Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac Inc.

BGOP SPRING FLING 2010

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:19:00 +0000

THE BLACKSMITHS’ GUILD of the POTOMAC Inc

Announces

Spring Fling April 16 thru18, 2010
Gates open 3pm Friday April 16

We again invite you to join us in at our traditional SPRING FLING, a two and a half day blacksmithing event with demonstrations, tailgating and story telling. The Berryville, VA. Ruritan Fairgrounds gives us ample tailgating and camping space NOTE : THE FAIRGROUNDS CHARGES FOR RV’S OR CAMPERS. $15.00 per HOOK-UP $ 10.00 PARKING per night.

THIS IS NEW ,WE DON’T LIKE IT BUT IT IS THEIR RULE. .

*********

Demonstrators for SPRING FLING 2010 will be:

Tom Latané from Pepin, WI. www.spaco.org/latane/TCLatane.htm

Plus the blacksmiths from COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

************************************************************************

The contest for 2010 Spring Fling will be anything that will fit into a box with an inside measure of 8-5/8 inches x 11 inch x 5-7/8 inches. It must be forged and signed by everyone that works on the project. It may have one or many pieces.

A great place to see and visit with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a great weekend of blacksmithing and the VIRGINIA country air.

*******

We will have the internet link to download your own registration package again this year. This option is for those that do not receive an invite by regular mail. It will be a pdf you just download and print, then mail in.

We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Fling.

Gates Open Fri at 3pm

Berryville is located 8 miles east of Winchester VA. on Va Route 7, and 45miles west of Tyson’s Corner, VA.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL MEMBERS

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:33:00 +0000

The Arlington County Manager's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2010,
beginning July 1, 2009, include a proposal to close the Gulf Branch Nature
center and demolish the existing Nature Center building. The proposed
budget states that the park and parking lot will remain available to
visitors, with most indoor programs being relocated to the Potomac Overlook
Nature Center. The County has already moved to the position of the only
full-time employee of the Nature Center.

At this point it is unknown what effect closure of the Nature Center would
have on the Guild forge. At a minimum, the Guild would lose its forum for
Board meetings and special events. Electric service to the forge is from a
panel in the Nature Center building, so loss of electricity to the forge is
possible. Beyond this, the Guild has enjoyed a long and cooperative
relationship with the Nature Center staff, and closure of the Center cannot
be a good thing for the Guild in the short or long term.

The County Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on March
24, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. The County Board is scheduled to adopt a 2010 budget
on April 28.

More Info can be found below. please join the groups and send your letters as appropriate. More as it comes in .
Come to the meeting on the first Fri in March.

Friends of Gulf Branch Nature Center on yahoo

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=64156458473&ref=nf

http://plantwhacker.blogspot.com/

http://thegreenmiles.blogspot.com/2009/02/look-at-proposed-cuts-to-arling tons.html

get in touch with Bill Wojcik or any board member if you can help

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:18:00 +0000

THE BLACKSMITHS’ GUILD of The POTOMAC

Announces

Spring Fling April 17,18,19, 2009
Gates open 3pm Fri.

We again invite you to join us in a return to the traditional SPRING FLING, two and a half day event with demonstrations, tailgating and story telling. The Berryville VA. Ruritan Fairgrounds gives us ample tailgating and camping space.
NOTE :THE FAIRGROUNDS CHARGES FOR HOOK-UPS. $15.00 per night

*********

The Demonstrators for SPRING FLING 2009 will be:

HOLLY FISHER HAS CANCELLED

STEVE JOSLYN - ARTIST BLACKSMITH, SMYRNA,NY

KEN SCHWARZ - MASTER BLACKSMITH, ANDERSON FORGE
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

RICHARD SULLIVAN-JOURNEYMAN GUNSMITH
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

J.J. ROBERTS - MASTER ENGRAVER , MANASSAS ,VA.

**********************************************

CONTEST TO BE ANNOUNCED IN REGISTRATION PACKAGE OUT FEB 1,2009

A great place to see and visit with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a great weekend of blacksmithing and the VIRGINIA country air.

