It was recently reported in The Anguillian that two replicas of the traditional rock oven were built for use at social events in the South Hill and Welches communities. The conspicuous ovens were constructed by Mr Linford Richardson of South Hill.
Now, Mr Steven Connor, alias “Lion”, another resident of South Hill, has come up with a mobile oven – uniquely made from sheets of metal – which he has already introduced to a number of persons involved in baking activities.
Like the rock oven, the metal oven is heated by firewood. The proud inventor showed off his creative work on the grounds of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School on Thursday, May 29, during Heritage Day.
“This oven came from an idea I had,” he told The Anguillian. “I was building a barbecue grill at first where the top section would just keep the baked chicken warm. But as I kept building it, and using my ideas, I told myself I am going to use it as an oven. I am now using it to bake johnny cakes, bread, pudding etc. It is mobile – carried to a destination by a vehicle; you load it with wood and light it up. There is no gas, no coals. It doesn’t cost anything to operate after you pay the building cost.”
Asked about his plans to build a number of other ovens for sale, “Lion” replied: “I have a few people who are interested in having one of them, and I want other persons to know about the oven. That is why I came, here, today to get it advertised.”
As “Lion” spoke, he placed a tray of johnny cakes into a section of the oven, across from another compartment where the flaming wood provided considerable heatthroughout the device. In quick time the baked products were available to bystanders at “Lion’s” invented metal oven.