Advanced Timber Framing Course

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

Just about the best way you could possibly wish to spend a week doing anything. This is the second course that I have been on with Alan, Connor and Sid; their generosity of spirit, patience and understanding makes them master teachers as well as master craftsmen. There is something about their "way" that creates a great team atmosphere where everyone is "in it together" with a clear collective aim. Great location. Oh, too much Cider, cheese, beer and lovely food: Si richly deserves his enviable oak frame!

Before I went on the course initially I thought I should offer to cook in my email to Alan & Mary that way at least I would get two good meals during the 14 days I was to be there. When I got a non commital reply I thought oh well never mind it will be good to lose a bit of weight, cupasoup and pot noodles aren't so bad. What a pleasant surprise when Mary's cooking turned out to be excellent. Both the beginner and advanced courses were extremely good, Alan is super talented and what you get is a rare beautiful skill set. Most people would throw away into the fire twisted lumps of wood but he takes delight and pleasure in their natural shape and I found I began to see that too. The whole family's work ethic and how his kids are was unusual.

I've fallen in love with the woods. The course gave me a bit of a shock out of the way I live my life, though direction toward new horizons. I wish I were more of a woodland critter than a city dwelling cretin. Really was incredibly sad to leave which just goes to show the impact of the whole experience. Working with real wood, appreciating it's properties, the way of the forest, the final product, Alan's immense knowledge, Connor's zazz for life, Mary's atomic cooking, Sid's chilledness and chats, music and life all around. Feel very honoured to have had such an opportunity to do something so awesome. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.

Back to the woods for the advanced timber framing course and was again blown away by how hospitable Alan and the family are and enjoyed the week immensely!

The main problem was that the week seemed to be over in a blink.

Going back again before the year is out. If the courses keep running, ill keep going!

I did the two week course with Alan in July. I learnt lots, laughed loads and put on half a stone with Mary's superb cooking. If I can afford it I'll be back next year for a refresher. All the others on the course were great too which made it an experience I'll not forget.

Fantastic experience. I did two weeks with Alan and enjoyed every minute. Alan's teaching style is superb. He makes everyone feel capable and at ease, he manages to divide his time so everyone feels that they are getting personal attention when they need it. The location is beautiful and the food was the best I have ever had, all home cooked and in huge quantities. Thanks Mary! The other people on the course were a pleasure to spend time learning with.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in wood or in how to teach others regardless of subject.

Wow, what a fantastic course I really enjoyed every minute learning about the history of traditional timber framing and getting to grips with and understanding how to deal with the irregular sizes and shape of the oak, whilst constructing a fantastic project with a team of very friendly down to earth people.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in traditional timber framing whether an experienced carpenter or novice.

Alan and his team are very skilled in teaching to all levels, and the course runs at a pace to suit the needs of the individual.

Great experience cheers Alan!!

Oh, and by the way the catering arrangements are the best, unbelievably nice food,
Thanks Mary.

Excellent course that covers the understanding of structure, the material and construction process of traditonal timber framed buildings. Brilliant tutelage from Alan, Connor and John, with fantastic food from Mary. Excellent!!!!!