Roadford 2006

Roadford Lake, Okehampton • Sat 8 and Sun 9 July 2006

Woodfair

The first event in the new programme was held at the stunning Roadford Lake site (courtesy of owners, South West Lakes Trust) and went off amazingly well – a reflection on months of detailed planning. A new two day format was trialled with the aim of capturing a wider range of exhibitors and creating the opportunity for more people to attend and this proved most successful.

The Woodfair took place on Saturday 8 July and Sunday 9 July and attracted around 5000 people over the two days. The weather was reasonably kind with only some light rain on Sunday morning. A total of 143 exhibitors and demonstrators displayed their skills and products, making this one of the largest events of its kind in the UK.

Among the more evocative exhibits were several large timber frames erected on the site and made possible by the two day format. Feedback from visitors and exhibitors was very positive and everybody praised the magic atmosphere created by the event.

The not-for-profit event brought together those with a passion for wood, from furniture makers to foresters, environment professionals to machinery retailers providing them with a valuable networking opportunity enabling them to share information and make new contacts. It was also a great way for exhibitors and demonstrators to show off their skills to the public and for the public to learn more about the wonderful world of wood. Visitors were able to try their hand at turning and weaving and then compare their efforts with those of the experts. Inspired and enthused many went home having bought hand-crafted wooden goods as souvenirs of a great day out.

In addition to the serious exhibitors were additional family entertainments, many with a woodland theme. With increased publicity and a focus on promoting the event as a fun, inexpensive day out for the family, a record number of children attended. The policy of free entrance for under 16s and not charging for most activities continues to be a strong draw. The laser Battlefield game was again very popular with youngsters and the mountain bikers on the Forestry Commission stand grabbed the attention of many with some awesome stunts. With boat trips, story-telling, environmental quizzes, circus skills and live music, the emphasis was on good-hearted fun.

In the interest of continuous improvement and gathering data on economic impact visitors and exhibitors were asked to complete questionnaires. The incentive of entry to a free draw with a prize of a lounge daddy chair made from Cornish Oak persuaded 440 visitors to complete questionnaires yielding much useful feedback.