*******

We will have the internet link to download your own registration package again this year.

This is for those that do not receive an invite by regular mail. This is a non-response item you just download and print, then mail in. Look forward to seeing you at the Spring Fling.

Gates Open Fri at 3pm

Berryville,VIRGINIA is located 8mi. east of Winchester VA. on Va Rt.7, 45miles west of Tysons Corner, VIRGINIA

meeting 8/15/08 GULF BRANCH

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:42:00 +0000

8/14/2008, Kuck, Keith wrote:

Foundation crew reports that the foundation was poured that the delivery was 90 min late but the total pour time was about 50 min. All went well and we now have a load of gravel and a load of sand in the parking lot waiting to be moved to the site Friday night. We hope to have 800 pavers for the floor in the parking lot by Friday night also. Meeting Friday will be a moving party of Pavers, Gravel and Sand.

Cheers
Keith

AUGUST 9-10 2008

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:12:00 +0000

*****************************************************************

THERE WILL BE A MEETING AT GULF BRANCH TO DIG FOOTERS FOR OUR ADDITION.
YOU ARE ASKED TO BRING A SHOVEL AND WHEEL BARREL IF YOU HAVE ONE .

Let Paul Hollis know if you can make it

Yea that is tomorrow SATURDAY AUG.09,2008 9:00AM

Laura Fay Blumenthal

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:29:00 +0000

So GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU we SENT Mbaye a package some time ago and are very curious as to its arrival .

LB said...
Hi BGOP,

I am a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Fatick, Senegal. I was just introduced to Mbaye Fall, the Senegalese blacksmith who participated in your Folkslife Festival in 2007.

Mr. Fall asked me to get in touch with BGOP and serve as his translator. Is there an email address to which I could send a letter? I intend on sending one by post, as well.

Next week, I plan on visitng Mr. Fall at his workshop and will take some photos to send to you.

Best regards,

Laura Blumenthal
Peace Corps Volunteer
Small Enterprise Development
Fatick, Senegal

Thursday, 17 July, 2008

Spring Fling 2008

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:00:00 +0000

THE BLACKSMITHS’ GUILD Of The POTOMAC

Announces

Spring Fling April 18,19,20, 2008
Gates open 3pm Fri.

*********

The Demonstrators for SPRING FLING 2008 will be:

JAMES VISTE - ARTIST BLACKSMITH , DETROIT, MI

CRAIG BARR - MAKER OF PATTERN WELDED STEEL Cotopaxi, Co

KEN SCHWARZ - MASTER BLACKSMITH, ANDERSON FORGE
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

J.J. ROBERTS MASTER ENGRAVER , MANASSAS ,VA.

**********************************************

CONTEST TO BE ANNOUNCED IN REGISTRATION PACKAGE OUT FEB 1,2008

A great place to see and visit with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a great weekend of blacksmithing. And the VIRGINIA country air.
**

*****

Gates Open Fri at 3pm

Berryville,VIRGINIA is located 8mi. east of Winchester VA. on Va Rt.7, 45miles west of Tysons Corner, VIRGINIA

SPECIAL BGOP MEETINGS

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:53:00 +0000

GEORGE ANDERTON IS MOVING WATCH THIS SPACE FOR TOOL MOVING DAY

ALSO

Spring Fling Prep Meeting

A meeting to discuss next year’s Spring Fling was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 12, at Bill Wojcik’s house. Members who come should bring side dishes; Bill will provide meat.

SPRING FLING BROOM MAN

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:13:00 +0000

DO TO A SCHEDULING PROBLEM WITH JOHN'S CLASS TRIPS ,HE WILL NOT BE MAKING SPRING FLING THIS YEAR .

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:26:00 +0000

THE BLACKSMITHS’ GUILD of THE POTOMAC

Announces

Spring Fling April 20-22, 2007 ******** Gates open 3pm Fri .

NOTE :THE FAIRGROUNDS CHARGES FOR HOOK-UPS.

The motels are just 8 miles west.

