Suffolk Skills

Suffolk Skills is an area of the Showground which is dedicated to the crafts men and women from throughout the area. The main demonstrations are co-ordinated by the regions Suffolk Colleges - Suffolk New, West Suffolk, Otley and Lowestoft College. Visitors will not be disappointed with this area of the Show, there is plenty to see and you can even have a go yourself.

Furniture
Young crafts men and women are already designing and constructing their furniture samples.

Carpentry and Joinery
A competition will be run on Show days between the colleges, each team will be building a different but complimentary piece. A variety of similar skills will be tested, enabling the judge to make direct comparisons and the visitors will see an exciting range of activity, as the challenge progresses. In addition, traditional craftsmen will feature a company making wooden coffins, tradiitonal chair making and ways of personalising crafts.

Hair and Beauty
Suffolk New College students will specialise in the alternative therapies of aromatherapy, relaxation and massage including chocolate hand massage! Why not volunteer for a relaxing few minutes bathed in oils, aroma and the gentle hand of a trained masseur. Come along and try one of the alternative ways to de-stress with the Beauty Therapists from Suffolk New College.

Stonemasons and Flint Knappers
Bury St Edmunds Cathedral tower has been revealed, and the work of stonemasons and flint knappers is becoming evident for all to see. Suffolk Skills, this year will feature demonstrations of the work of both these centuries old craftsmanship techniques. Visitors will have the advantage of being able to see at close quarters how buildings that last lifetimes are constructed.

Brickwork
Watch the three colleges construct their competition pieces over the two days whilst they are being constantly judged on their craftmanship.

Painting and Decorating
Visitors also have the chance to have a go at stencilling. Suffolk New College and Otley will be on hand to demonstrate some interesting and unusual techniques including marbling and wood effect graining.

Automotive
The Automotive and General Engineering department will demonstrate vehicle maintenance and repair and paint and body operations for cars and motorcycles.

Electrics
New this year is a hands-on electricity display and circuitry competition and members of the public are invited to have a go at making connections.

For more information on any aspect of Suffolk Skills please email Paula Slater at the Show office.