par-avion

Valentina & Joe reviewed: Beginners spoon carving workshop - Morning

"Very nice course! Monica, Mary and Steve are very knowledgeable about different types of wood and carving techniques. Friendly and genuine atmosphere and beautiful setting. Good quality tools available, good course structure but also freedom to be creative and make our own spoons. We had a very good time!"

Malcolm Johnstone reviewed: Beginners spoon carving workshop - Morning

"If you want to experience something completely different this is a great opportunity. My only note of caution is that the weather plays a big part and nature is sometimes difficult to predict, that said on the morning I was there it was a glorious spring day with continuous sunshine and sitting outside was a treat. The location was equally natural, I had never been there before and it was wonderfully wild part of Norfolk which I would not have found without a navigation aid. The course took you back to a time when life was very different, at the end of which you could say you could fashion a wooden spoon with an axe and knives from a section of a tree trunk you chose from the freshly cut wood store. Monica provided constant tuition during the course wandering among us and providing whatever guidance and tools were needed. She was supported by Mary and Steve who provided constant encouragement and conversation about the wilds of Norfolk. I had a truly memorable time, thank you."

par-avion responded:

" Hello Malcolm, Thank you for your very honest review. I am so glad you enjoyed your time with us at Alderfen Marshes. We are also very glad the weather cooperated and brought you out on a beautiful spring morning! Please feel free to come back and carve with us anytime! Best regards, Monica, Steve and Mary"

Ben Dunne reviewed: Beginners Spoon Carving Workshop - Afternoon

"Lovely course and a really helpful teacher - thanks! The session was chilled and calm with lots of chances to chat and be sociable and moments of quiet to focus on your spoon! I've since picked up my own set of tools and started some carving at home. I'd recommend."

Andy South reviewed: Green Woodworking: rural spoon carving workshop

"I highly recommend this course. My partner booked me on as a birthday present, a nice surprise. The location at Alderfen Marshes is beautiful, they are doing great stuff there to use the resources provided by the marsh. We got to have a little walk around at the start. I went in early spring, there was a nice warm cabin with a log stove for the breaks but we could work outside under a cover for when it was raining. The owners provided delicious cheese scones. Monica is a great teacher with a light touch, giving demonstrations and hints but also giving you the freedom to find your own way. She has also given support after the course helping me to get an axe sharpened in the right way. A warning that I'm now hooked on spoon carving, have bought various books and tools and have piles of wood shavings dotted around the garden. Don't go on this course unless you are prepared to be similarly affected."