Warwickshire College Woodturning Course

[Mark Hancock]

I hope it's okay to post this here :?:

I've been asked by Warwickshire College to set up and run Woodturning Courses at it's Leamington Spa site. The idea is to start with a beginners course and then after the basic skills are mastered to introduce more courses where the focus is towards contemporary design including introductions to off lathe techniques to embellish work. The first course starts in January 2009 with others following in May.

http://www.warkscol.ac.uk/news_releases/Woodturning.htm

 

[Bodrighy]

That's brilliant Mark, for woodturning and for you personally. Congratulations

Pete

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Mark,

that's just slightly too far for me. Can you not do one closer? I'd love to do an evening class like this.

Just out of interest what is the cost? What's the maximum number of people in a class?

Cheers,

Dave

 

[stevebuk]

congratulations mark, its a shame this doesn't happen closer to me, i would join for sure..

 

[CHJ]

Congratulations Mark, hope all goes well with the venture.

Pity it could not have been a bit closer for you, still 35-45miles and an hour commute is better than some have to suffer.

Great to see such a project is being taken up by the college, could it be that at last the system is waking up to the fact that we need some individuals to actually produce as opposed to sell items.

 

[The Shark]

Hi Mark, and congratulations.

I am really interested in this, as L/Spa is only half an hour down the road.
The problem I have is that I work away from home, and so would only be available on alternate weeks. Do you think I would miss too much of the course content to make it a viable option?
The other factor, as always, will be the cost - only completing half the lessons could make it an expensive trip.

Malc

 

[dickm]

Bit far for me now , but interested to know how much such a course would cost? I couldn't see a price anywhere (deliberate???)

And would it carry CATS points (question on behalf of those still toiling in the Higher/Further Ed. field)

 

[boysie39]

Hiya Mark. Now that is going to brighteen up the lives of turners and would be turners. Thats a really great scheme to be involved in.There should be plenty of takers for that especially with a renowned Pro. like your self. I had a class with Glenn Lucas last week, unfourtunly it was just a one off.
You are very well respected and thought of over here and if you were to begin a class here I feel sure a large enough premises would not be found. Best wishes and a Happy Christmas to you and yours, REgards Boysie.

 

[Paul.J]

Well done Mark.
Sounds really good.
If i was nearer i'd be their :roll:

 

[SVB]

Dave,

I am sure Mark won't mind my mentioning - Chris Eagles (check RPT listings) used to run evening courses based at Glos Cat - also day courses at Stanton Guild House. Not sure if this is still the case but may be worth following up.

Alteratively, Avon & Bristol woodtuners have a workshop in Portishead that have a beginners programme. Less formal / structured as it is a club but may suit.

Best of luck,
Simon.

 

[TEP]

Congrats' Mark, hope it all works out. Not before time that the adult education system began to realise that there is great potential out there for this sort of course.

I have tried for years to find a design/shape course in the adult class world, but the nearest I ever got was for pottery. These lean more to the side of actually using a wheel rather than just the artistic side. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though.

Good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Simon,

I knew Chris had done courses around the county but wasn't sure of the current status. I'll have a word with him next time I see him.

I have heard fantastic reports of the Avon & Bristol workshop. Must have taken a lot of time and effort to get that one up and running.

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Mark Hancock]

Thank you to all for the comments. It's very reassuring to know there is an interest out there for these type of courses.

Limited details about the course can be found on the College web site:
http://www.warkscol.ac.uk/Courses/Display.asp?Mast_ID=11234&type=pt

Basically the first is a6 week course costing £160. The dates are Jan 22nd, 29th, Feb 5th, 12th, 26th, Mar 5th. Maximum number of students is 7 with a lathe for each student. There is a course requirement of a minimum of 5 students which we have for the first course. The details for the May courses can also be found on the College web site if you do a search from the home page for Woodturning. Some dates may be altered with the agreement of the students because of other commitments I have. The College is also flexible with the length of the course again with student agreement and subject to additional cost pro rata.

****, I'm afraid I don't know what CAT points are But there is no "paper qualification" at the end of the course as far as I am aware. The advantage of this is the flexibility it gives me regarding the course content. Having looked at some syllabuses which result in some sort of qualification I've found them to be very restrictive in their approach to turning and almost ridiculous in some areas. I wouldn't be interested in running courses if such contraints were put on me. That is not how I believe turning should be approached.

Malc and anyone else, you are more than welcome to contact me direct to discuss any details about the courses.

Dave, I know Chris runs a number of courses nearer to you. I'm sure he'd be willing to discuss them with you.

 

[Mark Hancock]

I have tried for years to find a design/shape course in the adult class world, but the nearest I ever got was for pottery. These lean more to the side of actually using a wheel rather than just the artistic side. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though.

Tam

Check out this web site http://www.woodturningdesign.info/
There are some free pdf files written for the woodturner on approaches to design. The tutorials are very well written and easy to understand. I believe Phillip is working on another in the Looking and Seeing series.

I highly recommend these to any turner who is looking for inspiration and new ways to approach design within their work.

 

[Steve Jones]

Good luck with course Mark.

As others have already said, if only it was a bit closer I'd be there

Regards

Steve

 

[RATWOOD]

Good luck Mark, hope all goes well with the venture.

 

[Jenx]

That sounds fantastic, Mark ...
If I was within 'touching distance', - would definately enrol for that.

Very best of luck and hopefully you'll find it an extremely rewarding experience on every level.
I'm sure the lucky people who attend, will do !

All the best Sir.. and have a great Christmas and new year. 8)