Demonstrators scheduled (subject to change)

• Lucian Avery Hardwick Vt

• George Dixon Swannanoa NC

• JJ Roberts Manassas VA

• Clay Smith Williamsburg VA

• Two AndersonForge Smiths

A great place to see and visit with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a great weekend of blacksmithing . And the VIRGINIA country air.

This year we have an internet link to download your own

SPRING FLING PDF PACKAGE.

This is for those that do not receive an invite by regular mail. This is a non-response item you just download and print, then mail in. Look forward to seeing you at the Spring Fling.

Gates Open Fri at 3pm

On Feb 1, 2007 a letter was mailed to everyone who attended Spring Fling #13 2005, it will appear in your mail box soon.

Berryville,VIRGINIA is located 8mi. east of Winchester VA. on va rt.7 45miles west of TysonsCorner,VIRGINIA

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:42:00 +0000

BROOM MAKING WORKSHOP

Current BGOP members and their families are invited to attend a broom making workshop with J. Alexander.

WHEN: Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 10 am.

WHERE: Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls, VA

DIRECTIONS: 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, VA 22066. Beltway Exit 47A (Leesburg Pike, Route 7) west 5 miles past Tysons Corner to right turn on Colvin Run Road. Left turn into paved parking lot 500 feet beyond gravel drive to mill.

COST & SUPPLIES: a broom handle for yourself, and extra broom handle for the instructor, and $20.00 for supplies. Additional broom corn will be on sale the day of the workshop.

SPECS: Handles must have a 1/8”to 1/4" hole 1" from the bottom. The corn will take up 3" to 5" of the bottom of your handle.

SEND CHECK for $20 payable to BGOP Broom to:

G. ANDERTON
5325 RINGOLD PLACE
SPRINGFIELD VA
22151-2421

call Bill or Keith for info
BROOM MAKING WORKSHOP

NOV 3 MEETING

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:19:00 +0000

NOV 3 06 WELDING A PLANT HANGER WITH PHIL HEATH

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

CHRISTMASS SHOW AT MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARM PARK

CALL BOB MORRIS FOR DETAILS .

MORE INFO AT BGOP.ORG

UPDATE ON ALBERTS SHOP MEETING

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 01:36:00 +0000

WE HAD A GREAT TIME SORRY YOU DIDNT MAKE IT .

Special Meeting Sat 16 06 at ALBERT ANDERSEN'S SHOP

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 03:09:00 +0000

AL'S shop is one mile north of rt17/50 and 340 near Boyce VA 8 miles south on 340 from 7 and 340 Berryville VA

Bring your ideas and safety glasses

Map of 12001 Lord Fairfax Hwy, Boyce, VA 22620

Greenway Welding, Boyce VA 22620
12001 Lord Fairfax Hwy Boyce, VA 22620 540-837-2256.

call if you are lost

SPRING FLING PLANING PARTY JUNE 11 06

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 23:57:00 +0000

There will be a planing meeting at Bill Wojcik's house Sunday June 11, 06 at or about 11 am under the apple tree ,where we hope to discuss the upcoming event at Berryville, next April.
We will have a pot luck luck / bring what you got lunch . We will have the grill going to roast what needs roasting . We will have some dogs and sausage so bring some salads and chips and drinks . And most of all bring some ideas. Call me if you need some help . See you Sunday

more party photos

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Tue, 02 May 2006 18:31:00 +0000

kitchen crew serves HOT DOGS

more party photos

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Tue, 02 May 2006 18:00:00 +0000

around the stew pot

SPRING PARTY APRIL 22 06

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 13:57:00 +0000

Well it came and came till we got about 3" of wet stuff .rain but, that is all gone now.
A good group of hardcore dedicated blacksmiths gathered for our Spring Fling substitute. We had plenty of eats and drinks and nice big buildings to stay out of the worst of it
The iron in the hat was of extraordinary quality this year thanks for your generosity.

