Cheshire Woodworking Courses reviews

28 Nov 16'

Chris McAlpine reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Wanted to do something different from sitting in the office all days so I signed up for Ciaran's 10 week beginners course with no preconceptions. Had an absolutely great time - Ciaran is an excellent teacher, patient, encouraging and really knowledgeable and experienced. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The group I was with were also great fun and really supportive of each other. Each week we built on our skills including learning sawing and planing techniques. We also learnt lots of hints and tips which I hope to put to good use in the future. The piece of furniture I produced over the course of the 10 weeks has given me confidence that I can do so much more. This is all down to Ciaran and the support and skills he has developed in me over the 10 weeks. I would thoroughly commend this to anyone wanting to learning hand woodworking skills."

28 Nov 16'

Sarah Edgar reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day beginners course, thanks to Ciaráns endless patience and guidance. The last time I attempted any type of woodworking was back in school, so I really was a beginner. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the workshop and has given me the confidence to work on home projects, which was my intention when I booked the course. Would highly recommend the beginners course, and it is my intention to start saving for the intermediate course as soon as possible! Thanks very much Ciarán!!"

28 Nov 16'

Paul reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"A well run course with a competent and passionate teacher. The small numbers make the course personal and thorough, enabling you to ask for and get advice when you need it. Can't recommend more."

22 Nov 16'

Aaron Mahiban reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Ciaran's class is both fun and very helpful to improve woodworking skills. Though I took the beginners class, it felt as though I was learning fairly advanced techniques. The final product we produced also looks great thanks to Ciaran's instruction. I highly recommend the 10 week course to anyone insterested in improving their skills. Worst case is you will be in good company for a few hours every week! Thank you so much Ciaran, I had a blast learning from you; it was worth coming all the way from Canada for the course ;)"

17 Nov 16'

Dan Faulkner reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Just finished the beginners course - enjoyed it thoroughly and would highly recommend! It has taken me from someone who has never ever made anything at all before to someone who is now starting my own projects in my garage! Thank you Ciaran, not only have you taught me a lot but we had a great laugh along the way!"

6 Oct 16'

Steve Flanagan reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"What a cracking course this was! Hard work but you didn't notice it as it was a great feeling knowing what you were learning and making! Highly recommend this and Ciaran is so passionate about woodwork and tools but also passing that knowledge on and seeing how people enjoy it! My Dad did the 10 week course and he also really enjoyed it!"

29 Sep 16'

Paul Weston reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the intensive four-day course. Ciarán is a very knowledgeable and skilful woodworker and an excellent teacher – making the whole process a lot of fun. He is very constructive, supportive and patient; he has to be with students like me on the course! The Arts Centre setting is lovely and lunch at the on-site café was excellent. As mentioned by others, we were copiously supplied with tea/coffee and biscuits throughout. Having never done woodwork before (save the odd bit of DIY), I thought the skills taught were ideal for beginners and I learned a great deal – enough to feel confident to take my learning to the next level. A word of warning? I became a little stressed as time went on, particularly on the last day, when I realised that I was falling behind. This was down to me, as I’m particular and fussy and made some mistakes. Three of us had to stay late on the last day to finish, and I was the last! Ciarán was fantastic with this (I don’t think it’s uncommon) and never once gave the impression that he was annoyed or frustrated. In fact, he tried to encourage me to do a little more to address the areas I wasn’t happy with. So, as the course title suggests, it is intensive! However, I’m extremely pleased I went on it and would highly recommend it!"

28 Sep 16'

Ian Edwards reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Thank you Ciaran. This was an excellent course; get value for money. Ciaran is a very good teacher, I never felt hassled, or left not understanding what I was supposed to be doing. Having not done woodwork since I was at school this was perfect for me. I left with a hand crafted piece of furniture which I could be proud of. I received an in depth insight into tool maintenance and care. Quite frankly I didn't expect to gain so much from the course. I give this a very high recommendation, I was extremely impressed."

16 Sep 16'

Lewis reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day intensive course and have left feeling confident and excited about the future. I am currently taking evening joinery classes and will be recommending to everyone there. Ciaran is a fantastic tutor who goes above and beyond for his students and is clearly very passionate about his work. I can't thank Ciaran enough for the amazing experience and helping me develop my skills. Hopefully I will attend more courses in the future."

