About 500 people visited Pakenham Water Mill as part of a Heritage Weekend.

Craftsman Quentin Page demonstrated his coracle, a small boat made using cow hide, Peter Carter made traditional Fen eel traps and crayfish traps and Simon Lamb worked a pole lathe to make flower decorations and also demonstrated spoon carving.

David Eddershaw, curator at the mill, said: "It was an amazing day. We had some very interesting craft people demonstrating three quite unusual traditional Suffolk and Fenland crafts."

Other entertainment included the Boxted Methodist Silver Band, demonstrations of the water mill in action milling flour and Mr Eddershaw baking bread in an 18th century oven.

Visitors to the event, which was free to enter, were also treated to a barbecue and refreshments by the mill pond.

"It was a very successful day and I am sure people enjoyed it," Mr Eddershaw said.

The day, organised by Brian Aket, is part of a programme of five special events held at the water mill each year for the past four years. The water mill will be hosting a harvest songs of praise next Sunday from 1.30pm, featuring a Salvation Army band.


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