Nailsworth Community Workshop reviews

Jon Avetoomyan reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I cannot recommend the course highly enough, both Gavin and Tom were excellent in their delivery and the way they managed the class. The course is well thought out, proceeds at a pace everyone can follow even if you have little or no woodworking skills. Everything you need is provided, and you leave with a functioning longbow of a weight you can draw. You also leave with a set of skills that will mean you could easily make another bow should you wish. Excellent course, excellent value for money, would pay to do it again. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Jon, Im so glad you had a good weekend and the Gavin and Tom delivered! Thank you for taking the time to give us your review and I hope you enjoy your bow. Best wishes Pam"

Alan Cook reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Attended the course mid July 2022 and had a fantastic time! Arian is a very skilled, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly person and very keen to pass on his knowhow to everyone attending the course. At the end of the weekend I was delighted with my new found skills and I've managed to create a highly useful tool and a 'friend for life' to quote Arian. It's a shame that I'm so far away as I'd love to have access to the excellent workshop facilities at the 'Tuesday club' to continue my new found passion. PS. I could hardly resist the temptation to take Arian's dog Bear home with me."

Angela Clark (for Andrew and Maxx) reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"We booked this course because of the rave reviews. They are ALL true! Feedback from the 16 year old (birthday gift) included enthusiastic statements like "best birthday ever" and "you'll never top this one mum" If you know teenagers, this is POWERFUL and POSITIVE feedback! Feedback from the 53 year who was the plus one and not all that keen included surprised and enthusiastic statements like "excellent course, well taught, knowledgeable teacher" Both have left feeling very confident with the skills learned, and having arrived home now after a 2 hr drive back, I have to mention that they've already ordered sharpening stones and metal!! I can see they'll be practicing more knife making in the near future. THANK YOU for this amazing experience. Mum of the Year goes to ME for booking :) Hooray!"

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Dear Angela, thank you very much for this feedback; I’m delighted that your son had exactly the kind of experience I aim to facilitate. They’ve done so well, and it was a particular pleasure to have father and son working and learning side by side. I hope they’ll continue with Knife-making and Knife -use over time, and please feel free to be in touch if they need any help and advice. And finally, thank you for your booking; I often find that behind a new knife there is a generous person who gifted the course to their loved ones. Thanks Angela."

Mark Kennedy reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"The course was brilliant. Fi lead the course with skill, patience and excellent communication. The objectives were clearly explained and the days flew by. The venue was perfect for creating our automata, with space, and a comprehensive selection of tools and materials, which friendly support from the Subscription Rooms team. We all produced working models and gained knowledge to take with us. I can’t wait for another course."

John reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"What a wonderful course run by Fi Henshall and the brilliant team at Nailsworth Community Workshop. Plenty of opportunity to learn new skills and Fi is so patient, caring and attentive to all. Highly recommended."

Matt Frederick reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"This was a very well thought-out and carefully planned course and yet had a relaxing sense of informality that put everyone at ease. The pacing of the course was spot on, keeping everyone busy, enabling the faster ones to work to a higher level of detail whilst the instructors were quick to pick up on and support those who were falling behind. The level of knowledge imparted was carefully balanced so that you didn't just learn the techniques but also some of the history, reasoning and context behind the craft, without being overwhelmed in information. Gavin was ably assisted by Tom and they are both clearly very experienced, not only with the craft of longbow making but also as teachers. They kept the atmosphere light and welcoming and kept everyone plied with cups of tea. The workshop was well equipped, with plenty of space to work and yet had an eccentric charm that suited the course perfectly. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone, archer or otherwise, who fancies making a beautiful hand-made item that they will treasure for years."

Hannah Porter reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"From the moment we entered the Workshop, we were met with a very warm welcome and made to feel at ease immediately. Gavin and Tom (the instructors) are extremely knowledgeable and skilled at what they do, their subject knowledge is immense. They have a unique way of identifying the needs of the individual and use their expertise to guide participants through this very busy, hands-on course! The end result; an amazing handmade and bespoke Longbow which you get to keep! Also, they make a decent cuppa!"

Christopher Epps reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"I went on this course last weekend and had a wonderful time. Really pleased with the knife and the sheath that I made which I will treasure for ever. Arian is a brilliant teacher who patiently guided us through each step of the process of making our knives. It is a packed weekend, but filled with fun. Thank you Arian and everyone at the Nailsworth Community Workshop."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback Chris. I really enjoyed working with you, and seeing a very individual knife produced to a really good standard, I'm particularly pleased to know that it will be useful to you in your role as outdoor instructor. Keep in touch, it's great to get feedback over time as you get to use your knife. Also, any questions or comments please be free to contact me."

