Dave Cockcroft reviews

6 Dec 18'

Katy Greene reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I learned so much at the one day Learn to Carve Spoons course with Dave. I had carved about half a dozen spoons before the course, but really needed some proper instruction. Dave quickly got us all using an axe to shape out a butter spreader, which we then finished off using several knife techniques that he showed us. We then used the skills we had learned to make a spoon. At all times Dave kept us working safely, but we were able to work on our spreader or spoon at our own pace. Lots of lovely tea breaks kept us refreshed! I learned so much during the day in the yurt, and Dave's info-packed follow up email was much appreciated too. Thank you Dave, I hope to carry on improving and maybe see you at an improvers class one day!"

2 Dec 18'

George Paton reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"This was a first class course delivered by Dave Crockett, who has a relaxed teaching manner. The course syllabus covered all aspects of basic spoon carving, together with the appropriate safety and axe and tool techniques. The course make-up had various experience levels, but Dave was able to offer advice for all to follow precisely. He was very aware of the pace and timings, insisting on breaks were necessary. This course has furnished me with the appropriate information and skills for me to confidently produce a good level of carving. Many thanks Dave."

14 Nov 18'

Robert John Lester reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I spent a wonderful Saturday learning how to carve a spoon out of a log with Dave and the other people on this course. Dave has a genuine passion for the craft and his insight and detailed instruction is ideal for anyone starting out in green woodworking. The course has provided me with a positive introduction to the craft and I'm itching to make my next spoon!"

13 Nov 18'

Ben reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Dave really knows his stuff and ran a really relaxed, funny and insightful course. It was a really pleasant day spent with a great group of people, if you want to learm about spoon making, this is the perfect course."

12 Nov 18'

Ted Waldron reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Dave’s calm, gently humorous approach created a friendly atmosphere and made sure everyone felt at home. The course was filled with information from the safe use of sharp tools to how to read the grain of your log. Dave is clearly very knowledgable spoon carving and all other aspects of green woodworking. At the end of the day I came away with 2 spoons and a great deal of knowledge to propel me forward in my spoon carving adventure."

15 Oct 18'

Kate Jennings reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"The beginners spoon carving course with Dave was excellent. Skills were built up in a very logical way, with the opportunity to learn and practice a good variety of axe and knife carving techniques. Dave always provided more and less complicated options depending on students level of experience, and explained all learning points thoroughly. The day was great fun as well as educational, took place in a lovely setting and the home made flapjacks were an excellent bonus addition!"

13 Oct 18'

christopher hallpike reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Dear Dave, sorry I'm so late with this review - it just slipped my mind. I really enjoyed the day which was very well planned and presented. Just enough to be challenging without being overwhelming. I certainly learned a lot and would like to come to another of your classes sometime. I have sanded down the spoon and butter-spreader and they really look quite aesthetic. (I filled the hole in the spoon with Araldite which looks a bit odd but works!)"

29 Sep 18'

Ross Friend reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Covered a huge amount on the course but the pace never seemed too fast or to slow. Quite an achievement given we had a mix of students some of which had no woodworking experience at all and others who been professional cabinet makers! Left me feeling confident I could (on my own) start on some spoon carving projects with a good chance of producing an acceptable product success without losing any fingers ?"

28 Sep 18'

Ecky Prolingheuer reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I've long looked forward to my spoon carving course with Dave Cockcroft, and it was a brilliant, informative and fun day, despite the cold and (mostly) wet weather. Dave's regular infusions with hot tea and coffee and with his homemade flapjacks, as well as the pleasant company of the other learners, made for a really enjoyable day. I had done a little spoon carving before, but Dave taught me new techniques and tool uses. I came away realising how much I still need to learn, but at the same time rearing to get on with carving so as to improve my spoons, even though it is doubtful that I ever get the quality of the spoons he made and showed us as examples. Top day, top teacher, top value for money! Ecky Prolingheuer"

25 Sep 18'

Steve Bradford reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Dave Cockcroft at the Woodyard near Tetbury. I learned some great skills, all of which I’ll hopefully apply and improve on as my interest in wood carving continues. The venue was as expected for this kind of course, the welcome was warm, and the day well structured. I felt at ease with Dave, as he has a wonderful teaching style, that allows you a free reign , but at the same time watches over you in case you slip up, or doing something that might ruin your work. Overall, I had a great day, and would totally recommend this course, if like me you’re a beginner, or even a seasoned manipulator of wood....there’s something for all. 10/10"

24 Jul 18'

Graham Urquhart reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Great guidance managed to produce a reasonable spoon and no injuries! Amazed at the fine detail possible with an axe and hard to stop trying to improve the effect even when we were really finished. A fantastic introduction to spoon carving, or to hand carving in general. Great guidance on tools and their maintenance too."