Above BILL SHEAR and his wife have a chat with Wally Yater

more to follow .i cant upload the photo now for some reason

SPRING PARTY APRIL 22 06

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 04:15:00 +0000

Well SPRING PARTY is almost on us . Preparations are proceeding. All is well except the weather forecast. Showers and cool please dress for the weather,as we have no heated kitchen this year.We still have hope.

We will have the big grill from the wildlife club on site and we will provide dogs and beans through the day . There are restaurants and even a McDonalds in Berryville

This year we will be all under roof. This is going to be our permanent home for Spring Fling starting next year so we want to make a good impression. Next year it is back to the 3rd weekend in April so you can set your calendar. We will have a kitchen next year.

Wear your badge prominently. . It is required at all times .See you sat am

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 20:57:00 +0000

WE WILL BE OPEN FRI EVENING, WE WILL HAVE USE OF THE PARKING LOT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF
THE ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY . WE CANNOT SET UP .
NO TAILGATING .QUIET USE ONLY, TILL 7AM ON SAT .
REMEMBER THIS IS A TEST TO SEE HOW WE BEHAVE .
PLEASE BE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

INVITE FOR SPRING PARTY

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 20:04:00 +0000

If you need to get an invite or ask a question ,send an email to
bgopparty06@gmail.com and someone will get back to you in a couple days .

The one question we dont have an answer to is there camping fri night ? WE DONT THINK SO ,but when we get an answer we will post it here.

good news

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 04:21:00 +0000

Hello campers , Good news , we found a new home and we are taking it for a ride on April 22 2006 . The celebration starts at 9 am . We have a guest demonstrated till 1pm then we will have our traditional spring fling iron in the hat. After which we will have short demos by our invited guests and others .Around six we would like to have atailgate supper with many grills burning meat and swapping stories . It is too new to have all the details so stay tuned .

But this year we will have space for the biggest tailgate area we ever had . So come and help us try on our new shoes . We can camp over night but hook ups may not be available. Plenty of parking .

SPRING FLING 2006

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:50:00 +0000

From the Chairman of Spring Fling ;

After thirteen wonderful years at the same location we have lost our site
for Spring Fling. Despite the size restrictions it has been a great place
for a spring blacksmithing event, and regretfully we move on. We are working
hard to locate a new venue for the future, and are looking into several
promising options. With only a few months left until our usual event date,
we must reconfigure. We are looking into a possible location and date that
will suit everyone for a 2006 event. For the future, we plan on holding
Spring Fling on the traditional third weekend of April.

We will pass on further news (for 2006 and 2007) as it develops.

Our Christmas Dinner FAYS SPEACH

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 16:06:00 +0000

December 2, 2005 DRAFT by F.P. LeCompte III for Presentation
On December 5, Annual BGOP Meeting/Dinner

Mr. President, Officers, member of the board, members of the Blacksmith’s Guild of the Potomac, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen: You have once again afforded your committee the honor of serving as your representative to present this Certificate of Appreciation and Outstanding Achievement Award to one of our oldest members, who showed up over 24 years ago at the Gulf Branch Nature Center and began working on the building and the forge now used continuously by the Guild members since it was finished in 1981/82.

Through the years, he has shared his talents with the Guild members and the public as a demonstrator, director, officer, builder, teacher mentor, and many other talents too numerous to mention.

He was usually seen at the Guild member meetings, arriving early and leaving late, sharing his knowledge with anyone who would ask. He was always ready to help in any field that the Guild would ask of him, such as the Spring Fling, the Guild pendant, and field trips. Field trips were to West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C. and, of course, to Virginia. Field trips means: going to events doing blacksmith demonstrations, and also trips for collecting tools for blacksmithing. (I think we wore out 2 cars and a truck!)

And now on behalf of the President of the Blacksmith’s Guild of the Potomac and all its’ members, it gives me, your committee chairman, great pleasure and honor to present to you the outstanding member, Mr. Chris Worsley.

SEE PLAQUE BELOW

Our CHRISTMAS DINNER

noreply@blogger.com (BGOP) — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 02:29:00 +0000

Here is the certificate we gave to chris . I will add the text when i can find it . we will have a higher res. photo also .