Dukeries Community Workshop reviews

Mandy reviewed: Informal Woodworking Session - Monday Evenings

"I had an excellent experience at my first session doing woodwork. I was introduced to a variety of equipment and shown how to use them safely. I participated in using some of the equipment, was involved in measuring the wood and cutting it ...and went home with a sturdy birdbox. Although I needed 1:1 assistance, it was very generously given. I paid for the materials at the end of the evening and plan on returning next week."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for those kind remarks Mandy. It was our pleasure to work with you. Hope to see you again Regards Alan "

Yvonne Saul reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/ Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Excellent class teacher very knowledgeable and excellent facilities will definitely be back "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Yvonne- thank you for those very kind words Ann is a very experienced teacher and we are very lucky to have her as a volunteer. We are very pleased you enjoyed this session and hope to see you again very soon. "

Jane Millership reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"What a great bunch of people, very welcoming, ready to give helpful advice, relaxed atmosphere the facilitators/ teachers are a joy. I loved it, can’t wait till next week. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Jane, we very much appreciate comments. You may well like to try our new silversmithing sessions starting in September. I will pass your kind comments onto Elaine and Mell. Regards Alan "

Yvonne Saul reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I found the class excellent. Tutor was very knowledgeable and all the other people were friendly and very helpful. Will be back in a few weeks "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Yvonne for your kind remarks. Our volunteer tutors really appreciate your comments. Please visit us again soon. Regards Alan "

Julian Cotton reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Fantastic. Bill and all the the other regulars were so nice and helpful helping me as a complete beginner learn how to create a walking stick, really enjoying this and learning a new skill "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Julian for those kind words. I will pass them onto Bill who is always pleased to hear how we do. regards Alan"

Jayne Blackburn reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Hi Alan, really enjoyed the stained glass class on Wednesday afternoon. Thank you so much. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"You're very welcome, hope to see you again. Elaine will be so pleased you enjoyed the session. Regards Alan "

Mark Fry reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Very good tutor I enjoyed the course very much and shall be carrying on broadening my skills."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Mark very pleased you enjoyed your time with us. I will pass your kind comments onto Elaine our stained glass teacher. Hope to see you again. Regards Alan "

Linda reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I had a fantastic day at this community workshop, where the expertise of the three volunteers was invaluable. I was able to progress greatly with my novice-project, learning new skills with a lot of equipment that was new to me (not having had access to woodwork through my schooling, from a bygone era). It was also great seeing other participants working on their own very diverse projects. They were really helpful with their impressive skills too. It was a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and well worth the long journey for the day. Thank you, but beware - I'll be back!"

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Linda, it was a pleasure to meet you. We wish you every success with your project and hope to see you again Regards Alan "

Andrew Lane reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I had a brilliant time and am going back to finish my stick. Everyone was so kind and Bill is a natural teacher. Gives the basics and lets you have a go whilst always ready to help and answer questions. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Andrew, I will pass your comments onto Bill. Pleased you enjoyed yourself Alan l"

Mark reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Bill's an excellent teacher. Good facilities. Friendly atmosphere. Couldn’t be bettered."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Mark I will pass your kind comments onto Bill"

everett batty reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Very good course. Bill was brilliant. Going again. Excellent."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Everett I will pass your kind remarks onto Bill. Regards Alan "

Nigel Ellis reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I spent 3 Friday's with Bill, and had a great time. He was really helpful, and friendly, as were the rest of the people there. The atmosphere was relaxed, and there was plenty of fun and chat. I was made very welcome. I didn't quite finish my walking stick at the sessions, but Bill provided the material, and the advice to finish. I've got a great walking stick, and look forward to going back to make another one. Thoroughly recommended."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Nigel, Bill. is an excellent tutor and I will pass your kind words on to him "

Janice Wilson reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Having joined the group three months ago, with a very ambitious plan as a total novice. Bill has given me loads of confidence and I'm still chipping away. Great atmosphere in the class too."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"you have a good teacher Janice, I am sure you will create a masterpiece."

