Cheshire Woodworking Courses reviews

22 Nov 18'

Rob Stephenson reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed this course and cannot rate it highly enough. Ciaran is a lovely chap with a real passion for his craft. His gun boxes are outstanding examples of his ability. The course is very intensive and we produced a very nice tall table. I have done basic woodwork with power tools but now know the difference between this and real carpentry. The facilities and equipment provided are great and the lunches at The White Lion very sociable. I have already booked myself on the intermediate course and am going to upgrade my tool kit. Thanks again Ciaran."

11 Nov 18'

James Gardener reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"I have now completed all three of Ciarán's public courses in woodworking and wood turning and each one builds seamlessly on the other. The ability to be a dazzling master craftsman at one end of the workshop and a patient, sharp-eyed tutor at the other, is a breath taking and winning combination of talent and humility. I would happily enrol for all three courses again in a year's time simply as refreshers. The tuition, the workshop, the setting, the dogs, the biscuits, the outputs, the company and the craic are all grand! The White Lion, Alvanley do a splendid working lunch. Many thanks to the whole O'B family for sharing Ciarán with his students."

15 Oct 18'

Chris Curwen reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I've just completed the intensive four-day beginners course and can't recommend it highly enough. I'd last done a bit of woodwork at school (now a LONG time ago) and really wanted to get back into it with a view to a hobby or possibly making pieces to sell. Ciaran is a great teacher and a smashing bloke (who also makes a mean cup of tea/coffee). The atmosphere is relaxed and very friendly and Ciaran taught us a wide range of woodworking skills, but also including tool selection and refurbishing, and some really good insights on choice and prices of wood. There were six of us on the course and we were all absolutely delighted with the beautiful ash and walnut display tables we made during the final two intensive days of the course - we didn't know if we'd be capable of it, but with Ciaran's expert tuition we were! Everyone should do this course!"

26 Sep 18'

Ian Simpson reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Just completed the intermediate course. Challenging and throughly enjoyable. It was some 2 years ago I did the beginners course at the craft centre in Frodsham. More of a time gap than I plannned but so glad I came back. Ciaran’s Workshop in Alvenley is so much bigger with all the space and tools you need. A great team of supportive ‘students’ to work alongside and lots of help and guidance from Ciarán - he is a great tutor with lots of passion and skill. Much more confident now to take on projects , may be buy some new tools too! Definitely recommend."

13 Jul 18'

Vinny Cain reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I knew I was going to enjoy this course . What I didn't know was how much I would enjoy it. Ciarán seemed to have time for everybody and has the patience of a saint. Lunchtime came round too quickly and so did finishing time each day because I was so engrossed and enjoying it. I can't recommend Ciarán and this course too much it is excellent. Thanks Ciarán."

30 May 18'

David More O’Ferrall reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Another fantastic course led by Ciarain in a lovely area with great pub lunches."

29 May 18'

Mark Dobson reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"If you are thinking of taking up woodworking then look no further than this beginners course run by Ciarán. A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Definitely recommended."

22 May 18'

Mark Jones reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"This was a great experience . Ciaran's teaching style is relaxed , but engaging and shares his experience very effectively The course is very instructive over a whole range of areas Ciaran has been responsive to further inquiries over my first project, which has ben very helpful I would not hesitate to join up to the next course up"

20 May 18'

Marie Martin reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Excellent course. Lots of skills learnt and loads of fun. Thanks so much, will be doing the intermediate as soon as I've practised a bit! Well worth the price. No prior experience needed, would definitely recommend"

15 May 18'

Richard Holt reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"Having done some of Ciaran's other woodworking courses I knew this course would be excellent and it was. Ciaran goes over all aspects of the lathe and the tools needed to produce quality items, whilst teaching you to do it in a safe manner. Very quickly you will be producing great items such as Honey Dippers, Pens, Seed Dibbers and Bowls. As there are four of you on the course Ciaran is always on hand to help as well as answer questions and most importantly you never feel rushed, which allows you to create your masterpieces. From someone looking to take up Woodworking more seriously Ciaran also goes over how to sharpen your tools, which is really really invaluable. And as a real treat Ciaran takes you to a local pub for an excellent lunch and it gives you time to reflect on what you have learnt and bounce ideas off the other students."

15 May 18'

Richard Holt reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Having done the excellent basic woodworking course with Ciaran last year I was really looking forward to the intermediate woodworking course to take my skills up a level. Ciaran didn't disappoint, I was able to do a range of more advance joints including Dovetails under Ciaran's guidance. The table you produce at the end of the course is really high quality and an excellent present for friends and family. And the class sizes are perfect as you really interact with the other students and Ciaran is always on hand to answer any questions. I just can't wait to put all my skills in to practice that I have learnt from Ciaran."

15 May 18'

Paul reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Ciaran is an excellent tutor, the course takes you from basics through to a finished piece of useful furniture - the main thing I got out of this course was confidence in having a go. I had all the books and tools but not necessarily the confidence to "go for it". Ciaran paces the course so no one is waiting or feeling pressured to catch up. His teaching manor is informative without being condescending. I positively looked forward to going in each day. I cannot recommend it enough."