8 Jun 18'

adrian stew reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"My wife and I attended on the 26th of May at Tetbury, lovely location and peaceful. Very relaxed and enjoyable teaching from Dave. Even as a complete novice, there was something for everyone. Group size is ideal which gives very personal attention. Lots of tea and homemade goodies. i'm sure we'll find excuse to return. p.s apologies for the late review"

28 May 18'

Rachel Clarke reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Coming from Australia I wasn’t sure what to expect or what wood we might use but I Had a fantastic day with Dave. His knowledge is second to none and even though I have made spoons several times before I learnt some new tips and tricks. Dave’s course was worth every penny and I would highly recommend it."

2 May 18'

John Brough reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Dave provided clear and easy to follow advice along with simple demonstrations. When required he helped on a one to one basis. The group was inevitably of mixed experience and he handled the different abilities easily. Additionally he created a lovely mood within the group and the location was simply beautiful. He gave clear safety instructions and he followed up the course with further help and advice by email. I would reccomend his course to everyone."

12 Apr 18'

Annie Page reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I can only echo the other reviews. It was an excellent day. I'll never look at another spoon in the same way again."

29 Mar 18'

Liz reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Would thoroughly recommend this course as Dave is an excellent teacher: he breaks the skills down, teaching one element at a time ... and then almost immediately encourages you have a go ... We all practised completely new skills to create a butter knife first, so that by the afternoon we were already more confident and competent to have a go at a crafting a spoon. All credit to Dave that everyone in the group ended up with not one but 2 items to take home. We have since had a very useful follow-up email with extra information. Many thanks!"

28 Mar 18'

Andrew Judge reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I attended a day course on spoon carving and spent an enjoyable day with Dave at the yurt in Brookthorpe. He's an excellent teacher: patient and encouraging and the balance between tuition and demonstration was just right. The atmosphere of quiet, purposeful activity that he promotes was welcomed by all of us, I think, on a restful, yet productive day. Highly recommended."

26 Mar 18'

Pippa reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"What an excellent teacher - a really interesting and enjoyable day - and a new, immense respect for quality wood carving! (I'm also really pleased with my 'rustic' butter knife!!)"

16 Mar 18'

Colin Ackerley reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I spent 2 days with Dave on this course, and I've found a new passion for carving. I was a total beginner at the start of day 1, but under his expert and patient tuition I managed to carve both a spoon and a butter spreader. At the start of day 2, we had a discussion on what I felt were my areas for development, and he focussed on those for that day. This resulted in me taking home much improved versions the second day. I would recommend this course to anyone starting out in carving, and if you can do 2 consecutive days then do it. Plus the flapjacks are as good as everyone says. Amazing course, great teacher, memories for life, thanks Dave."

4 Mar 18'

Stephen Davies reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"A wonderful day in an idyllic setting! No two bodgers carve spoons in exactly the same way, and Dave has a relaxed, informative and natural way of teaching. He manages to combine total novices, and those with more experience in a single group and ensures that all receive detailed tuition and real insights on how to improve. Where better to receive such expert tuition than a warm yurt, with tea and flapjack, in an apple orchard. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested in spoon carving."

26 Feb 18'

Steve Maund reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"This was a refresher course for me as I have carved a couple of spoons but not for a while. Lovely location and venue, Dave has really great relaxed teaching techniques. The course is run at a steady pace so everything one can keep up. All the tool handling and cuts are very well explained and lots of one to one help if you're have a problem with a certain area. I fully recommend this spoon course and would love to attend all over again."

15 Feb 18'

Loulou Brouard reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I loved this course and came away with my first spoon and some very clearly taught skills to continue. Highly recommended and a delightful way to spend a day."

22 Jan 18'

Chris Douglas reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"A thoroughly enjoyable and educational day. Dave delivered a first class course with excellent and well explained briefings and demonstrations covering knife and axe safety, axe and knife holds and cuts, sharpening plus much more all in a single day, without it ever feeling rushed. We were all able to produce a spreader and kitchen spoon from beautiful green wood despite any previous knowledge. The setting was amazing for such a course and we were kept well fed and watered with tea, coffee and some wonderful flapjack. Thoroughly recommended"

1 Dec 17'

John Poulson reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Really useful and informative course from Dave, I learnt so much in such a short time, excellent knowledge of the subject. Although I have done a very small amount of carving previously, Dave helped me so much with technique, position, knife grips and how to actually enjoy the process, really was a fantastic day. Second only to Dave's excellent teaching was the superb flapjack, I can now confess in having had at least five pieces, sorry Dave its just too good, ; )) Many thanks again for a very informative course, can't recommend Dave and his knowledge highly enough!"

24 Nov 17'

Dave Cripps reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"A really enjoyable day. Dave is an excellent teacher - thorough and encouraging, he went through how to use the axe and knife safely. We were not rushed at all but at the end of the day all had a spreader and spoon (in various stages of completion) to take home. I would strongly recommend this course."