Ratings & Reviews
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★An excellent taster to green woodwork
First off, this course did exactly what it said on the tin...gave me a really good introduction to a wide range of green woodworking tools, techniques and products. Not only was Maurice an excellent instructor, but he also brought in a raft of specialists nearly all of whom were also excellent. Maurice did a fine job of maintaining a balance of pace, simplicity and aesthetic beauty and I felt I walked away with many wooden products that I was genuinely proud of and able to replicate.
Be under no illusions, this is a physically demanding course at times. Maurice sets students the worthy goal each weekend of walking away with their own 'product', be that bowl, spoon, pole lathe etc. The emphasis is on learning the techniques in hands-on way, but ideally leaving with a finished product of some beauty and utility. That gives a deadline to work to and sometimes that means many hours of demanding physical work. If you have injuries or the like (I have arthritis), consider this aspect carefully.
Most of the work is done at Kirkley Hall campus in an upper storey room above a storage barn, with concrete floor. When it's cold outside, it's cold in there too, so come prepared with suitable layers.
The group I studied with was small and all were committed to the course. We bonded as a group and had a really good time of it. it's quite a shared experience and I suspect most attendees will leave the course with a new network of friends and contacts in the craft.
I'm delighted I went on the course and would thoroughly recommend it to others.