Mark Harrison reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"I would strongly recommend this course. Arian is a patient and knowledgeable tutor and the venue is excellently set up for it. For a project that requires so many different techniques and steps, it flowed through well. Whilst timing is key, we never felt rushed or panicked and Arian was able to support us all despite us making quite the variety of knives. I had never worked with steel or wood before, but this didn't stop me as a beginner being able to produce a unique and personal kitchen knife. Again, this was a great course and venue and my thanks to Arian for a great weekend."

Lewis Davies-Smith reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"An incredibly satisfying and enjoyable weekend of knife making! Walked away with a tool that I was extremely proud of and which I have already used on numerous occasions since. Arian hits the nail on the head with his teaching style, guiding you through what is actually a huge number of different skills and disciplines at the pace needed to get finished in time, but without ever feeling like you’re rushed or that you don’t have enough time to make a thought out decisions about the knife you’re making. The workshop has everything you could possibly want, with a welcoming, relaxed and friendly atmosphere too! Will definitely recommend it to family and friends and hope to be back visiting the Nailsworth workshop for another project or course soon. Thank you, Arian and co!"

Charles Mylchreest reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"What a great weekend. A superb set-up and excellent tutoring made this a memorable few days. An excellent way to reacquaint yourself with handy work or to try something new. Arian was good fun and very knowledgeable."

Neil Goodall reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"My son and did this course for his 18th Birthday and what a fantastic course it was too. Arian is a great teacher, lovely guy and very helpful and also knows when to leave you to have a go. Both my son and I came out with a lovely knife each and great memories of a special birthday and the bug to make more knives. Brilliant course highly recommend if you want to start your journey with the craft of knife making"

Tom Edwards reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Fantastic weekend making a Knife that I will cherish forever. Arian is a great teacher, his passion is contagious and made the course even better than I thought it would be. Would highly recommend to anyone looking at the course to do it, you won't regret it"

Jack Mortimer reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"This was the best weekend I've had of 2020! I personally love knives and bushcraft and always wanted to try and make my own knife, I had quite a specific idea in mind. I wanted to make a Sheep-foot blade that was a halfway house between a cooking knife and a woodwork / survival knife. Arian helped me to redesign the knife as the one sketch I came along with was a little large. He was completely correct with everything he said and was never pushy or rushed you along. You then decide whether you want a full tang or not and begin to create the blade. Once that is done you choose your wood (of which there is so much choice) and begin work on the handle. Making a survival knife we managed to make a sheath too which was fantastic! There was a lot of colour choice for the leather and string. The final product was great, I was very proud of what I made. If you are thinking of doing this weekend I 100% recommend it. Thank you Arian and Bear for a memorable weekend and a "friend for life"."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Jack, Thank you very much for your generous feedback. I very much enjoyed witnessing how you and others in the group came to very individual designs by developing your ideas and relating them to practical reality. It matters to me that you and others have the space to make something that is unique and respects your needs and choices. I'm glad that my guidance and approach helped you to produce something you're proud of and feel ownership of. Well done, and be in touch."

Lolly Haywood reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"If you're deliberating over booking this course, do it! It was bought for me as a surprise gift and I'd never have thought of knife making as something I'd be into - I've just come back from the most incredible weekend working with Arian. Every person on the course came away with a beautiful object they could be proud of - Arian guides and teaches with patience and skill, ensuring you create something you'll feel proud of and walk away happy with - but also that YOU created - he never takes over or hurries you along. Class sizes are kept really small and Arian is attentive and ever-present meaning you always have the help you need. He makes every effort to accommodate the designs and materials that you want so that you feel like you've made something truly yours, and you learn three different crafts in one weekend: metal work, wood work, and leatherwork. Pam is lovely and makes the organisation of the course ultra efficient. Don't think we ever waited more than 5 minutes for a reply email! And Gavin, who runs the workshop and other courses there popped in a few times too and was incredibly friendly and positive. I have come away really inspired - genuinely can't recommend highly enough."

Ed Harvey reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Bought for me as a surprise 40th birthday gift by my wife and kids and had such a thoroughly enjoyable weekend! Arian was not only a great host, but I'm sure there's very little he doesn't know about knives and the making of such a tool. From designing my ideal kitchen knife through to hours of filing and sculpting, and then selecting and creating the handle from a beautiful British plum log the course was easily the most enjoyable and fulfilling that I've been on before. Lovely location, great host and with such a small group it was nice to get to know each other over the two days. Highly recommended!"

simon hatch reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Me and three friends have just spent the weekend on the knife making course. We have all made knives and sheaths that far exceeded what we believed we were capable of making. Arian is a gifted teacher. His knowledge of his craft is far reaching, his help invaluable and his enthusiasm is captivating. He guides and encourages his students all day long without 'taking over' your work but steps in to help just long enough to keep you on track. I can't rate Arian as a teacher, or the course, highly enough. We will take another of his courses in the future."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Simon, Thank you for your comments. It was a pleasure helping you to achieve such good work. I've enjoyed responding to the group's individual ideas and wishes whilst making sure we remain within the principles of this craft, as produce such a wide range of well-made knives. It was also great that you all designed and made knives which you will use frequently, the work improves further as it gets used and acquires that unique weathered look and feel. Thank you again for your hard work and positive attitude and hope to see you soon again."

