Vallis Green Woodworking reviews

6 Jun 16'

John reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A very enjoyable day was spent with Simon and his pole lathe. I found him knowledgeable and patient with my requirements. His explanations were crystal clear without being patronising. I came away with my "ownership" of the piece intact ! He knew when to step in with help and advice without taking over."

10 May 16'

Will Birrell reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Highly recommended!! I have just spent a most enjoyable, informative and satisfying day attending the 1 day beginners pole lathe course. Simon is an extreemly knowledgeable and engaging tutor whose patience and concise direction allowed the day to fly by. The day was also complimented by good tea ,anecdotes and Simons enthusiasm for his craft and the surrounding countryside. With Simons guidance I produced a dibber and some hazel flowers ( after a number of hazel weeds!!!!!) but I was really chuffed to produce a captured ring - great feeling of satisfaction. The day was filled not only with practical tuition on the lathe but great information on health and safety, tools, timber and finishing. All said and done a great day - but don't take my word go and find out for yourselves - you won't regret it."

2 May 16'

John Garside reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"From a log to a spoon in one day...so happy! Good pace with loads of tips, safety and guidance along the way. A really good way to learn a new skill in one day. Thanks all. J"

25 Apr 16'

Chris Woodford reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"This was an extremely informative and enjoyable day. I’d had an interest in wood turning for a while but never actually done it before. The beginners course was just right for me, Simon was an excellent teacher and good company with lots of interesting information and anecdotes. I went away with a dibber, the fruit of my labouring during the day. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone with an interest in wood turning, or, traditional crafts in general."

11 Apr 16'

Tim reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I spent a day with Simon turning a bowl on the treadle lathe. He is a great teacher and put up with me asking questions all day long! Some of the techniques are quite tricky but Simon has incredible skill and patience, helping you to progress throughout the day. I really enjoyed it and cannot recommend it highly enough."

19 Mar 16'

Genine reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I've just completed my 2nd course with Simon, and am now the proud owner of a Gorgeous (even though I say myself), bowl made of beach wood. Again a completely awe inspiring day, Simon even took the trouble to rig up another treadle so I could use both my left and right leg when one or the other got weary!! How thoughtful is that?? A very enjoyable day with a very patient tutor with a good sense of humour and soooo much knowledge. Fully recommend these courses for anyone wanting to try something completely different Thankyou Genine"

28 Feb 16'

Karen and Nevil Florey reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"We had booked a beginners green woodturning course with Simon, slightly nervous but excited and not really sure how it would go. Well we shouldn't have worried…i think this rates as one of life's most enjoyable days! Starting with a lump of wood, we were guided step by step through the process of wood turning….oh, so absorbing! We came away at the end of the day with a very beautiful and handmade dibber (yes, we were so proud of what we made!!!) Simon was wonderful and a brilliant and patient teacher….would we go again??? Absolutely, we would come back within the blink of an eye! The tea and coffee were good too… Dont hesitate…go book a course!"

18 Feb 16'

Genine Ferguson reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I've just returned home from the basic pole lathe course, proudly showing off the fruits my labour, a dibber and flowers. An excellent day, Thankyou very much. Simon has excellent teaching skills plus a Lot of knowledge. If your thinking of trying something different, Definately try this, you'll love it :0))"

18 Nov 15'

Steve Matthews reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon was friendly, relaxed and full of interesting information. He was an excellent tutor and I thoroughly enjoyed my day with him."

27 Oct 15'

Bert Broadley reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"First class, patient and tailored tuition in a pleasant, easily accessible woodland environment. The day passed in a blur and I was thoroughly enjoyable. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to try a new skill."

18 Oct 15'

Mary Critchley reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"It is a very enjoyable course and I had a lot of fun making something to take home with me."

13 Oct 15'

Adrian Bickers reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Had a fantastic day with Simon. He laid on a bowl turning day me and took me patiently through the the whole process from selecting and splitting a log, shaping the 'blank', mounting it on the lathe and turning a finished bowl. I'm delighted with my final bowl which is seasoning following the instructions Simon gave me. Simon proved a very good judge of my experience and ability knowing when to leave me to master the techniques he'd taught me and when to step in with further advice and tutoring. I can highly recommend on on Simon's courses to anyone with an interest in green wood working."

14 Sep 15'

Mike Hamblin reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I attended Simon's Basic Pole-Lathe Taster course. This was a really good introduction to basic green wood techniques for the complete novice. Simon takes you through the skills needed to use a pole lathe and you get to use those skills to make something to take home. He is an excellent instructor but made the whole day interesting and fun so that you come away inspired to do more. A great day out."

9 Aug 15'

Faustina Bayo reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I knew i was going to enjoy the day, what i didn't expect was how great the trainer would turn out to be. Simon was brilliant, he was very approachable, patient and definitely knows his stuff. What i created was beyond my expectations and i now truly appreciate the beauty and dedication that goes into every piece of product. I surely aim to go back. I will recommend my friends to book a session with him. Thank you for making my day and thank you for making me more interested in greenwood carving"

9 Aug 15'

Tom B reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Had a really fun day yesterday with Simon trying the Pole Lathe (#2899). The course was very well run and enjoyable, highlights for me were: 1. Teaching style, a nice balance of leaving you to try things and stepping in to guide when needed. 2. Simon's enthusiasm for all aspects of wood working and the forest (and interest to share knowledge) 3. Location, being in the forest for the course was very nice 4. Coming away with a nice finished product (a "dibber") after starting with no experience and a simple log was very satisfying 5. Approach to safety is sensible and clear without being over the top. Overall highly recommended."

