The BABA Council usually schedules the Association’s Annual General Meeting to take place during a forging event that the Council organises. Typically, this is scheduled to take place during the school holidays in August.
This August, the International Blacksmiths Festival (IBF) takes place at Westpoint, near Exeter, Devon.
The Council decided that it would be detrimental to both events if BABA were to schedule its own event in August, and we have therefore decided to hold BABA’s Annual General Meeting 2014 at the IBF. It will be held in a marquee at the IBF on Saturday 16 August 2014 at 9.30am. As is your constitutional right, you may enter the showground free of charge for the purpose of attending the actual meeting, and we will issue details of how to do this nearer the time. This does not give you access to the IBF event.
BABA has been assisting the IBF Committee in light of the Association’s experience in organising international blacksmithing events, but the IBF is not a BABA event and more information is available at:
http://www.internationalblacksmithsfest.com/
http://westpointexeter.co.uk/
Should you have any questions, please contact the IBF organiser:
Merv Allen
e-mail metalwizard@btinternet.com
tel 07979 597431
As you will see, the event comprises live forging competitions for both individuals and teams. These will be watched by the general public. It is anticipated that up to 25,000 members of the public will visit the event.
Master classes/demonstrations will take place in areas that are not open to the general public. Access to these areas is by ticket only.
The ‘Single Day’ and ‘Four Day’ tickets are intended for use by the general public and do not give access to master classes/demonstrations.
The ‘VIP Ticket’ is the intended means of access to those wishing to take advantage of the exciting range of masterclasses and demonstrations that will be running.
It includes camping and the Saturday night hog roast and offers a £30 saving compared to buying the bundled items separately. (Camping space on site is available but limited, so it would be advisable to book early. For those seeking alternative accommodation, it is also advisable to book early). The ticketing is intended to be flexible to suit your needs, and it is possible to buy day tickets and masterclass tickets as required.
BABA’s main contribution to the event will be the organisation of an ironwork exhibition with the theme The New Iron Age. The hugely popular Children’s Have-a-Go Forging and BABA Books will also be at the event.
The BABA Council fully supports this event, and it is hoped that as many BABA members as possible will be able to attend the event and participate in the competitions and masterclasses.