THE new management at the last working water-powered forge in England is looking to 'engage more with the community'.

Ben Shapcott has taken over as the new manager at the National Trust property Finch Foundry in Sticklepath.

He has been with the Trust for around five years and first volunteered at Buckland Abbey while working in an administration role in Plymouth.

He then secured a position as assistant house steward at Saltram House, where he worked with the conservation team for around four years. He was also seconded to a job on the visitor services team at Buckland Abbey last summer.

Mr Shapcott, who has a BSc in Archaeology and an MA in 18th century art, literature and social history, has been in his role at the foundry for two months and is enjoying the challenges provided by the property.

He said:?'It has been a steep learning curve — I have had to learn about the catering and retail side of things on top of learning how to use the machinery and to keep it in good working order.

'I have had plenty of support from my staff and area management team, though, so I am learning quickly.

'It really is enjoyable working here; unlike the traditional National Trust historic house, this place really tells the stories of the working man, and shows visitors what it was like in a Victorian place of work; smelly, noisy and dangerous.

'Also, it actually works. We've got machinery, which is over 200 years old and can be demonstrated, which is amazing.'

Mr Shapcott is hoping to work more with Sticklepath residents and people living in the Okehampton area.

He said: 'When I got the job it was a dream and I'm looking forward to recruiting more volunteers to expand what we offer to families, and to engage more with the community.

'We hope to provide services to the community, a place to meet and a place to have fun.'

Among events planned for the foundry are a vintage motorcycle rally on Saturday May 18 and a rural skills and crafts fair on June 22.

For more details on the foundry visit http://www.nationaltrust/org.uk/finch-foundry">www.nationaltrust/org.uk/finch-foundry or call 01837 840046.