Posted: 21st February 2014 | Back to news feed
THIS year’s BETA International saw young and talented apprentices and trainees competing for the top awards in the Society of Master Saddlers’ competitions throughout the three days.
Always a major feature of BETA International, the competitions draw a lot of interest, with visitors able to see quality craftsmanship in the making as the students work at their stations in the Saddlery Pavilion.
The Sunday featured four apprentices from the Saddlery Training Centre, all enrolled on saddlery apprenticeship schemes, taking on the task of crafting a leather foal slip of their own design.
Competing were Leslie Evans of White Rose Saddlery, Eloise Caisley of Colne Saddlery, Tanya Baldwin of the Kings Troop RHA and Lois Wybraniec.
The winner was Lois Wybraniec, with Eloise Caisley of Colne Saddlery taking the runner-up award.
Said Lois: “It is wonderful to win the competition and I have very much enjoyed being at BETA International. I spent six hours making the foal slip, concentrating very carefully on the quality of the stitching. I will now be able to buy a new splitting machine with my prize money.”
The competition was judged by Master Saddlers Laura Dempsey and Roger Coates who said: “It was very close between all four competitors, the foal slips were beautifully made from start to finish and the standard was extremely high.”
On the Monday, four second year CapelManorCollege students set to work to make a pair of cheek pieces to the level three specification.
Students Sophie Bassett, Daisy Franklin, Martina Dawson and Ellise Langley put their craftsmanship, skills and knowledge they have acquired to the test.
The top award went to youngest student Sophie Bassett with Martina Dawson close behind in second place.
Said Sophie: “I was definitely shocked but very delighted to win! The standard was really high and I made sure I concentrated on quality rather than speed.”
On the Tuesday, four first year students from CapelManorCollege and the Saddlery Training Centre made a pair of stirrup leathers. Apprentices George Hills of Andy Wheals, The Saddle Man and Victoria Barnett of Bearhouse Saddlery and Corrin King and Eva Shiyanova, both from Capel Manor, showcased their leatherworking talents.
Youngest student Corrin King, with her fine attention to detail, finished in first place with Victoria Barnett taking the runner-up award.
Said Corrin: “I am over the moon to win and I will be spending my winnings on some new tools for college. I have always loved horses and making things out of leather, since I was little I used to make miniature tack out of old leather wallets for the model horses I collected.”
The competition was judged by Master Saddlers Laurence Pearman and Chris Taylor who said: “There was a very high standard of work presented and it was fantastic to see the younger students showcasing their talent in conditions that are not easy to work in.”
Once again the prize money was kindly donated by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers with the winners taking home £150 and the runners up receiving a generous £100.
Members and officials from The Society of Master Saddlers were on hand in the Saddlery Pavilion throughout BETA International to answer questions and offer advice about the various courses available and benefits of being a member.
Said Hazel Morley of the Society of Master Saddlers: “The competitions at BETA International are a great way to introduce visitors to the skills being taught to our younger generation of craftsmen and women and as ever proved popular with visitors over the three days. We are really proud to be able to showcase our work as a society.”
Information about the Society of Master Saddlers can be found on the website: www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642
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