As coracling has been mostly out of the window this year and not being able to build more, I’ve happily filled some of this year making models. After all, that’s what I believe the Rogers would have done. With most cafes closing their doors and turning to takeaway drinks I realised that instead of my tea coming with the humble teaspoon it comes with a model coracle lath. So, inspired by models in the coracle shed and thirty cups of takeaway tea later I set to work, using my newly acquired stirring sticks, two offcuts of ash (one for a seat and the other a paddle) and a black cloth. The process is quite simple using super glue to replace nails, you can put one together quite quickly. I’ve found they snap a lot more easily than expected, a problem which can be cured by a quick soak in boiling water. They’ve turned out to be great gifts too, so definitely worth giving it a go if you’ve a spare hour or more. After my first model, encouraged by my handiwork with wooden stirrers, I turned to my drawer of Lego and clipped some pieces together and hey presto, another coracle was built. This time with its own coracler. With creative juices fully flowing I was rather pleased at the outcome. I’d challenge anyone with children around to give it a try. Who knows, like me you might be surprised at the results!
