Posted: 23rd January 2020 | Back to news feed
This year’s BETA International saw young and talented apprentices and trainees competing for the top awards in the Society of Master Saddlers’ competitions over the three days.
Always a popular draw for visitors to the trade fair, the apprentice competitions bring a lot of interest to the Saddlery Pavilion to see the range of leather work being made.
The Worshipful Company of Saddlers kindly donated the prize money once again and their continuous support is much appreciated.
After its success over the last three years, the SMS once again had entries from one of the classes at its National Saddlery Competition in February available to view and vote on over the show. This year the class theme is for entrants designing and making any leather item with a nautical theme.
Said Hazel Morley of the Society of Master Saddlers: “Once again it was a fantastic three days at BETA International with a brilliant standard throughout the daily competitions.”
The apprentices and students taking part on Sunday made a Raised Browband which was completed in six hours.
Competitors who are training at the Saddlery Training Centre and who took part were Hannah O’Neill and Zoe Hurst of Cirencester Saddlery, Gloucestershire, Gudrun Thuesen from David Dyer Saddlery and Rhiannon Thomas from Huw Thomas Saddlery.
The top award went to Gudrun Thuesen with Rhiannon Thomas claiming second place after judges, Master Saddlers Helen Reader and Chris Taylor had made their deliberations.
Photo: Left to right - SMS Chief Executive Hazel Morley,SMS President Ted Boggis, winner Gudrun Thuesen,with Rhiannon Thomas, Zoe Hurst and Hannah O'Neill.
Said Gudrun: “Making the Raised Browband required a lot of focus and concentration and you really needed to get the measurements correct, take your time and be patient.”
On the Monday, second year Capel Manor College students included: Ruby Knights and Georgie Chapman, who were joined by Jenna McCall and Tahia Hunt both from the Kings Troop RHA and Saddlery Training Centre. They made an Irish Martingale.
The winning award went to Georgie Chapman with Jenna McCall taking the runner-up place.
Said Georgie: “It was quite nerve-wracking working in front of so many people, but I am both delighted and shocked to win. The £150 prize money is just fantastic.”
They were followed on Tuesday by first year Capel Manor students who showcased their leatherworking talents by making a Bridle Headpiece. The students included Caroline Munksgaard, Emise Baktai, Emma Kelly and Quyen Tu Vy.
And after careful thought and study, the judges chose Emise Baktai’s entry as the winner with Caroline Munksgaard taking second place.
Information about the Society of Master Saddlers and on training in the saddlery field can be found on the website: www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone 01449 711642.
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