Hewnwood reviews

2 Aug 17'

Gareth Coetzer reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What a great course! There is nothing I can fault from the brilliant tuition to the amazing food (thanks Mary) to the newly installed shower. If I could have stayed for the follow on course I would have. Alan and Connor have so much patience to pass on the skills they know too well to the inexperienced bunch that attended this course. I can only hope I have the time to return for a second helping of timber framing!"

1 Aug 17'

Vicky Lim reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I've fallen in love with the woods. The course gave me a bit of a shock out of the way I live my life, though direction toward new horizons. I wish I were more of a woodland critter than a city dwelling cretin. Really was incredibly sad to leave which just goes to show the impact of the whole experience. Working with real wood, appreciating it's properties, the way of the forest, the final product, Alan's immense knowledge, Connor's zazz for life, Mary's atomic cooking, Sid's chilledness and chats, music and life all around. Feel very honoured to have had such an opportunity to do something so awesome. Couldn't recommend it highly enough."

31 Jul 17'

Simon James reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I've just completed the advanced course and I can I honestly say it was excellent and is surpassed my expectations. It was so good I've booked to go back for a third week in September to learn more from Allen and Connor. Allen is an excellent instructor with a genuine desire to pass on his considerable knowledge. Allen, Connor and Sid go above and beyond, often still teaching until late in the evening - thanks for your patience and enthusiasm. See you all in September:-)"

30 Jul 17'

Daniel Patton reviewed: Timber framing courses

"It’s quite hard to convey what an awesome experience the last two weeks have been. In terms of learning about green oak timber framing, Alan is a very gifted teacher. He has somehow managed to tailor the teachings perfectly to accommodate the varying levels of experience within the group. And he does this with such great patience and humour! Alan was also assisted by his equally talented son Connor who was very generous with his time, both during the daytime timber framing, and the evening axe throwing and archery shenanigans! I now know enough to get started on my own small projects and I have the bug to learn more about Green Oak Timber framing. The food was incredible, and I say this as a fussy eater. I was never felt wanting for anything else, although my wife is now subtly suggesting a diet is in order! Many thanks Mary! Finally, the fellow members of the group seemed to be the icing on the cake. I felt lucky to be joined by such a varied group of awesome people who all had a common interest in being creative with the idea of eventually building something from timber. In summary, an amazing couple of weeks which will never be forgotten! Thank you to all involved! Dan"

29 Jul 17'

Nick Godley reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Back to the woods for the advanced timber framing course and was again blown away by how hospitable Alan and the family are and enjoyed the week immensely! The main problem was that the week seemed to be over in a blink. Going back again before the year is out. If the courses keep running, ill keep going!"

28 Jul 17'

Fraser Petrie reviewed: Timber framing courses

"The week I spent at Hewnwood with Alan and his family was quite simply one the best weeks of my life - and I've had a few good ones...! Alan, Mary, Connor and of course (bow of the head m'lady) Alice, are a lovely family and you feel more like a family friend than a student. The pace & content of the course is relaxed and informal however very 'cleverly' matched to not only the needs of the group but to each and every individual. The many positive reviews so far are testamont to the consistency of Alan & Mary's recipe for a great week. Talking about recipes, as has been mentioned so many times, Mary does an amazing job of creating fantastic food in very challenging circumstances - akin to the royal family dining 5 star whilst on a shoot in the wilderness. The only negative comment would be that my wife was expecting me to be slimmer on my return after a week wild camping in the woods - oh dear.... I will definitely be putting all I learnt to good use and will be returning to show the results to the teacher (and Alice of course x) and hope to meet some or all of the other students who all made the week so enjoyable. If you are able to camp as opposed to going home every night then I would highly recommend that you do as the nights by the fire with music and laughter is not to be missed. Alan, Mary et al... thank you again, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you all x PS. Alan, get on with the cob oven...! PPS. Save a beaver, choose chocolate...!!"

23 Jul 17'

Edd Rayner reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Absolutely outstanding! Go on this course: no matter your level of ability or if you only have a mild interest in timer-framing, I doubt that you will be disappointed. Alan has, and is always willing to share, his inspiringly profound depth of skills and knowledge in timber-framing. He is patient and has a natural skill at being a great teacher: an all-round cool-dude. This is mirrored by his son, Connor, who is just about the nicest guy you could hope to meet. Mary's cooking is out of this world: really different and really tasty: she is so lovely too. All of this, along with a few beers around the fire in the evening, means that the people on the course "bond" in a way that you couldn't imagine possible in such a short time. I will remember this week for some time to come and earnestly hope to come back for the advanced course soon. I have learnt a great deal, had a great time and made some great friends: what a great week's work (except it really didn't feel like work). Good luck to the Ritchie Clan!"

