SINCE building his own forge, workshop and studio at All Stretton in 1999, the work of Roy Abbott has become established in the world of metal artistry, while his wife Jacqueline has developed her own reputation for kiln-fired hand-made glass.

How this has been achieved over the years will be the subject of an illustrated talk – ‘From All Stretton to the Menin Gate – a Blacksmith’s Story’ – at the annual general meeting of the All Stretton Village Society, from 7.30pm at the Village Hall on Wednesday, May 3.

Since commercial production of wrought iron stopped in the last century – although recycled supplies can be bought at a premium – Roy uses hand-forged mild steel, copper and occasionally other metals to produce a wide range of in-house and external items, from candle holders, clocks and staircases to gates, railings, door fittings and garden creations.

Wife Jacqueline designs and kiln-fires her own range of home items in vibrant coloured art glass – including table tops, dishes and coasters – as well as a distinctive bespoke selection of Dichroic jewellery with hall-marked sterling silver findings.

The ‘Menin Gate’ refers to the site of the Memorial to the Missing at Ypres, Belgium, dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers killed in the First World War there and whose graves are unknown.

In September last year Roy and Jacqueline attended the construction of a new World War 1 Peace Monument at Ypres, now located next to the German War Cemetery at Langemark Poelkapelle, West Flanders.

Standing 7m tall and weighing 12 tonne, the metal monument features the image of a single Flanders poppy, surrounded by a field of 2,016 steel poppies handcrafted by blacksmiths and farriers worldwide.

Roy was selected to work as an official forge steward at the international blacksmithing during the week - long event.

For further information contact Roy Abbott on 01694 722700, royabbott@inwoodforge.co.uk