Feature exhibitor John Jewell drew crowds to his woodworking site, Australia’s Living History Display at the opening day of the three day event yesterday. 

“It’s been excellent, at this type of event (agricultural field day) you get people that have an affinity with what it’s all about, they don’t come just because of the entertainment value but they have an interest,” Mr Jewell said.

“Everything here is from the pre 1900s things people used or techniques people used in the old days.”

Mr Jewell demonstrated various woodworking techniques used by Australia’s pioneers and captured the attention of people young and old with his foot powered lathe and a shave horse.

The shave horse included a bench to sit on with a grip to hold the wood steady at the other end. Mr Jewell said it was a popular piece of equipment for tradesmen such as coopers and carpenters as well as farmers who often had to make their own axe handles and even furniture.

Other historical displays included old tractors and machinery, stalls set up by historical societies while Viv McMillan displayed his large, restored Braveheart wagon in the main exhibition pavilion.

There was also a blacksmith demonstration using tradition techniques showcased by blacksmiths Rob Swords and Tom Miller.

The historical demonstrations will continue today and tomorrow at the field days site at 563 Borenore Road between 8.30am and 5pm.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au