22 Jul 17'

Phillip Paisley reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What a fantastic course, had a great time with great company to make the whole experience memorable. Alan was a great host and tutor who spent the day and late into the evenings working hard to teach and entertain everyone on the course. The food cooked by Alan's lovely wife Mary was delicious and the evening music around the camp fire was an excellent end to the day. Thanks to all the family Alan, Mary, Sid, Connor and Alice, I will definitely be returning for the advanced course."

22 Jul 17'

Simon James reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Fantastic!! The atmosphere created by Alan, Connor and Sid's love for their craft; Mary's gift for cooking and a genuine desire to empathy a wealth of knowledge makes for a perfect learning (and relaxing) experience. We worked on a real project from design factors through marking, cutting and construction. Throughout the process the guys showed a variety of techniques to achieve the aim. A word of thanks for your patience!! We also benefited from constructing Alan's barn that he cut a couple of years ago. To see everything go together smoothly brought clarity and understanding of the process. To share the occasion is special. Thanks Team Ritchie, I look forward to the advanced course next week."

17 May 17'

danilo ingannamorte reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Never had so much fun. Course super interesting with real projects going on. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Alan and his family are perfect hosts, ready to help you and to make you fell welcomed and at home. Mary's delicious and abundant meals were a plus just as the jam sessions around the fire. Can't wait to go back for the advanced course!"

13 May 17'

Cesar Schilling reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What a great family they created ! Amazing people that i can relate far and beyond the course. Alan is a master in his craft with an incredible ability to share his knowledge while allowing the group to follow its own flow, so much more than just a course, (good atmosphere, food, music, axe throwing, bow shooting, Alaska mill testing, carving and so on ) Mary is an angel dress up as a cook and don't underestimate Connor and Sid, you'll be surprise with those young man. All I can say is Thank you Al ,Mary Connor and Sid i will put this knowledge to good use soon and return to the advance Cesar"

8 May 17'

Nick Godley reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Where to start about this course...... From start to finish, the course was excellent. Alan, Mary, Connor and Sid made everyone feel very welcome and even though some of us had less experience with hand tools than others, everyone was treated the same and nobody got left behind in a haze of confusion! By the end of the course i felt as though i could happily crack on with my workshop framing.... although i am going back for the advanced course for sure! All in all, the week was great. Good people, great instruction, excellent tools and amazing food! Cant wait to return!"

18 May 16'

Jim Farrell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Only sorry I did not sign up for the 2nd week. What a great course in a relaxed environment with an international team of participants, from South Africa to Chicago. To top it all Mary's food was amazing and just what was needed to keep us all going. Will sign up again for the next course when it is running again."

23 May 15'

Bex & Rob Cottey reviewed: Timber framing courses

"By far the best course we've ever been on, and we are looking forward to the advanced one! We have learned so much in 5 days, it is incredible. Rob was able to stretch his technical thinking and dream even bigger projects and Bex was able to overcome her lack of confidence in using hand tools to get great results. Now I know what we are able to achieve as a team there'll be no stopping us! Alan, John and Connor were incredibly patient, and understanding and explained everything so clearly. Questions were always answered with good explanations so we would always end up solving problems ourselves and learning even more. Not once were we made to feel stupid even though this was completely new to us. All the students worked well together, with great conversation at meal times, while we stuffed ourselves with Mary's incredible food! Thank you to everyone for an incredible week we will never forget! We hope to see you all again soon!"

9 Mar 15'

Linda Atkinson reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Without a doubt this is the best course I have been on in my life! I was a bit intimidated by the idea of attending a course I knew nothing about, and a bit worried about being a female in a male dominated field of interest, but I had nothing to fear. Alan and his crew, and his adorable family, made me feel right at home. I would say to anyone thinking about doing this course - JUST DO IT - you will never regret it - and you will have memories to last a life time."

6 Aug 14'

Ewan Ryan reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I did the two week course with Alan in July. I learnt lots, laughed loads and put on half a stone with Mary's superb cooking. If I can afford it I'll be back next year for a refresher. All the others on the course were great too which made it an experience I'll not forget."

5 Aug 14'

Dean Ryan reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Fantastic experience. I did two weeks with Alan and enjoyed every minute. Alan's teaching style is superb. He makes everyone feel capable and at ease, he manages to divide his time so everyone feels that they are getting personal attention when they need it. The location is beautiful and the food was the best I have ever had, all home cooked and in huge quantities. Thanks Mary! The other people on the course were a pleasure to spend time learning with. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in wood or in how to teach others regardless of subject."

