West Midlands bodgers group ant The Greenwood Centre, Coalbrookdale Ironbridge Gorge Sunday 1^st  Februaury

An Oak seat with a Hazel woven back, one of many fine examples of green woodwork in the timber framed building on site.

Some fine examples of local coracle. Someone has just secured a grant to renovate a workshop near Ironbridge and they are going to start making them again. There are many local variations as with most ‘tools of the trade’

They have a great set-up with a permanent shelter with many lathes and shave horses. No shortage of wood either. They meet monthly on the first Sunday.

Bob was making yet another mallet.

Later on we were discussing suitable knives for  beginners and high tool costs. He mentioned the knife shown a Hultafors Craftsman’s knife HVK £2.90 inc vat! Search on line. He removes the tip before letting a beginner have a go, I always recommend Ken Lukeman’s Little book of whittling  for youngsters – Abney Park who see many beginners have a rule about children: their parent come first to learn the basic skills and then must accompany their children – a very sound policy. Visitors also sign a waiver before they do anything.