Vallis Green Woodworking reviews

28 Jan 20'

Stephen Russell reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"We had a wonderful day with Simon, with him taking us through the process of using pole lathes to create our own dibbers. It was so relaxing, therapeutic, educational and a fantastic way to spend a day. And Simon is a fantastic teacher - so knowledgeable, patient and kind. By the end of the day I was really itching to have another go and sad that it was over!"

17 Jan 19'

Debbie and John reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"My husband and I attended this course in November as we wanted to do something that we both would enjoy. Simon and Nigel greated us on a bright but chilly day in their enclosure at Snelsmore Common with a nice warm fire, hot kettle and more importantly a warm welcome. Nigel took us for most of the day and he freely shared his knoweldge with us so that we both were able to learn the techniques, went away with spoons and wanting to make more. Nigel was also able to suggest adaptations to the techniques for me and the day felt more of a conversation than a class. The spoons that Simon and Nigel make are inspirational. I would recommend the course to anyone who likes the woods and hands on craft as it is a lovely relaxing day. And my christmas present from my husband this year.... a carving set for both of us to use."

5 Sep 18'

Stephen reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"The reviews already posted sum up what this spoon carving course is about - a lovely setting, good company, relaxed, great tuition - you'll find this out soon enough when you sign up. Simon and Nigel were running the course when I went in July. Nigel was our main mentor for the day and he was, quite frankly, a 100% good chap. Simon, what a legend. There may be some people out there who haven't chopped anything beyond your ham and cheese sandwiches. I was in the same boat before starting the course. As such, you may feel a bit apprehensive about wielding an axe or using a carving knife...but you won't feel this way for long... Nigel really shows you step by step what to do, how to do things safely, and will do demonstrations throughout the day. It's a patient and calm setting - the best way to get started on learning wood working. It didn't take long before I was really enthralled in what I was slowly creating! A great day out, and a lot learned that I can now build upon - thank you Nigel and Simon!"

29 Jul 18'

Simon Kibble reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"I spent a lovely day on the July spoon carving course and enjoyed every minute. Simon has the best “office”of anyone I know, surrounded by the woods but with all the necessary facilities. Nigel’s tuition was clear and well paced and it felt more like time with friends than a lesson. Simon was busy making and dying wood flowers but stopped to offer advice or demonstrate a technique if Nigel was busy. Having only 2 students per course makes sure everyone gets the input they need without having to wait, which meant the time just flew past and unnecessary mistakes were avoided. Even the willow log we started with made sure we has a good time, splitting perfectly and carving easily. The other student opted for a shoulder between the bowl and the handle and a sanded finish. I went for a tapered shape and a knife cut finish but we were both very pleased with our spoons. I can thoroughly recommend the course and look forward to my next visit to Vallis Green."

9 Jul 18'

Chris Allin reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I can only re-iterate what the reviews point out. A very enjoyable, instructive and productive day from Simon, who is very patient and encouraging to a student with no previous knowledge of woodturning. A new enthusiasm is born !!! Highly recommend !!"

14 Apr 18'

Roland Askquith-Ellis reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. Perfect setting, a good brew or two from the wood fired kettle and more importantly some brilliant tuition on the craft of green wood working. Simon is a great teacher with a vast amount knowledge that he has a passion for sharing. I'll be going back."

5 Mar 18'

Robin Howard reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Great day's course at Snellsmore Common. Really great setting. Supreme welcome with a brew over a wood burning fire. Soon into creating our dibber for hole making. Simon was an excellent teacher, chatted the process through and yet was very much hands on with the wood. Good pace and very productive. Having just 2 on course meant lots of tutoring time. Superb value for money! Very relaxing. A supreme way to spend the day. Thanks very much, so enjoyed it. I would highly recommend the course to others. Bring on the bowl making next time!"

28 Feb 18'

Joe reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"It's a great course. Simon is very knowledgable in both the skill of turning and of the wood itself. The day will run at whatever pace you're comfortable with and you'll end up feeling confident and inspired."

18 Feb 18'

Lewis gallagher reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon (aka wood god) was an amazing teacher, with so much knowledge!! Highly recommended what a great day!"

29 Jan 18'

John Latchford reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I took this pole lathe course on a damp January day so the exercise from treadling the lathe and the tea from the fire kept you warm. Simon is an excellent teacher, breaking down the steps from a billet to creating the final dibber so it was easy to understand and seemed like the right pace; certainly with only two students you get plenty of attention. You need good technique to turn on a pole lathe and it was great way to learn to turn."

28 Nov 17'

David Marks reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I had never used a lathe in my life before but have always been fascinated when seeing one used. The course was most enjoyable from learning about trees and wood to the use of tools and equipment including safety. Not only was Simon a good teacher but an enjoyable person to be with and at the end of the day I came away with a dibber that I had made and an enormous amount of new knowledge. I only wish that I had gone on the course when I had first retired as the cost of setting up is quite small compared to say, golf. I am now 79 years old and think it is too late to take it up further as an enjoyable pastime. Don't leave it too late to learn this new skill. However I really enjoyed my day in the woods and meeting Simon."

20 Sep 17'

Trevor Gill reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"This is a very informative course with a very knowledgeable teacher. Simon makes sure that you not only understand what you need to do but why. I would highly recommend that anyone interested in learning the art of pole lathe turning attends one of Simon's course."