5 Feb 18'

Steve Davis reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I decided to take up a new hobby and found Ciaran's website offering woodworking courses. I booked the 4 day beginners course and it was the best introduction to woodworking I could have hoped for. Ciaran takes you through some basics, such as tool sharpening and the correct and safe way to use the tools and marking out the cuts to start with. The class size is a maximum of 6 which guarantees plenty of personal tuition time and there are as many tea breaks with biscuits as you want. The course is fairly intense and physical but the rewards are worth it. In 4 days I made a small side table using American Black Walnut and Ash and I was very proud of the result."

30 Jan 18'

Pippa Craske reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Loved every minute! Ciaran’s teaching style is relaxed and encouraging, I learnt so much. When I thought I was struggling with a technique, Ciaran gave me hints and tips and never rushed me, letting me get there in my own time. I really appreciated his tutoring style and sense of humour! I was a total novice but now have the confidence to pick up a chisel/ plane or saw, knowing how to use and look after them....properly!"

29 Jan 18'

Glenn Blundell reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I was delighted with this course and would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about tools and techniques in wood working. The group sizes are perfect, so can spend as much or as little time you need with Ciaran. I felt a real sense of achievement, knowing everything we made was with hand tools. Brilliant!"

29 Jan 18'

David More O’Ferrall reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"After 27 years of corporate life and countless courses, this stands out as the best course by far, partly because woodworking was something I have a personal interest in but also because of the excellent instructor, Ciarán, as well as the stunning location and fantastic lunches at the White Lion. Highly recommended"

22 Jan 18'

James Gardener reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"This course is a truly excellent experience. Ciaran manages to combine charm, blarney, skill, patience and creativity in ways that draw out the best in every participant. It is very seldom that one meets such a gifted craftsperson who is also an intuitive teacher. Thank you to his long suffering wife for lending him to us!"

15 Dec 17'

Gerry Lemon reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I have completed Ciaran's Beginners and Intermediate Courses, the former over 10 weeks and the latter over 2 weekends. I enjoyed both and would highly recommend them. I had no previous experience of woodworking but this was not a barrier as Ciaran has infinite patience and is a very able and experienced teacher. The facilities provided in his converted workshop are excellent and all the tools required are of the highest quality and maintained in excellent condition. The faciility in Alvanley is easily accessible from the M56 motorway. I certainly will take advantage of any further courses."

25 Nov 17'

Tom Bowyer reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Nearing 40 I decided I wanted to learn a new skill and started looking around for courses in my area. I came across Ciarán’s website and read some of the reviews which convinced me to give it a go. I was a complete beginner but was immediately given confidence from Ciarán who is warm, funny, extremely knowledgeable and professional. I have now completed both the beginner’s and intermediate courses and have a place booked onto the wood turning course a few weeks away and I can’t wait! I have both run courses and attended courses internationally and the courses run by Ciarán at Cheshire Woodworking cannot be recommended sufficiently highly."

16 Nov 17'

Kieran Kelly reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I completed the 4 days beginners' course a few weeks ago and enjoyed every minute of it. It was great to learn how to do a lot of new things regarding woodworking and just as great to learn how to do properly those things I have tried before! The teaching was excellent; Ciaran explained very clearly and was always on hand to lend help when needed. To be able to go home at the end of the course with an item of furniture of which I could be proud was fantastic. I am certain that everyone on the course not only benefitted from what we all learned but also enjoyed immensely the conviviality of the four days. Thanks, Ciaran; I look forward to doing a few more jobs and then taking on the intermediate course. Kieran"

8 Nov 17'

Tom reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Ciaran is an inspirational teacher and is passionate about tools, wood, making beautiful things from wood, and passing on that love! The four day beginners' course was packed with useful tips about how to get the best out of tools and materials, in addition to how to make neat mortice and tenon joints and other basics. The course was great fun and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking to learn the basics properly or to improve the quality of their work."

8 Nov 17'

Ang reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I was a genuine woodwork beginner, Ciaran's background in teaching meant that everyone (with different abilities) on the course was catered for‎. I enjoyed every day, learnt new skills, was inspired and Ciaran shared many tips and gave lots of knowledgeable advice from how to renovate and maintain tools to where to source wood. To sum up the course in one word it would be AWESOME. "

8 Nov 17'

Diana Ramsay reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"Ciaran's woodturning course was excellent. He took us through the safety aspects, introduced us to the tools we would using, and then let us loose on the lathes. Brilliant, hands on learning which resulted in us our first turned items. I was so inspired by the course, that I'm now turning at home on a lathe I bought. I would highly recommend Ciaran's course."

8 Nov 17'

David Lea reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"As an absolute beginner in any form of woodworking I thoroughly enjoyed this course and I learnt so much. From understanding how to care for, maintain and use hand tools properly and safely, to building an Ash and Walnut display table using a various array of techniques, all patiently taught by the master craftsman that is Ciarán. His relaxed and encouraging teaching style quickly allayed any fears I had, meaning I could enjoy the course from the very start. I am now working on a few small projects to build more confidence and skill before booking myself on the intermediate course"

23 Jul 17'

Chris Duckett reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Th course was fantastic, it has given me the basic knowledge needed to start my own practice. The workspace is brilliant, and there are all the necessary tools if you don't have your own. Any questions you have are answered enthusiastically and there is an overall energy that spurs you on to do well and continue creating, designing and experimenting."