A RARE opportunity to try the rewarding art of lace making will be an added attraction at The Flambards Experience this month.

On May 15, 16 and 17 representatives of the Penzance Lace Circle will be on hand with practise pillows at the Helston-based theme park to demonstrate their own skills and encourage visitors to try it for themselves.

"It's such a fabulous tradition and so enjoyable we want to encourage people to keep it going," said organiser, Jane Stephen.

"My Grandma taught me bobbin lace making when I was a very small child. I came home from school complaining that I hated needlework. She said she would show me how needlework could be fun and taught me lace making. I have loved it ever since."

Jane and her colleagues will be teaching anyone with the courage and inclination the arts of both bobbin and needle lace making during their time at Flambards. It's a regular feature of the park's summer programme, but this year there will be double the demonstrators to help cut down on the queues that have built up in previous years.

"People always say it looks too difficult and as though it takes a lot of patience, but it really is not as tough as it looks and it's so addictive its not patience you need its knowing when to stop!" said Jane. "Needle lace is probably the most difficult to master but it is so portable you can take it anywhere to keep you occupied. And bobbin lace making is possible to do even if you have arthritis. It's such a rewarding and therapeutic art."

Steeped in history and tradition dating back to at least the 1300s, lace making is one of the most intricate and beautiful of crafts.

Records show the first lace makers came from Italy and used a technique known as Reticella Work', although it is known that basic loop work was being used 6000 years ago. Bobbin lace was introduced much later, in the mid 16th century.

Jane, who has won awards for her lace creations, explained that the more intricate pieces can take up to a year to make but a simple bookmark using either the bobbin or needle method can take just a few days.

For anyone who misses the lace makers' visit to Flambards in May, they will be back at the park on September the 11, 12 and 13.

The Flambards Experience will also host the Cornwall Lace and Thread Festival between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, September 29, the first ever combined needle arts festival in the county.

The techniques on show will include beading, crochet, embroidery, lace making, patchwork, quilting and tatting at the park's Kingsford Venue in a celebration of what people can do with their hands, needles, shuttles, bobbins, threads and fabric.

Each participating group will display examples of their work, many of which are international prize-winning pieces and all of which are inspiring.