18 Sep 17'

Mark Butler reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Just had a great day in the woods with Simon and Nigel, can only echo previous comments that it's a relaxed day with great tuition from a couple of proper gents - I learnt a lot and very happy to come away with a spoon shaped object and some fledgling new skills!"

28 Jul 17'

David Ramsden reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"An excellent introduction to the craft, under the tutelage of Simon. He is a great teacher, and his passion and knowledge of both the craft and the forestry that supports it shine through. A great relaxing, learning day. Thanks Simon."

9 Jul 17'

John reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is obviously a very knowledgeable, skillful and patient teacher and craftsman who made my first introduction to woodworking yesterday, extremely fun and rewarding. I would have no qualms about recommending this introduction into the art of Bodging to almost anyone!"

27 Jun 17'

Chris Wade reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I have just attended Simon's introductory green wood turning course and can heartily recommend both the course and the instructor. As a trainer myself (in a very different field) I was impressed with Simon's skills as a trainer, as well as a craftsman. He took great care in assessing my "skills" at each stage and helping me to improve throughout the day, while giving me time to develop the different techniques. I learned lots and thoroughly enjoyed doing something different & creative. Thank you, Simon."

27 Jun 17'

John Mason reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Brilliant manual lathe bowl turning course, great teacher. Thoroughly enjoyable course, lots to learn and about the history, techniques and skills of this type of turning. The ability to create something of beauty and practicality without using any machines at all is a great experience. I would recommend this course to anyone."

14 May 17'

Amanda Ellison reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is an excellent, patient teacher who shares his passion for working green wood. The woodland setting, his knowledge of forestry, the first class support and his ability to tailor his course to the varying knowledge and capability of his two students make this a day to remember. Taking home a garden dibber you have fashioned yourself from a log of wood is the icing on the cake. I was given the course as a present and would highly recommend it to everyone."

17 Apr 17'

Martin Chapman reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is a very good teacher, a real expert and enthusiast for his craft, and provided an excellent introduction to green wood turning. The location is excellent, a woodland compound - with plenty of shelter - and tea. I use power lathes, but found many of his tips useful for any lathe. A very worthwhile day."

16 Apr 17'

Rian reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I just finished Simon's introduction to Traditional Green Wood Turning Course and loved it. Simon was very patient and thoughtful in his approach to teaching. He taught and emphasized safe tool then his nice calm teaching style was used in the actual functional wood working techniques. Clear demonstrations were the beginning then observations of our attempts with helpful tips when needed. Simon was always available for questions and happy to assist if issues arose. The day flew by and at the end I have something that I was quite happy with and can use - great stuff!!"

27 Feb 17'

Hugo S. reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is a passionate teacher with a deep love and appreciation for his craft. I arrived at Snelsmore Common with little to no experience with woodwork, let along green woodworking. Simon patiently took me from log selection, through to billet, shave horse, lathe, and then shaping techniques with ease. Beautiful surroundings, pleasant company, a warm cup of tea and a fantastic learning experience. Thank goodness people like Simon are willing to share their passion. Highly recommend this course!"

9 Sep 16'

Chris Nutman reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is an excellent teacher; knowledgeable, patient, calm and explains everything clearly. I started the day with a log and ended up with a garden dibber which my wife was delighted with! It was a thoroughly enjoyable day in an ideal setting - working on wood in woods with a whiff of woodsmoke. Highly recommended."

2 Sep 16'

Fiona Webb reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"A wonderful day last weekend at Snelsmore Common, Newbury, on a spoon carving course, with Vallis Green Woodworking. From a log of Poplar to spoon (actually a spatula, now in use mixing my ponies’ feeds) in a few hours, splitting the log, using a handaxe to define shape, then paring & curved knives for shaping and carving bowl (though the spatula didn’t need much carving). I’m their first student to have completed a fully tooled spoon - ie finished off by knife, not sandpaper! Very chuffed!! Fab instruction from Nigel Wylie, spoon carver extraordinaire and great to watch Simon Vallis working his magic with green wood in many ways. Both men are wonderful, peaceful souls, truly working in harmony with their environment and materials. Apart from a couple of thunderstorms (which meant tools down & under cover as lightening prefers sharp metal) there was a real sense of peace and serenity working amongst the trees, like being in a natural cathedral. Plenty of hot water for drinks courtesy of the wood fire, plus carrot cake topped the day off! In the words of Arnie...”I’ll be back!""

19 Aug 16'

Sarah Beven reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"This course was fantastic! The welcome was great with Simon staying on the phone for directions when I took a wrong turn and a lovely cup of coffee brewing on the fire when I arrived. Simon is highly knowledgeable about the subject and is a very patient teacher. He is astute in assessing what a student needs in order to feel comfortable with all stages of the process, from cleaving a billet to creating a final product. As a result, you come away from the day with a good understanding of the history of green woodworking, a knowledge of the technical aspects of wood as a material and most importantly an understanding of the best way for you personally to approach pole lathe turning. Simon is an intuitive teacher and offers advice on the best stance to take when operating the lathe and treadle, the best way for you to comfortably hold the tools and the best way for you to develop and shape the piece you are working on. As a result the course builds confidence and is extremely accessible for participants of all abilities and practical skill levels. The icing on the cake is that Snelsmore Common is a lovely setting! A great place to spend a relaxing day working outside in the woods. I would thoroughly recommend and will be going again at some point in the future."

5 Jul 16'

erik jordens reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Very nice course I have learned so much on the day! Simon and Nigel made me very welcome, I would recommend this any one who start to spoon carving! A great day. Thanks Erik."

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