Made in Alton'ish Festival
Sunday 31st August
It was the second The Made in Alton’ish Festival this summer, and it was wonderful not only to celebrate again everything made and grown in Alton, but also to see just how much creativity and talent the village has.
As well as creators and growers, it was a great show of all the local groups, including displays from Pugin After Dark, Handbell Ringers and the Crafty Cuppa.
Alton Camera Club had a display of vintage video cameras and a projector that had been donated to them dating from 1938 to 1969 alongside a slide show of their members’ photographs.
Next door Pugin After Dark project had a display of Victorian architect, AWN Pugin’s work at Alton Towers along with details of the subsequent restorations that have taken place in the chapel and banqueting hall.
The smell of freshly baked bread drew a crowd once again at Bread and More by Vaneesa Rae, and she all too soon sold out of all her delicious creations. Vanessa was also celebrating the first anniversary of her bakery, which she launched at last year’s festival.
The WI had an impressive display of its members' creative works, and St Peter’s Crafty Cuppa brought along the final poppy display that they had been knitting throughout last year for the village’s war memorial. No doubt both groups inspired attendees to get crafty and have a go themselves.
No one went thirsty with the bar run by Rural Brewing and Dave at Peakstones, both offering their locally produced beers. The Bellringers also kept everyone refreshed with teas and coffees along with an assortment of delicious homemade cakes as well as providing a fascinating display all about the art of ringing.
And for those wanting to take a little piece of Alton home, Patrick Naish had on sale his stunning silver and heat coloured titanium jewellery, Lisa of Old Skool Vintage had a great selection of notebooks cleverly repurposed from vintage books and Young Munro offered up a variety of local prints and cards.
We also had plenty of talented artists in attendance too, with Rob Chapman exhibiting a selection of his wonderful wood engravings and a wonderful display of art by Rachel Poulton, who creates her pieces and designs using vintage stamps.
Outside, the Urban sketchers showcased their work, some of whom ventured out into the village to explore and sketch before returning to help others get involved in the fun.
The children were not forgotten and thoroughly enjoyed all the arts and crafts activities put on by the Apple Pips & Seedlings playgroup, including decorating some delicious-looking gingerbread men and also creating vegetable monsters to enter for the craft show.
But it wasn’t just about observing what others had created, as everyone had the opportunity to get involved and enter the produce and craft show.
There was an abundance of inspiring and creative entries in the produce and floral classes plus local artist, Kim Greenwood judged arts, crafts and cookery and Alton Camera Club’s Andrew Wordsworth photography.
In the produce section, there was an array of tomatoes and marrows and a not so modest carrot that also proudly showed off what it had to offer. There was also a imaginative entry with an alternative presentation of an enormous turnip!
The arts and crafts section showed a diverse range of skills and disciplines and showcased a whole range of different art forms. Wildlife seemed to be a common inspiration, with entries including two paintings of lifelike portraits of a lion and a panther and a blue tit beautifully depicted in stained glass.
ACE would like to thank everyone that supported, contributed, and
helped make this event possible.
