Blacksmith Demonstrations by Wayne Chaisty
The Marple Website is delighted to have been able to facilitate a Blacksmith Demonstration by Marple based Metal Artist Wayne Chaisty on Saturday 15 April 2023 at Marple Recreation Ground. It was the culmination of a long-standing idea sparked by Wayne to possibly repurpose the old toilet block on the Rec and dialogue over 15 months with Local Councillors and Council Officers to gain permission.
Marple Councillors were supportive since the idea was raised with them back in January 2022 but it had been a long process to gain permission, including Wayne agreeing to attend the 2022 Marple Carnival to show the kind of things he proposes to do. More recently there was a close examination by Officers of the legalities of using the Recreation Ground for this purpose.
Wayne aims to bring back the nostalgia and magic of the arts and crafts of the past
So it's fantastic news that Wayne has got the first live demonstration under his belt with no fuss and no drama. The feedback he received on the day was all very positive and he hopes to turn this into a regular event, giving demonstrations himself and with other guest artists and blacksmiths. These could take place at weekends, bank holidays and perhaps some weekdays during the summer months.
We would welcome feedback about the event, especially if you enjoy it!
Use of the old Toilet Block for storage
The demonstrations will be sited near to the old Toilet Block on the Rec and in the longer term Wayne would like to use the building for storage of his very heavy anvil, so that he doesn't need to transport it by vehicle every time he does a demonstration.
Following the success of the first event in April 2023 a dialogue with Stockport Council was begun to gain permission. After a huge fuss in June 2023 Wayne was given permission to temporarily store his anvil over the weekend of Open Gardens in Marple in July 2023 but so far the council has refused to allow him to store it longer-term. In July they promised to get back to us within 2 weeks but didn't do so. All follow-ups and appeals for the issue to be resolved have since been ignored and a new request was made on 16 November 2023.
Ironwood Metal Art
Although they may not realise it, most local people will know Wayne's work. He has collaborated with The Marple Website and Friends of Marple Memorial Park for many years and is responsible for creating the Coronation Bench in Marple Memorial Park (2005), the Nativity Sculptures installed on Market Street at Christmas (since 2006), Lock 17 on Oldknow Gardens (2007), the Diamond Jubilee Flowerbed in front of Marple Library (2011) and refurbishment of the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform in Brabyns Park (2021).
