The Sunday Mail - 8 December 1996 In Alan's Clan, they're all jolly good bellows By SELINA STEELE IN the high-tech age of cyber-space and the super highway, there's something reassuring about the timeless art of blacksmithing. Perhaps it's those earthy tools of the trade - fire and iron. But for Alan Ball, it's the fact his family has produced three generations of smithies. The 44-year old served his apprenticeship under the tutelage of his grandfather and said it was a durable tradition. 'Very few things have changed' he said. 'You've still got a hammer, an anvil and a fire and it's still hard work. 'Blacksmithing is timeless. It will never be out of date or irrelevant because there's always been - and always will be - a need for it'. Mr Ball's family migrated from England in 1952. His grandparents stayed in Brisbane but his parents moved to Longreach, where he was born. 'I've just always loved working with my hands. There's great pleasure in seeing something you've created, and metal is such a great material to work with, you can get fine detail but with great strength.' Mr Ball is exhibiting two of his pieces at the Queensland Museum this summer in the Dame Mary Durack outback craft awards. The national awards, orgasnised by the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, is aimed at encouraging PLAYING WITH FIRE: Alan Ball continues his family's long blacksmithing tradition   the skills used by pioneers. Alan's ornamental boot-scraper won last year's blacksmithing section. 'Sometimes it's really tough to let go of a piece that you've spent hours on, but it's worth seeing the enjoyment people get from it. 'I like to incorporate nature in my work and my wife works with me on designs. 'And I think that there's a market out there and a real need to teach people the art of blacksmithing. 'I'm hoping to visit the United States next year. Blacksmithing has a much higher profile over there.' The award entries, which are for sale, are on display at the museum from Friday until early February. Judging takes place on Wednesday. Longreach Mayor Cr Joan Moloney will present awards at a reception on Thursday evening.