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Testimonials
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Tim from Amsterdam C1 Autumn 07
I really, really, enjoyed the course
- a perfect blend of 'get on with it' and 'here's how'.
Incredibly helpful, I just wish I'd done it years ago.
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Ian from
Preston C1 Autumn 07
Just a
short note to thank you for a very enjoyable
week - I spent a good part of the weekend re -
organising my garage trying to make space for
some more equipment. The remote control box went
down well with my Mother in law and after I told
a friend where I had been last week was asked if
I could make a table for her new kitchen! I
think I need a bit of practice first before I am
prepared to submit my pieces to public scrutiny
but after your guidance, encouragement and
assistance believe I will get there.
Attending
the Wood Workshop was for me like a thoroughly
enjoyable holiday - the complete experience of
learning new skills, going home with finished
pieces, meeting like minded people both during
the day and getting together in the evening. The
pace was perfect - tailored to suit individuals
but managed in a collective environment with us
all aiming at and reaching the same goal -
learning new skills that can be developed and
improved at home with the ultimate satisfaction
of being able to produce professional pieces of
furniture that will last longer than we will and
leaving on the Friday with all of us wanting
more - a truly memorable week. Thank you again
and thanks to Tim and Jon for sharing their own
reasons and enthusiasm for the subject, I will
be back as I am sure they will too.
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Jonathan from Northumberland C1 Autumn 07
First off, I thoroughly enjoyed the week, and feel that
if only I can reproduce here the standards you set in
your own workshop I'll be doing very well. I was struck
by how well the course was organized, both in terms of
structure and in terms of the layout and completeness of
the equipment. I've spent my life devising and teaching
courses, so I think I'm able to recognize a good one.
I was
struck by how well the course was organized, both in
terms of structure and in terms of the layout and
completeness of the equipment. I've spent my life
devising and teaching courses, so I think I'm able to
recognize a good one. You were able to give us just
about the right amount of tuition and hands-on time and
I had the feeling that you were very sensitive to the
skills and learning needs of the course participants. In
my own case, you managed to help me overcome my initial
bouts of being discouraged and get me to realize that I
could probably do it with sufficient thought (and
natural light, maybe a new pair of specs...). Friends
and relations seemed genuinely surprised and impressed
even with the results I achieved in five days under your
tuition.
I
found the surveys of tools and techniques extremely
useful. Indeed, looking back, we seem to have
covered mostly things I'm going to need initially.
Finding space at the end of the course for the
participants to try basic procedures which they had not
encountered in their own projects was a welcome and
instructive bonus. Your invitation to
contact you after the end of the course and to keep in
touch is another welcome feature.
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Stephen
Course 1 December
Many thanks for a very instructive and enjoyable
week last week. I could provide all of the usual
plaudits but I am sure you get them all of the
time. I will therefore say two things:
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I finished the small chest/drawers and applied
Monocoat and wax during Saturday. I then showed
the finished product to the wife. Her first word
was Wow!. That was judgement and reward enough.
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I would highly recommend your course and
approach to anyone thinking of attending. It is
best summed up by the Chinese proverb:
“Tell me and I will listen.
Show me and I will remember
Involve me and I will understand.” |
Melissa from
Newcastle Course 1&2
So 2 weeks after
spending the 2 weeks on the course, I've finished
another commission (a bed) and made progress with my
workshop. I've kept buying things to a minimum but
have bought a Nobex mitre saw - what a good
suggestion from you - and a stand for my power drill
- so mortise and tenons are much quicker and
easier. Also an orbital sander and a dust extractor.
That all feels fine for the moment - I'll see how it
goes with that.
The 2 weeks on the
course were exactly what I needed - a really
focussed period of time concentrating on making
furniture, your expert teaching and your advice on
and suggestions for my workshop. The small class and
the flexibility of your teaching/advice depending on
our needs and interests were great. By the way, my
friend isn't picking up the oak bench until the new
year and we're getting very fond of it in our hall!
Thanks you so much and
please let me know when you might be doing an
advance course. It was a good decision to delay it
so that i can put everything I've learnt into
practice.
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| Katharine from London
Course 1&2
I had a fantastic time over the last couple of weeks, and I learned so much. Never having tackled anything like this before was quite daunting, but you were very good at explaining how (and why) you do everything. I was thrilled at how professionally made my projects turned out. I could hardly believe I'd made them! It has given me real confidence to go and try out some ideas myself. I can't wait to get home and start experimenting. I'd recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn more about woodwork and carpentry.
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| Ruth from Berwickshire
Course 1
Hi Richard - just had to e-mail you to let you know how much I enjoyed the course last week. I came home buzzing with enthusiasm and information - the next day going into my workshop and on unpacking the final two boxes from my uncle found lots of useful tools - which I now know how to use!! I'm just off to try and set up the workshop with shelves and tool boards etc - what an inspiration you are. Lots of folk have been very impressed with the chair and you will be very relieved to hear that I have just printed out a list of instructions for the router!. I do hope I can find time to come on the intermediate course sometime.
