The Jinney Ring was the brainchild and creation of Jenny and Richard Greatwood (left in photo below) who bought an "Old House Farm" and gradually transformed it into the beautiful attraction it is today.  Richard, who was a great craftsman himself, loved working in wood and enjoyed building the barns whilst maintaining their character. 

 

Jenny developed the gift shop and devoted herself to the British Gallery which as a great love of hers. 

 

The Centre was opened in 1980 and has grown significantly over the years.  It has won accolades for remaining a true craft centre which provides a home for crafts people who make and sell their own work

 

 

The "Jinney Ring" name came from Richard's fasciniation with old farm machinery (of which there is much around the grounds and buildings of the Centre).  The Jinney Ring was the earlist form of rotary power used on farms.  Until the beginning of the 19th Century the only forms of power available on farms were horses and water.  The invention of the Jinney Ring allowed horse power to be converted to drive farm, previously manual, equipment.  The horse would walked around a large wheel with cogs which turned shafts and then belts and chains of the farm equipment such as corn grinders, sugar beat shredders and mangles.  In some parts of the country the Jinney Ring was called "gin-gangs" from which came the word "engine".  The picture below shows a Jinney Ring in action.  There is also a real Jinney ring outside of the main Gift Shop door at the Centre.

 

 

Richard and Jenny retired in 2005, selling the business to Malcolm and Amanda Sunter.  Since they have owned the Centre, Amanda and Malcolm have extended the gardens, opened an evening restaurant, introduced a Falconry as well as started several annual festivals. They continue to invest in the old buildings and are committed to the principles of their predessors. 

 

 

They now welcome you to the Jinney Ring and hope you enjoy your visit.