County Durham stick makers win funding to preserve heritage craft

Durham Stick Makers received £1,836 from the Banks Community Fund to purchase specialist equipment and expand capacity; the club meets twice weekly in Fence Houses and teaches traditional walking-stick making.

Durham Stick Makers in Fence Houses has been awarded £1,836 from the Banks Community Fund to purchase specialist equipment for its workshops. The group meets twice weekly at the Fence Houses Community Centre and is the only club of its kind in the North East. Members come from across County Durham and the wider region, ranging from their 20s to their 90s. The club teaches the heritage craft of making walking sticks, canes and shepherds' crooks from timber, horn and antler. Key details: - The grant of £1,836 comes from the Banks Community Fund, whose community funds are independently managed by Point North. - The funding has paid for three new sets of frames, used to prepare materials before carving, which will increase the club's capacity. - The group meets twice weekly at the Fence Houses Community Centre and is reported as the only club of its kind in the North East. - Members have made items for King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Duke of Northumberland. - The club carries out stick repairs for a nominal fee and provides charitable help to people requiring walking sticks. - The club is working to raise membership to at least 50 by next year and is developing links with Durham University colleges. Summary: The grant is intended to give Durham Stick Makers more capacity to teach and to accommodate new members. The club plans to increase membership and strengthen ties with local colleges while continuing its craft work and community activities.