Stafford Jordaan reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gavin and Tom at Nailsworth Community Workshop with their skill, enthusiasm, patience, humour and knowledge, passed on the practice of the bowyer skills in making the English Longbow to the group who had joined the course, and showed how the making of the English Long Bow should be done. The workshop facilities and tools and equipment are excellent, all you need is there. Gavin and Tom were calm under pressure with varying stages of making the Longbow. They found the time to help all those who needed it most to finish the English Longbow, thank you Gavin and Tom. The music from Gavin's old gramophone is a treat so go along and listen. I highly recommend doing an English Long Bow course at Nailsworth Community Workshops. When you walk out of the Nailsworth Community Workshops with your English Longbow you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face. Thank you to all at Nailsworth Community Workshops, what a rewarding experience it was doing the English Longbow Course. Stafford Jordaan"

Julie reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"I had a really fab time on this course. Arian was a first class teacher, knowledgeable and patient. I'm now a very proud owner of a unique item."

Dougie Law reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Just had a fantastic time on this course. Arian was a very patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher. I learned a lot and was able to take away a very useful and good looking knife. I would highly recommend this course to anyone as it is very interesting and good fun."

Laurence Vinnels reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"I had a voucher bought for last years birthday and after looking through all of the available knife making courses I settled on this one. I am really glad that I did. The combination of brilliant facilities and the great teaching from Arian made the whole experience both really fun, but also a lot easier than I expected; even for a complete novice with most of the techniques used. I thoroughly enjoyed my time making the knife and the finished knife far beats the expectations of what I thought I would be able to create, all thanks to Arians expert guidance. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to try their hand at knife making."

Mark Sanders reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"My son and I have just finished this wonderful course. We were both complete novices to knife making and we started off with a certain degree of apprehension as to whether we would achieve anything vaguely resembling a knife! However this was soon put to rest by the very relaxed.and informal atmosphere in the workshop. Arian is an excellent (and very patient) tutor with a wealth of knowledge and skill which he used to guide us through all the stages of producing our knives. Our confidence soon rose and we became completely immersed in the whole process and enjoyed the plentiful supply of tea and biscuits! Special thanks to Arian for helping my son to incorporate a lambs horn from one of our own sheep into the handle of his knife- a real personal touch. Would have no hesitation in completely recommending this course to anyone no matter what your ability level. You will not be disappointed!!! Many thanks."

Jon Stubbings reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Had a fantastic weekend and came away very proud of my impressive longbow. Really never been very good at practical skills but with Gavin's help and taking it step by step it was all achievable and very enjoyable. All done in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a very jovial host. Can't recommend highly enough :)"

Rob James reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gavin obviously loves what he does and passes that on with enthusiasm. He created a very relaxed atmosphere where learning was enjoyable and made the weekend great fun and interesting by not only providing detailed explanations about Bow making and the science behind it but also throwing in a bit of serenading on the guitar and some Lonny Donnegan on the old wind up gramophone. If you think 2 days is a long time, think again. The time went rapidly with many people saying “is that the time already?” Gavin spends a lot of time and effort ensuring that what you end up with a very well made and beautifully finished Longbow. The facilities in Nailsworth are good with several good restaurants and some good places to stay, we stayed at the Amberly Hotel which was comfortable with a good breakfast and an easy journey to the course location."

Tim Stokes reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Firstly Gavin has run a lot of longbow courses and is excellent at communicating what needs to be done. It also felt like we were joining him in his hobby , he was so enthusiastic and made the weekend great fun. I really liked the bit of history and especially the science behind what we were making , and why the shape is how it is etc. The people on the course had mixed capability but we all proudly came away with a superbly made longbow. I don’t know where the time went ! I loved every minute and I now have a wonderful longbow and a new hobby! Gavin is a great teacher, full of fun and it was a great weekend. I went with a friend, though it would be fine on your own since everyone was friendly. We all finished on time too. Our course was in Nailsworth, there is a good fish and chip shop next to a pub that brews its own beer, and they let you take your chips in! We also ate at Amalfi Italian restaurant which was very good. We stayed at the Amberly hotel , its a bit out of the way but v good freshly cooked breakfast, nice bar, friendly staff and pretty setting. There’s also a fish shop that does food, fish soup was excellent for lunch."