[TheForge] Mark your calendars: Bill Gichner Hammer-In Jan 08

[Albin Drzewianowski]

Once again blacksmiths up and down the eastern seaboard will congregate on 
Maryland's Eastern Shore to pay tribute to one of the real powerhouses 
behind the resurgence of blacksmithing: BILL GICHNER.  The 4th Annual Bill 
Gichner Memorial Hammer-In will take place at the Hutchison Brothers Farm in 
Cordova MD (just out side of Easton MD) Saturday/Sunday, 12/13 January, 
2008.  For the early birds, there will be informal socializing starting 
Friday late afternoon and evening.

This year the featured demonstrator will be Paul Thorne, Thorne Metals 
Studio, Anacortes, WA    http://thornemetals.com/.  Among other things, Paul 
will be demonstrating the use of a pneumatic press.    As always there will 
be impromptu demonstrations by some of the top blacksmiths on the East Coast 
and beyond.

Demonstrations start at 9am following coffee and donuts.  Lunch will be 
served both Saturday and Sunday and there is a catered dinner Saturday 
evening.

 After the critical acclaim of last year, rumor has it that the (in)famous 
John Fee will again act as emcee (be sure to ask John about his "gate"). 
Don't forget to bring something for the Iron-In-The-Hat and the auction. 
This is what really pays for the event.   The registration fees do not come 
close to covering expenses.

The fee this year is $35 if you register by 29 December 2007.  After that, 
the fee goes up to $50.

IMPORTANT:  After 1 January, 2008, if you decide you want to come, be sure 
to contact JoAnn Bentley (see below) to find out if there is still room. 
MASA MUST have an accurate head count for planning purposes.

If you are a member of MASA you will get a registration form in the next 
MASA newsletter.  If you attended last year, you will get one in the mail. 
Otherwise, contact JoAnn Bentley , 259 Muddy Fork Rd., Jonesborough, TN 
37659   joann at bentoaks.org, for  registration information.   If you just can't 
wait, just go ahead and send JoAnn your name address, phone, and email (for 
confirmation) along with appropriate fees.



Regards,

D-ski

Westminster, MD