Nailsworth Community Workshop

Graeme Brown reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Arian the course tutor has a genuine interest and feel for his craft. He was able to break the course down into three distinct stages and then was able to break each operation and method down, so it was easy to understand and follow. The three stages offered three different materials to be worked and beautifully combined into one unique finished item. As a hand made product you would never find another one like it some what of a change in our mass-producing modern throw away world. The love and skill for each operation that Arian has was infectious and made the learning experience very enjoyable. Even when you made a mistake Arian was able to look at what I had done and was able to show me how to fix it, they always say you learn more from your mistakes and with Arian there to help and correct I certainly did. The surroundings are in the same context as the course. They have an old worn charm that suited the course. There should be more places like this open to encourage more craft learning. A brilliant break from the regimented plastic world we live in today. I was pleased and proud of what I made. I was almost disappointed when the weekend was finished as I would have loved to have carried on and done more. This course given me some now skills and has stimulated my interest to look further into this craft. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Dear Graeme, Thank you very much for this thorough and thoughtful review. I'm delighted that the way I run the courses worked so well for you, I always aim for strong personal experience for participants, coupled with a one-off beautiful and useful knife. Enjoy and Use your knife, and be in touch if you need any help or advice regarding knifemaking. Warmest wishes, Arian "

Craig reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I've been in the woods with my bow today, by jings it works! I had an amazing weekend, Gavin and Tom were great teachers throughout giving you as much or as little attention as you wanted. The whole process is well explained with theory touched on here and there. It is great to have a functional bow that I have made and the confidence to go make another. Thanks guys! And what a workshop!"

Colin Maidment reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I enjoyed the course immensely which was due to the support and instruction from Gavin and Tom. This was done in a friendly approach with a right level of banter and eclectic mix of music to put people at there ease. The result was a finished bow which I was proud of and hope to develop my long bow shooting skills. Thanks."

Tom reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gav and Tom were great teachers, very knowledgable and friendly, they really knew their stuff, the course was very hands on we really did make the long bows ourselves and each step was well taught, with clear instruction and a well thought through shedual. All in all a great experience in a lovely community run workshop with teachers cleary passionate about their craft."