18 Jul 14'

Mark Howell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What can you say; if you are looking for a timber framing course then I don’t think that you could choose a better one. Alan is a master craftsman, from making his own musical instruments to building the largest of timber frames, the quality and skill of his work displayed is evident to see. The group sizes are up to a maximum of 8 people and therefore there is plenty of opportunity for 1 to 1 tuition from the ‘master’ himself. All carried out in the middle of a beautiful woodland, where at no additional cost you can pitch your tent. There are ample supplies of restaurant standard food all provided by the lovely Mary and in between times you can enjoy a bit of archery and axe throwing! The evenings were spent around the camp fire at which Alan displayed his talents playing his own musical instruments-brilliant! So if you are looking for some serious instruction or a fun week, either way I would thoroughly recommend this course."

9 Jul 14'

Lee Todd, Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer at Lakes College West Cumbria reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Wow, what a fantastic course I really enjoyed every minute learning about the history of traditional timber framing and getting to grips with and understanding how to deal with the irregular sizes and shape of the oak, whilst constructing a fantastic project with a team of very friendly down to earth people. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in traditional timber framing whether an experienced carpenter or novice. Alan and his team are very skilled in teaching to all levels, and the course runs at a pace to suit the needs of the individual. Great experience cheers Alan!! Oh, and by the way the catering arrangements are the best, unbelievably nice food, Thanks Mary."

8 Jul 14'

charlie hobson reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I also reviewed the advanced course that I took with Alan, I also did this course: I have done two courses with Alan & Co at Hewnwood, the standard course and the advanced course, I also helped raise the frame from the first course, which was an excellent experience. I arrived pretty green with regards to working with wood, having never used a chisel before. You really learn a lot with regards to oak wood timber framing, the technical aspects of setting out irregular wood, the various joints etc. The teaching is excellent from Alan, Connor and John, they never tire of all my questions! It is a great environment to learn in and you learn fast, the days are full and my brain certainly got a good work out on both courses! The courses were really inspiring for me, I really enjoy all aspects and hope to take the things I have learnt forward. I camped in the woods with a few others, we had fires in the evening and games, such as axe throwing and slack line walking, a few ales and some good live music from Alan and others. The food is exceptional from Mary, unbeatable home cooking. I come away wanting to be a better cook."

8 Jul 14'

charlie hobson reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I have done two courses with Alan & Co at Hewnwood, the standard course and the advanced course, I also helped raise the frame from the first course, which was an excellent experience. I arrived pretty green with regards to working with wood, having never used a chisel before. You really learn a lot with regards to oak wood timber framing, the technical aspects of setting out irregular wood, the various joints etc. The teaching is excellent from Alan, Connor and John, they never tire of all my questions! It is a great environment to learn in and you learn fast, the days are full and my brain certainly got a good work out on both courses! The courses were really inspiring for me, I really enjoy all aspects and hope to take the things I have learnt forward. I camped in the woods with a few others, we had fires in the evening and games, such as axe throwing and slack line walking, a few ales and some good live music from Alan and others. The food is exceptional from Mary, unbeatable home cooking. I come away wanting to be a better cook."

8 Jul 14'

Ben Jermy reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Set in an idyllic woodland setting the Hewnwood course is a very welcoming and enjoyable course. The teaching pace is good with plenty of hands on experience. All the work is done with hand tools which makes for a very pleasant working environment and also hones those all important hand skills. Having done some green woodwork and working in engineering timber framing appealed to both my creative and technical side. The Hewnwood tutors all have a wealth of experience and too boot they often stay on after hours for a good old yarn around a campfire. The food is absolutely first class and is plentiful making up for those lost calories. Highly recommend too all."

6 Jul 14'

Gary Wise reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Excellent course that covers the understanding of structure, the material and construction process of traditonal timber framed buildings. Brilliant tutelage from Alan, Connor and John, with fantastic food from Mary. Excellent!!!!!"

29 Jun 14'

Jack reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Great course! It's taught in a great hands on and relaxed style so you can get good practice in with tools and techniques. To top it off you're in a beautiful woodland with great food and company!"

8 Jun 14'

Julian Baker reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Not knowing really what to expect other than good recommendations that Alan and his team knew their stuff. My initial reason for doing the course was to get some experience and research to renovate my place in Spain. I got that and much more, with the expert tuition and hands on involvement alongside meeting like minded people to exchange ideas and new contacts and eating like a king the whole week was very rewarding activity. I strongly recommend the course to anyone who has an interest in timber framing but not knowing where to start, you will come out of it wanting to do more and with an idea how to go about it."