(Ruth Makes fire bellows and as a professional traditional upholster she could do the leather bit, so for her second project we made jigs and fittings to help her make the rest of the bellows. Richard)
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| Alan, Dunbar , East Lothian
Course 1&2
I enrolled on the Wood Workshop course with a view to pursuing a career change after working for more than twenty years in field of broadcast engineering. Over the years I've been involved in designing control room desk and technical furniture. However the final construction was always left to specialist companies. So I was keen to get involved in the construction side of furniture and cabinet making. Richard made us all very welcome on the first day and by 9.00 we were all beavering away on our elected projects. During the course we covered all the various stages involved in producing the a finished piece.
Richard's training approach allowed you to achieve so much in such a short period of time.I still find it amazing, starting off with a pile of rough wood and by the end of the project you have produced an item of furniture that would enhance your own home or somebody else's. I would certainly recommend this course to anybody interested in gaining the skills to produce bespoke furniture as a hobby or as a business venture.
Richard your help was invaluable.
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Rebecca from Merseyside
Course 1&2
"I’d always had an interest in wood and furniture and fancied trying to make something or at least learn how it is made. I decided I would give it a go and I am so glad I did! After arriving on the first Monday with no experience and no idea it took Richard about 10 seconds just to make me feel welcome and confident and ready to try anything. The course covers all sorts of techniques and you get a chance to try so many tools and machines that you suddenly realise by the end of it just how much you have learnt. It really is surprising how much you can achieve in such a short amount of time. The projects set are challenging and extremely rewarding. It’s so nice to have something great to take home at the end. Richard is always ready to listen to your ideas and try to help putting ideas into practice. I was therefore given the opportunity to produce a fantastic toy box that my son is so proud of! He filled it with dinosaurs the minute I got home form the course!
If you are reading this and wondering whether to give this course a try I can only say go for it. The groups are very small so ideal for all sorts of abilities. If I can do this course anyone can! Thank you Richard. You have made myself (and my son!) very happy!"
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Rory from St Georges d'Orques,
course 1
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| Jamie from Carlisle
I have been working with wood for ten years and thought I knew a bit about it, Having been on the beginners course I now know I didn't. I have learnt more in the last 5 days than in the last 10 years, I have not only learnt totally new skills but have been shown ways to improve the ones I had. This is a fantastic course and a great teacher.
( Jamie came for a week to learn how to make doors and windows the way that they used to be made. Richard )
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| David from Cleveland
Thanks for running the course last week. It was brill! I learned loads of new stuff about the machines, wood, finishing, sharpening (scary), etc.,etc. It also reminded me of what I already knew (little though that was). I think the biggest thing I got from it, which was one the things I hoped for,was that it gave me confidence. I now feel like I can have a go at stuff and, with a bit of care, actually produce something half decent. I want toget a few small projects under my belt and then come back for the intermediate course. I particularly like the sound of the visit to the sawmill. I am really chuffed with the things I made last week. The spinning stool has come out so well I can't believe it! The wood you chose for it is gorgeous and the Druids face on the back is a real talking point. I've decided its a Druid now because we've just been watching a program about the Celts on Channel 4. Alison has tried and tested her Niddy Noddy and it works! She's thrilled with it. The size and shape is just right so we did well there. The Yew looks and feels lovely. It seems to be one of those things that people keep picking up and fondling, so it will get more and more polished.
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Mike from Swansea
No matter what your level of ability I can thoroughly recommend these courses. After a week of Richard’s guidance you will be amazed at what you are able to produce. Richard also shares his knowledge of all the finer details you sometimes over look, but never again. I drove from Swansea in South Wales for the intermediate course and will be more than happy to drive again for the advance course.
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John from Penrith
Beginners This has exceeded my expectations in so many ways, Richard has been very professional in every aspect from helping me with my chosen project, discussing hand tools, power tools and all sorts of useful tips. It has been everything and more than the information pack said, relaxed, informal and an educational experience. I would recommend the beginners course to anybody that is interested in wood.
Intermediate Following on the beginners course is a must, it is a continuation in more depth very challenging and more difficult, but knowing that Richard is there to guide you through is a great help and gives you confidence. Very rewarding to see your chosen project that "you have made" at the end of the week. This again has been a very satisfying and enjoyable week.
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John from Kendal
Excellent introduction to the sophisticated use of power tools for high quality cabinet making, Richard is an inspired teacher shows you how and leaves you to it, but drawing your attention to the imminent mistake. The whole course was relaxed, enjoyable and rewarding, The completed pieces of furniture flattered our abilities but we did feel ownership of them.
John Came back in December on the advanced course and made a corner cupboard in Oak with "h" hinges and a good job he made of it. (TWW comment)
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John From London
A course for anyone truly interested in furniture, Good instruction on how to use the fully equipped workshop with a true insight into some of the problems and overcoming them. I will come again on the advanced course , well worth the 275 mile drive.
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John from Carlisle
I would happily recommend these courses to anyone, They where exactly what I was looking for and I will be back for more.
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