DIAMOND AWARD

"Couldn’t have asked for more from the day’s experience. I was initially met by both Simon and Louise, who immediately made me feel completely welcome and comfortable.
Simon subsequently took me to his workshop, where after a cup of tea, biscuits, and a relaxed catch about anything and everything in life, we began the teaching session.
Simon is clearly a very talented craftsman who is passionate about his work. His style of teaching is both thorough yet laid back. He seems keen for you to be able master his techniques for yourself, and will explain the reasons why they’re important to know. However, once taught, he’s just as happy to leave you alone to practice for yourself, something I personally really appreciated.
Lunch was great (ploughman’s style). There was loads of choice and if felt like it had been done with a genuine sense of care.
At the end of the day I came away with loads of new knowledge, a bowl and honey dipper that I love, and that good vibes feeling you can only get after doing something really enjoyable for a day.
A final point that feels worth mentioning is how thoughtful Simon appears to have been to the types of people who might come to these sessions - the tools and lathe he teaches you on are the sort that a serious hobbyist would have (i.e. v high quality, but not the ridiculously priced equipment that a true professional might need - he has those too!). As such, I left feeling as if I had a rare opportunity to try a craft under expert tuition, on equipment that was both accessible if I chose to take it up as a hobby, yet more professional than my skills would probably ever require. This final point was further demonstrated when Simon informed me that he sends out detailed handouts of all the techniques and equipment used, whilst also offering to be a source of contact if I needed any advice on buying equipment in the future.
Thank you Blended Monkey for a great day."