16 Sep 16'

Sam Whatley reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Really enjoyed the four day intensive beginners course.Very clear instruction and lots of " hands on " practice. Course gave me confidence to try the techniques and what a buzz when you achieved a very passable result! Nothing is too much trouble for Ciaran. Relaxed atmosphere but steady hard work. You get an awful lot of information,help and experience in one course!"

16 Sep 16'

Keith Anderson reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I really enjoyed the 4 day course ! The location in the Arts Centre is great. We were taught not just how to use the tools but how to maintain them and which ones to buy. Ciaran was so helpful in dealing with my mistakes - my finished article has been much admired and I have the confidence to try and make something on my own once my back and hands have recovered from a hard 4 days !! It is the start to a new retirement hobby and a great refresher from when I did carpentry at school 50+ years ago !"

16 Sep 16'

Simon Wood reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"An absolutely superb course !! Having just completed the 4 day intensive course I can highly recommend it. Ciaran is a great teacher and excellent craftsmen. His knowledge of woodwork is outstanding and he passes this on in a thoroughly enjoyable fashion. His patience, enthusiasm, great humour and plentiful supply or tea makes the days fly by (although his choice in music can sometimes leave a little to be desired). He encouraged us throughout the course, helped rectify any mistakes and was as proud of our work as we were. To top it all we not only came away with a beautiful piece of work but also the skills and knowledge to carry our own woodworking forward. Thank you Ciaran."

16 Sep 16'

Angus Barney Barnes reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course and I totally had an amazing time and a fantastic experience,Ciaran is an awesome tutor and woodworking genius,This course caters for anyone who wants to either build on the skills they already have or a complete novice, Even if (like me) you don't know your axe from your elbo when it comes to carpentry! I learned a lot of skills and techniques over the 4 days and come away from the course inspired and very happy. The course is excellent value for money and even your dinner is paid for along with Ciaran's magic bottomless biscuit jar and flow of tea and coffee! I would 100% recommend this course to anyone and everyone and give it an all round 5 star rating and am looking forward to joining the Intermediate course that he also runs. Thanks for everything Ciaran you're an awesome dude and also thanks to everyone who also attended the course too, a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience (I hope this gets me a discount off the next course)"

16 Sep 16'

Sandra Taylor-Farrell reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I completed the 4 day intensive beginners course in November. I've still not tired of showing off my completed table! I had done a few bits and bobs before, but this course did exactly what I hoped it would do; fill in some gaps in my knowledge and give me a foundation of practical skills that I could then progress from. The workshop is good, and having the cafe on site with free lunch was a real bonus! It was nice to learn with others, too. Ciaran is clearly a very skilled craftsman, and it was a real pleasure to take away even a tiny bit of his knowledge and experience. He got it right in terms of the balance between pushing you, and building your confidence. He very kindly fixed my table when all threatened to go wrong near the end! I guess the mark of a good course is that you want to go back to the next level course and that's exactly what I'll do. Thanks again Ciaran, see you soon!"

16 Sep 16'

John Allison reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4day intensive beginners course and would like to thank Ciaran for a fantastic course. Ciaran passes on his in depth knowledge with great passion and enthusiasm, taking time to pace the course to the individuals requirements . When the course has come to an end you will be tired but so satisfied with your finished work piece you just want to start the next level. Here's to the next course for more new skills and meeting Some more fellow trainees."

16 Sep 16'

Ian Williams reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"The four day beginner’s course is intensive but also very enjoyable. The added bonus being that the satisfaction / sense of achievement from producing a finished piece of furniture comes sooner! Skills and techniques are learnt not only from Ciaran’s very passionate tuition but also from other fellow trainees who (on this course) having varying trade backgrounds are happy to pass on their knowledge. The pace of the course is not forced by the programme timeframe. Ciaran ensures that everybody is given enough time and support to complete each stage whilst also keeping everybody engaged and working together. Ciaran was happy for trainees to begin earlier and or stay later to complete, there is definitely no clock watching."

16 Sep 16'

John Sparks reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just finished the 4 day intensive beginners course. Ciaran is an excellent teacher, very skilled and helpful. It was a pleasure to take part on this course. The course can begin earlier or you can stay later to complete your work. Tiring but highly recommended, Thank you."

16 Sep 16'

Alistair Cragg reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course and can honestly say it has been the best course I have ever done. Ciaran's informal teaching style is great and not only have we left the course with a great looking piece of furniture we also have enough skills and confidence to try things on our own. With only having 5 people on the course you get plenty of time and help from Ciaran when needed. Teas, coffees and mandatory biscuits were plentiful. My body feels achy today.....but it is a good ache and a worthy reminder of the time, effort and plasters (!!) expended!"