Ryan Bickle reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I had a great time with Bill on the walking stick course. I came with the intention of making a staff rather than a walking stick and Bill was extremely helpful and welcoming, as well as the rest of the group. Bill has great advice and was really easy going and friendly. I would highly recommend."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for you kind review I will pass onto Bill who is always pleased to to know how his sessions go."

Amanda Mitchell Pickering reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/ Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Really enjoyed the session, never attended one before and was made to feel very welcome. Leader very helpful and explained procedures, would certainly return."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Amanda, I will pass on your kind comments to our session leader Elaine"

Jenny Britton reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/ Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I have used fused glass classes for many years now. It is incredible value for money and a great support group as well as fused glass crafts. Ann is a volunteer instructor with huge experience. She is always there to support and spends ages using the kiln to fuse our efforts. I have made lots of fused glass art, from coasters to bowls, tea light holders and decorations especially at Christmas. We are always learning and sharing ideas. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Jenny for you kind words. Ann works tirelessly for the workshop and is always there to lend a hand. I know how busy we are and she always has time for all wishing to learn. We try to encourage everyone to try a craft. Regards Alan "

Nadya James reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Always great fun and with a vibrant mix of people, the stained glass class benefits from Elaine's humour and patience in helping students learn to make impressive designs even if they have never cut a piece of glass before. There is a huge selection of glass and you are supported to master cutting your creation, grinding your glass, flicking your flux, smoothing your solder and perfecting your patina. Each piece is one of a kind and something to be proud of."

Nadya James reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/ Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Fantastic value and Ann has huge amounts of skill in this technique. She will guide you through the many options and ideas and you would be amazed at what you can create - from flat to 3D, coasters to bowls, subtle to spectacular. It is always exciting to see what comes out of the kiln and the different effects you can create, and she has all the bits and pieces you need as well as good advice and ideas to help you get the best results."

Nadya James reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Huge range of equipment and lots of people with expertise to help you - whether you are wanting to make your first ever project since school woodworking days or are an experienced craftsperson looking to restore a classic dining chair. More tools and machines than you could believe, and the supervisers (who are all volunteers) have a wide range of skills and knowledge. "

Nadya James reviewed: Regular wood carving classes Mondays 9am to 3pm at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Excellent sessions led by Bill that cater for everyone from people who create works of art, to people like me who had never held a chisel in their life. Patient and relaxed tuition where it is truly 'your' creation that is brought to life, using a variety of tools and techniques. From spoons to sculptures, it is amazing how fast you learn and what you can make. You only need to bring yourself, as everything is there, but you may want to invest in your own gloves (the tools are sharp!) and plastic goggles (DIY glasses). "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Nadya for your kind words. We try to cater for all and our volunteer tutors will share their knowledge to help create a piece of work that you can be proud o,f no matter what your skill level or experience may be. I will pass onto Bill as I know he appreciates all reviews. He is also very proud of our first gold star award. Alan"

Christopher Gamble reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Very helpful and friendly, really enjoying the course "

Claire Dean reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Friendly welcome from everyone on my first visit. Very relaxed approach with no pressure. Bill is very helpful. Looking forward to making my first walking stick."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Claire thank you for your kind words Bill is lovely man and very supportive. I will pass this on to him and I know he will appreciate your comment "

Alan Robertson reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"An enjoyable morning with great company and good advice. I have some way to go with my carving and I look forward to another session or two in the weeks to come."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Alan for your kind review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the walking sticks session. You have some very talented people in the group and i am sure they will give you every assistance to help you produce an excellent stick. Regards Alan "

F. Frances reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I felt quite anxious coming to a class in an unfamiliar setting but the group couldn’t have been more welcoming. I learnt new skills and I’m proud of the walking stick I’ve made with the help and guidance of this group."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"We very much appreciate your review and I will pass onto Bill. We try to make everyone very welcome and its wonderful you have found a new talent Thank you so much Regards Alan "

Carol Jackson reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Wonderful morning with a lovely man. The other community centre ‘users’ were all very helpful as well. Think I may have a new hobby!"

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"That's great to hear, I will pass your kind comments onto Bill Regards Alan "