Britain’s last remaining professional female ropemaker fears the ancient craft might ‘die out’ if she can’t secure an apprentice in time.<br /><br />Caroline Rodgers, 56, who is just one of 11 traditional manufacturers left in the country, said it would be ‘tragic’ if the 300-year-old heritage trade ceased to exist.<br /><br />The grandmother previously spent months learning how to make the exquisite cords when she joined manufacturer Outhwaites in Hawes, North Yorks., seven years ago.<br /><br />But after the business closed in 2022, she bought one of their 40-year-old machines and set up her own company, Askrigg Ropemakers, to carry on the tradition.<br /><br />Caroline, who makes a range of products from cotton including traditional halters for cattle, now hopes she can find someone willing to keep the craft alive in the future.<br /><br />She said: “I’m the only one in the Yorkshire Dales where I live, and there’s been one here since 1905.<br /><br />“So for me it’s not about the business, it’s not about making loads and loads of money, it’s about keeping the tradition alive.<br /> <br />“If it means I’ve got to work 16 or 18 hours a day, I’ll work it because it’s that important that I keep it going.<br /><br />“Hopefully in the not-too-distant future, I can train up somebody who can do what I do, and just keep it alive, it’s so important. <br /><br />“These traditions, once they are gone, they are gone. It’s sad that things like this have got to die. It’s not just a job – it’s keeping a tradition alive.”
