Local people will get the chance to step inside a working forge, learn traditional blacksmithing skills and make their own souvenir as part of a new heritage project in Owston Ferry.
Owston Ferry Smithy has been awarded £3,600 through North Lincolnshire Council’s Cultural Futures programme to run free blacksmithing taster sessions at The Old Smithy & Heritage Centre.
The project, called Sample the Smithy, will give residents the chance to engage directly with local heritage through small, supervised sessions using the forges and learning basic blacksmithing techniques.
It will also help bring the historic smithy to life, support essential repairs and improvements to equipment, and test demand for future workshops.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is living heritage – not something behind glass, but something people can touch, try and experience for themselves.
“The Old Smithy is part of Owston Ferry’s story, and this project will help open it up to more people, protect traditional skills and give residents the chance to make something with their own hands.”
The project is one of 14 new arts and heritage schemes awarded funding through Cultural Futures, a multi-year programme supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and North Lincolnshire Council to increase cultural activity across the area.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe, said: “There is something powerful about heritage you can actually take part in.
“Blacksmithing is practical, physical and creative, and these sessions will give people a real connection to the past while helping secure the future of a much-loved local heritage site.
“It is also a brilliant example of rural communities leading their own cultural activity, supported by volunteers who care deeply about keeping local history alive.”
The wider funding round will also support projects including a portable exhibition telling the story of Burton upon Stather’s role in the build-up to D-Day; a new 80-mile walking trail linked to Olaudah Equiano, John Wesley and stories of freedom and reform; a community film festival for North Lincolnshire; a multicultural celebration at The Baths Hall; and creative projects bringing young people, older residents, artists, volunteers and community groups together.
