We are a regional group of the Association of Pole-lathe Turners & Green Woodworkers (Bodgers) and run regular meets for practicing green woodworkers.
That might mean already being able to carve a spoon from green wood, make a simple basket, turn a bowl on a pole lathe or make a stick chair.
In practice lots of our members don’t join as experienced green woodworkers but do bring to the group complimentary skills; they might be skilled woodworkers, basketmakers, practicing artists or makers, have worked in forestry or nature conservation charities, etc.
As we don’t offer any formal teaching within the group, we prefer new, inexperienced members to go on a course to learn the basics of spoon carving or basket making before regularly attending our meets – this means everyone can get on with their own self-led projects and that everyone is safe. Saying this, everyone is very helpful with advice.
Local green woodworking group workshops can be found at;
www.wernogwood.co.uk
www.woodlandskillscentre.co.uk
Alternatively we can offer private one-2-one courses in basket making and green wood carving, taught by two of our experienced members;
baskets@greenwood.wales
carving@greenwood.wales
After a maximum of three trial meets we ask folk to join the national bodgers to attend future meets.
Spoon club is a good introduction to the group. To enquire about coming along, contact us.