Quote Originally Posted by acaig View Post
Well done Chas for letting us all attend the games from our armchairs. Great photos. I have been threatening for some years to get to Harpenden but maybe next year! Good to see you with Balmoral and cromach.
Hi Alan,

The Balmoral, I bought a few weeks ago and modified it to take a cap badge. I am wearing my RAF cap badge for the time being, with the dandelion plant badge above.

The cromach, I got at the gathering. The stickmaker (kilted) had set up shop at first light and was the first to start business. I walked over and chatted (kiltie to kiltie); he spotted my RAF cap badge and we chatted about old times ( he was a cook in the RAF). We moved on to talking about sticks and stickmaking. We found that we both knew the late, great Theo Fossil - possibly the best stickmaker of all time. I had spotted the cromach as I approached his stall and finally enquired as to the price. It was in the £100 rack, but for a fellow kiltie, he said £45. Suddenly, he said "I don't see many ex-RAF - 25 quid and it's yours!" So £25 later and it was mine. It has a lovely balance and the height is right - I like it.

I am still working on making my own, but that could take another year till the wood is properly dry.

Regards

Chas