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Coopers Craft

Irvine's Barrel Makers And Wooden Vessel Designers

UNTIL A CENTURY AGO, EVERY TOWN AND MANY VILLAGES HAD AT LEAST ONE COOPERAGE. BARRELS WERE NEEDED TO TRANSPORT A VAST RANGE OF GOODS INCLUDING BEER, BRANDY, FLOUR, TOBACCO AND GUNPOWDER. IN IRVINE, THE CASKS FROM THE COOPERAGE WERE MAINLY UTILISED FOR HERRING STORAGE.

Recruits to the cooper craft had to serve a seven-year apprenticeship. Making barrel calls for great skill to ensure the result is a watertight container. In the last ten years the Irvine Cooper craft have donated in excess of E 8,000.00 to local charities including boys brigades, churches and schools. These monies are raised during our calendar year through various events including our annual bowling day, cabaret evenings, sponsored walk and race night.

2021 Donald Wilson

Our Deacon

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