Artful Bodgers

Today, Gomm’s Wood in High Wycombe is a fantastic 30-acre Local Nature Reserve thriving with wildlife. There are numerous records of chairmakers in High Wycombe with the surname ‘Gomm/Gomme’ and it is highly likely that parts of this woodland were replanted with the intention that the timber would be used in furniture production, and may even have once belonged to Ebenezer Gomme, creator of G-Plan furniture!

Chiltern Rangers now manage this woodland for wildlife and this is a lovely opportunity to join the Rangers and immerse yourselves in a beautiful setting to learn about the Bodgers through arty activities.

Attendance is free.

This is an outdoor event. Please wear clothing suitable for the weather on the day. The event will be cancelled if thunder, lightning or strong winds are forecast.

Sessions run 10 – 11.30am and 12.00 – 1.30pm

Age range: Family event suitable for children aged between five and twelve above. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility info: Unsuitable for people with limited mobility or pushchairs. There is a five-minute walk to the woodland location down woodland steps and a steep hill.

Facilities info: There are no toilets on site

Location: Gomm’s Wood. Meet at Cemetery Car Park on Cock Lane, HP10 8DS. Grid ref SU 895 931.

This event is free to attend, but donations are welcome.

This event is part of the Chilterns Chairs Festival, running through July in celebration of the unique chairmaking heritage of Wycombe and the local area. With a varied programme of events, you’ll learn how the industry grew from the local landscape into thriving furniture production which proudly continues today. Join us to celebrate the stories, the chairs and the surroundings which make up our history. There’s something for everyone, so get involved!

The Chiltern’s Chairs Festival is being organised by Wycombe Museum and is funded by the Chalk, Cherries & Chairs Landscape Partnership.