Greenwood Days reviews

7 Dec 16'

Hugh Davis reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"It was everything I expected. I came away with a chair that is not only usable but of which I am actually very proud. You work in the outdoors (under cover if it rains), which is tremendous, and everything is provided (although bring your own pencil, as they vanish constantly). I hadn't appreciated how different working with greenwood is from the woodwork I'd done before, so that was interesting. Whether you've done courses like this before (as most of those I was with had) or it's something completely different (like me), I'd really recommend it."

7 Dec 16'

Tim Coles reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I'd recommend Greenwood days to anyone with an interest in woodland crafts; Peter runs a variety of courses from shorter 'taster' events right up to week long chair making courses. During my week making a child's chair, other people made a stool (over a weekend), or even turned their hand to using scythe. Courses take place in the woods near Melbourne with tools, lathes and seating under canvas shelters. A wood fire burns all day for tea, coffee, warming soup and, of course, heating water for steam bending. Peter is an excellent, enthusiastic, tutor and he appeared to be as excited as we were when our lengths of ash were turned into legs, spindles and finally part of a complete chair."

7 Dec 16'

Phil Steele reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I saw an article on Greenwood days in one of the craft magazines and the idea of getting back to basics in the woods really appealed. I booked in for the Windsor Chair course in August 2016 wondering if I would be out of my depth, Would I be able to split that log? Would I be able to operate the pole lathe? Of course I would! The clear instruction from Peter soon alleviated any fears. The week was full of fun and the learning of new skills And I took home a fantastic Windsor chair at the end of the week. The fresh bread and home made soup were delicious too. I enjoyed myself so much that I immediately followed up with Peter's sharpening course. I have already booked in for another Windsor Chair course in 2017 and also a willow weaving course for me and my daughter in 2017. This says it all."

6 Dec 16'

charlie reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have been on a couple of chairmaking courses with Peter - the first some years ago. It is always fun to be with a group of keen, like-minded people and the October 2016 course was no exception. Peter has a gift for encouraging all levels of skill: from complete "woody beginners" to more experienced folk. Peter shared his own knowledge and skills freely, and in a way which encouraged the whole course to benefit, with no one feeling left behind - though the days are sometimes pretty intense! Home made soup and bread, and a constant supply of tea and coffee kept us all going. I highly recommend Peter's courses - whatever your knowledge and skills of green woodworking are and I will be booking a further course for 2017."

13 Aug 14'

Graham & Jen reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Jen and I absolutely adored our course, Peter is a great host and more importantly, a great tutor. He leads by example and is always on hand to lend a hand. He has a tool for everything and knows a way to fix everything. The woodland setting is simply stunning and with homemade bread and soup for lunch, we wanted for nothing with ample tea and coffee regularly supplied. The location on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border is a beautiful part of the country, with great village pubs for the evening. My wonderful armchair sits proudly in the kitchen and reminds me of one of the greatest weeks of my life. The best bit was when my daughter asked to inherit it, although I hope to spend many years sitting in it first!"

12 Aug 14'

Adrian Jackson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have been of several courses with Peter at his place in the woods, staying on the excellent camp site adjacent. Peter is a superb teacher and mentor ensuring that you become competent and skilled at pole lathe turning, using chisels, spokes haves, draw knives and other traditional tools. At the end of any course you take away a chair or stool to be proud of and something that will become a family heirloom. As well as having fun learning new skills you will eat delicious home made food, and new tire of enjoying fresh brewed tea or coffee."