 per year, Sussex and Surrey Coppice Group members enjoy skills sharing sessions like this and more.
Sharing experiences of the Bessom Broom skills sharing workshop, by Simone Poulter
As a new member to the group the Bessom Broom skills sharing workshop on Saturday was my first experience of an organised session. Arriving the site was already a hive of activity, setting everything up and making sure the kettle was on the go for a brew. I was made to feel very welcome, helping out and meeting the rest of the group, many of which I had not met previously. Once everything was ready and we all had brews in hand, Chris set about taking us through the steps to make our brooms.
Taking a patient and steady approach Chris worked through all of the steps to make the broom head. Guiding us through selecting the right twigs, removing leaves, setting them in his patented V shaped devices and then capturing them in a belt to make sure they can’t escape whilst permanently securing them. We then moved onto the shave horses and using the very clever wire dispenser and some brute force adding the wires to fully secure the head together. Every step was completed with care to make sure we could see what was happening and with lots of hints and tips to keep us safe and (hopefully!) keep the process stress free. I got the impression that there was noting we could do that Chris hadn’t tried or seen before. Having completed the head we then moved onto the handle. Selecting the right one for the size of broom being made, shaping the point and removing the bark. All of this was made to look incredibly easy and the several thousand broom start that Chris has definitely showed. Once stripped of the bark the handle was inserted into the head and secured. Final finishing touches complete a pristine broom was produced – something to aim for!
With the kettle re-boiled and brews in hand, it was our turn. We set about trying to follow the demonstrated steps. With the help of the provided tools (all laid out ready for us) and Chris ready to guide where needed, we worked through the steps. The atmosphere was relaxed and supportive with a sense of comradery and the feeling that we were all in the same boat. Helping each other out when we got stuck or weren’t sure and with humour when things didnt quite go to plan (the block used to connect the handle fell apart at one point). Gradually the broom head took shape, the handle lost its bark and the two parts were joined together and secured. I’d spent a morning out in the fresh air, in good company and had the satisfaction of having created a Bessom Broom. It won’t win any prizes in a broom making competition, but is a solid effort which passed inspection and works well. Chris finished the session by testing out our creations, showing how to use the brooms and advising on how to store them to ensure they last.
If anyone is thinking of joining the Sussex and Surrey Copppice Group and attending a skills sharing day, I’d thoroughly recommend it. Just be warned you might find a few muscles you didnt know you had and I suspect it may be addictive. Thanks again Chris and everyone at the session for making me feel so welcome.
Kind regards,
Simone
Join the Sussex and Surrey Copppice Group for just £25 per year and attend future skills sharing workshops and more.
Special thanks to members, Chris Letchford for leading this workshop, Simone Poulter for the article above, and Rob Bowbrick, Mark Lloyd and Simon T for contributing their photographs.
