William Blake was a farm worker in the 1930s and 40s whose hobby was making corn dollies. This is John Yaxley’s account taken from his A Jam Round Barton Turf:
Mr William (Billy) Blake.
For a hobby he used to make a certain pattern of corn dolly which is now known to makers and collectors of such as the ‘Barton Turf’ corn dolly, and some can still be seen at Harvest Thanksgiving services in the village church and chapel, if the mice don’t get them first!
Newspaper article about William Blake’s hobby.
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It seems the mice haven’t got them all yet!
One of William Blake’s corn dollies in Barton Turf Church in September 2008.
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In August 2010 a corn dolly making course was held in Barton Turf Church.
For more information about making corn dollies visit the Guild of Straw Craftsmen web-site.
Making corn dollies in Barton Turf Church in August 2010.
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