24 Jul 15'

David Ward reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A very enjoyable day with Simon going through the whole process of producing an item from log to finished object. Simon’s nature allows you to feel very comfortable and relaxed despite having a to be aware of safety using tools which if not respected can do real harm. I felt Simon judged my experience & abilities well therefore the speed of the course was correct. Simon’s communication is very clear and concise, you are able to understand the required action to bring about the right result. Simon explains how to use the tools clearly and keeps a close eye on you to make sure you are safe and also you are using the tool in the most efficient manner. I certainly came away having enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommended!"

28 Jun 15'

Paul Taylor reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"What a great day. I still can't believe I somehow thanks to Simon's guidance and patience turned a log into a dibber and a willow stick into a flower. What a brilliant day in a lovely woodland location. Thanks to Simon's inspiration I'm now planning to build my own pole lathe and create more masterpieces in wood."

25 Jun 15'

Jon M reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A fantastic experience in a wonderful location with an engaging, enthusiastic and patient teacher. This was a perfect introduction to turning and carving and I can only echo what other reviewers have said. Simon is an excellent communicator and guide, teaching not just the mechanics of the skill but also its the background and history. He was spot on in gauging and re-assessing my ability throughout the day and struck a perfect balance between delivering a challenging yet always enjoyable experience. Above all he was also great company: a sunny day in Snelsmore with a fire going, a brew on and the lathe turning - what a great experience! I cannot recommend this highly enough."

22 Jun 15'

Silvia Siret reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A wonderful, very interesting experience! My grandfather worked with wood all the time in his little workshop. In honor of him I had a one-2-one training on basic wood turning. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The 6 hours flew by. I learned incredibly much and - being completely new to this - feel I have achieved something extraordinary. I had never done anything like this at all and was a bit nervous. Simon eased me into this, which encouraged me a lot. I got lots of praise, which motivated me to give it my all. I really like the way he works and the good tips he gives. He knows so much about wood, it's amazing. Simon works very safely and gives a very good safety briefing. This was certainly not my last session. I will definitely go back and learn more. The location is also very lovely. I loved every minute."

13 Jun 15'

Kerry reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Such a perfect setting for the course, working in the dappled sunlight under the trees with nature all around. The hot water for our tea was boiled in a kettle over a fire; it was just an idyllic place to learn spoon carving. Nigel was our instructor for the day. He was very patient with us and worked at just the right pace; it felt relaxed and there was no pressure. At the end of the day I came home with a spoon I'm quite proud of, quite an achievement for a complete novice! I have certainly learnt a lot of new skills on the course and am now hoping to take my new found knowledge further and carve a few more."

10 Jun 15'

Jenny Hawker reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Excellent introductory course, loved the woodland setting which complemented the whole ethos of the course. Nigel was a really good teacher, patient with complete novices, but very experienced so able to share lots of helpful information and techniques. The course was run at the right pace for the participants, but also ensured that we had a completed spoon by the end of the day. Simon also joined us for part of the time and his enthusiasm and knowledge just added to the whole experience. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to start working with wood, we started with a log of wood and ended with a great spoon what more could I have asked for."

14 May 15'

Andrew Hughes reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I have a (very) small amount of green woodworking experience and signed up for the basic pole lathe course as it's something I've always fancied doing but never had the chance. The one to one tuition is excellent and Simon was able to answer all of my questions on how the lathe works and is set up and very gratefully gave me some pointers on tool sharpening and where to buy various bits of kit. He took me through the stages of making a dibber. This was a great exercise - which although simple, has many different techniques which could be used for countless other projects and is something I feel I could now go away and make safely and efficiently by myself. Altogether a great day. Highly recommended."

30 Apr 15'

Stuart Bates reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"What a fantastic day! I bought this experience for my 9 year old nephew, Eddie, as a birthday present and accompanied him on the course. Simon is a brilliant teacher and enthusiastic about his craft. Both Eddie and I learnt a lot about wood and wood turning. We each made a dagger-dibber and a couple of willow flowers (which I presented to my wife on returning home!) Simon's work yard is in an idyllic forest setting and we were accompanied by the sounds of birds singing the whole time we were there. The kettle is always on the boil on the open fire. I would recommend this course to anyone who want to learn about wood-turning in a relaxing atmosphere."

17 Apr 15'

Richard Walden reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"For an absolute beginner this was an excellent day! Simon is a very patient and enthusiastic teacher and it was a joy to work with him. Atmosphere very relaxed but focused well on the tasks that Simon described very thoroughly. It was a real joy to see the Willow Flower and the Dibber emerging from the wood. I really enjoyed myself. I would seriously recommend this to anyone, interested in green wood working - or not! A really positive experience and I am looking forward to returning for another session. Great stuff!"

15 Mar 15'

Alistair Kirkpatrick reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I was given this course by my wife as a birthday and Christmas present. Our daughter joined me for the day which turned out to be outstanding in all respects. Simon is an excellent teacher who shows his personal enthusiasm for green wood turning throughout the day. It is well planned, entertaining and he provides all the support necessary to keep students happy and successful. We were delighted with our wood flowers and super dibbers which look and feel wonderful. We highly recommend this course to everyone. You will love it!"