16 Sep 16'

Katherine Culshaw reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I've just finished the intensive 4 day beginners course with Ciaran and I have to say, it's the best course I've ever been on. I had very little woodwork experience before I started but now have the confidence to make my own piece of furniture using mortise and tenon joints. Ciaran is an excellent tutor, very patient and a fantastic host. He has an impressive range of teas and caters well for food allergies too. With just 5 people on the course, Ciaran was able to spend time with each of us individually to ensure we understood each task. I can't wait to get started on my own project now, as soon as I stock up on plasters. Then will hopefully be back soon to do the intermediate course."

16 Sep 16'

Adam reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I went from total beginner and no idea to building something I was proud of in 4 days. Ciaran was great - funny, very helpful and ensured the course went smoothly. Learnt so much that is applicable to woodwork but also DIY and definitely want to continue with what I have learnt."

16 Sep 16'

Mark Egerton reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 Day intensive beginners course with Ciaran and I could not recommend it enough. The understanding that Ciaran has for the materials and the passion he shows for his craft is both infectious and an absolute joy to be part of. If you're a complete beginner or have done some woodwork previously Ciaran's relaxed approach to the group ensures his time is given to everybody and you will come away with something to be really proud of . The intensive course is exactly what it says on the tin but you will have some great laughs and meet some really great like minded people. A big thumbs up and a thank you to Ciaran for sharing his time and knowledge with our group and I have learned skills I will treasure . See you on the intermediate course . Mark"

16 Sep 16'

Andrew Turner reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course. What an awesome weekend. I cannot believe how much I have learned on this course. Ciarán is an excellent teacher and master craftsman. The 4 days are really full on but the atmosphere is laid back and enjoyable. Overall the course was a very satisfying experience that I would fully recommend to anyone interested in learning more about woodworking. I will definitely be looking to build on my newly acquired skills with the intermediate course :)"

16 Sep 16'

Alan Douglas reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I’ve just completed a fantastic 4 day beginner’s course. A wonderful experience of learning new woodwork skills, while producing a piece of furniture that I can take home with me and be proud of. I had the opportunity to learn in the friendly atmosphere provided by Ciaran, while he shared his wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as lots of drinks and biscuits throughout the day, not to mention the lunch together at the castle park centre. Most of all I now have the knowledge to take home and apply in my own woodworking in the future."

16 Sep 16'

Ramdas Howard reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Having just completed the 4 day intensive beginner course, I can wholeheartedly say that if you are interested in woodworking - particularly the art of using hand tools - you will love this course. In 4 days, our group of 4 students covered loads of material culminating in a lovely ash and walnut display stand. We began with some basic but fundamental skills; tool care, sharpening, safety, specific tool techniques such as planing and chiselling, marking out and the basic joint of our project – the mortice and tenon. Over the next 3 days we went through each step to construct our piece, each an opportunity to practice skills and learn new ones. At each point Ciaran was excellent; clear in his instructions, easy going and giving just the right amount of support, not too little so you felt overwhelmed by the task, nor too much that felt an observer in your own project. Even as the final day grew well past 8pm, Ciaran was fantastic in staying much later to allow us to finish up properly and I think that speaks of his commitment to his students. Doing this course you will not come away with a piece of furniture that is perfect – however you will have in your sore and achy hands a piece you really will have worked hard to make, with a few simple tools and some new skills, and you will be proud of the end result. For me, the course has given me the confidence to go further and I look forward to investing more time in this wonderful art. Cheers Ciaran! (Also the tea, biscuits, sandwiches, cakes etc were awesome!)"

15 Jul 16'

Beth Maskell reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I've just completed the 10 week beginners course and thoroughly enjoyed it! Ciarán is extremely passionate about his craft and this is passed down through his teaching. All aspects of the project are explained clearly and in depth so you gain a wealth of knowledge. The workshop has a relaxed and fun atmosphere and it is a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I was a complete beginner before hand but now feel confident to take on projects at home. Ciarán was great at recommending tools and is very realistic about what you need if you just wanted to enjoy woodwork as a hobby - no need for countless expensive tools, I was pleasantly suprised about how little you need! I've definitely caught the bug and can't wait to attend the Intermediate course! Thanks Ciarán! (PS. Ciarán's choice of biscuits is sometimes a little sketchy.)"