BLACKSMITHS from all over the country will gather at the National Trust?s Finch Foundry on November 18, to celebrate their patron saint, Saint Clement. The traditional event involves a barrel of beer and ?firing the anvil? with gunpowder. Visitors will be treated to this spectacular sight and are being given a rare opportunity to see some of the country?s top craftsmen in competition, producing test pieces that are judged at the end of the day. Saint Clement was celebrated as far back as the medieval period and members of the Worshipful Company and Guild of Blacksmiths traditionally paraded through the streets. Finch Foundry is the last water powered forge in the country and the unique atmosphere created by the waterwheels and ancient machinery makes it the ideal place to celebrate this great tradition. The day starts at 10.30am with the Forge breakfast and continues until 4.30pm. Work will be interspersed with anvil firing and entertainment from the local Morris dancers. Entry to the foundry is free on the day, as the National Trust feels it is important to promote what was, until comparatively recently, a dying craft and to provide the opportunity for many people to gain an insight into a highly skilled craft.