Mark Hancock reviews

23 Feb 20'

Claire Pearson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"We gave my 15 year old son a 1-1 day course with Mark as a Christmas present. He had a wonderful time and learned so much. He was a complete beginner and, with Mark's help, made a lovely bowl. He is now enthusiastic to do more and cannot wait to acquire his own workshop. We are delighted with Mark's tuition and help and recommend him wholeheartedly."

13 Feb 20'

Jeremy Keen reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"If you are considering taking a dip into the world of wood and turning then look no further than this two-day immersion course with Mark. I completed the course a couple of days ago and am still trying to process all that I have learned. Since I was a self-taught producer of 'dog-bowls', Mark had to gently and patiently dismantle and then rebuild my basic technique with clarity but in ways that were always encouraging and humour-filled. I was particularly grateful for lessons in sharpening and his re-grinding of some of the tools I had brought along. The two days were full of the wisdom of his many years of turning and teaching with great advice on essential tools and their manufacture or most economic purchase. Comprehensive notes and an extensive, personalised, list of internet resources compiled as we proceeded through the two days is already proving invaluable. I only hope he'll have me back for another day or two at some point!"

5 Feb 20'

Bob Conolly reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My partner bought this one day course as a Christmas present, as I had often expressed a desire to work with wood, and in particular in wood turning. I spent the 31st of Jan with Mark, from 0920 in the morning until 1850 in the evening! I have attended many courses throughout my life, and this one rates as one of the best. Mark has a tremendous breadth of knowledge which he tried to impart to me. By the time I left I was both physically and mentally tired. We covered use of all the basic skills with the 7 prime tools, with plenty of hands on time on a lathe. I feel that I now know enough to decide whether or not to invest in equipment, but more importantly what to look for and how to avoid over-spending. Overall a fantastic course that fulfilled all my requirements, and more, with a gentleman who was a pleasure to spend time with."

3 Feb 20'

Ravi Chetty reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I did the 2 day course with Mark at the end of January 2020. I found the course to be relaxed and very enjoyable. Mark was excellent in sharing his vast knowlege and skills. He has inspired me to go on and get myself set up to start wood turning as soon as possible. I would highly recommend Mark's course"

27 Jan 20'

Donna reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Had a really great couple of days learning the basic principles of wood turning and Mark has inspired in me the confidence to have a go and keep practicing. Thanks!"

13 Jan 20'

Wood Turning reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I did this course in September. It is intense and the day is packed, but you learn so much. I came away with a small bowl, which was finished off by Mark and I have been honest when I have shown people. Mark knows his stuff and you will leave knowing all you need to get going. But expect to have to concentrate a lot, fine if you are used to it."

12 Dec 19'

Malcolm Bruce reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"This two day course I would highly recommend as Mark gives such exceptional detailed information and is calm while delivering the training. This gives you confidence in producing a perfect, in my case, cross grain fruit bowl which is already in use and I am proud of because wood turning is not as easy as people think. Not having any experience in turning wood at all after two days I certainly now have the confidence to design and produce items in the future with further practice."

5 Dec 19'

Brian Aldridge reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"If there was an 'outstanding' rating as part of this evaluation - Mark would have achieved it within the first hour. I am - or was - a complete non-starter in that I had no prior experience, very little idea and absolutely no confidence. And as with all learning, if you feel happy and trust the tutor, you've started in the best way possible. I've worked with teachers and tutors of all sorts, professionally and as part of my attempts to fill retired life and Mark is without doubt, one of the very best I've met. He not only engaged me personally but involved me in the learning process to determine what and how I should learn. His minutely detailed knowledge and determination to ensure that I received the very best possible day, made the day itself fly by. His excellent guidance notes, his flair for filling in the details of why it was being demonstrated in a particular manner and the sheer depth of Mark's knowledge made it an absolute treasure of a day. I took away lots of materials, and a bowl, but also the trusted promise that I would receive any future help Mark could give me. An artist, a craftsman and a gent. Thanks Mark for a marvellous day."

29 Nov 19'

Giles Flowitt-Hill reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had an excellent day learning woodturning with Mark on Saturday. Mark is a great teacher and very patient. I only had a very limited experience of woodturning (some at school years ago, and a little messing around on my own), but following the day with Mark, I feel confident to continue safely on my own, with hopes of actually making something! Highly recommended!"

17 Nov 19'

Andrew Gascoigne reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"It is 2 months ago since I attended Mark's workshop for a 1 day course. Mark is a most patient and tolerant person. As I am retirement age plus some Mark coped admirably. Although the day turned out to be somewhat extended (more to do with me) there were no signs of being rushed. Mark did assess what experience I had at the beginning of the day (only self taught previously). What Mark does not know about woodturning is not worth knowing. All in all a most informative and enjoyable day. Andy Gascoigne Sept 19"

8 Nov 19'

Alistair Stirling reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I completed a very full day course with Mark two days ago. This was a very well prepared introduction for a novice to wood turning. Safety was emphasised throughout which was both essential and reassuring. Explanation was systematic and entirely logical. All queries were carefully considered with clear response. Demonstration was step by step and progressed at a comfortable rate despite some (predictable ) errors on my part. Comments were constructive and helpful. Learning materials to take away are detailed and useful. A recommended shopping list is provided and necessary to avoid considerable confusion given the multiplicity of options. Overall a very worthwhile day and I anticipate foundation to establish a long term enjoyable new skill . Sincere thanks to Mark."

5 Nov 19'

Christine reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have just had a day's one to one tuition with Mark - and loved every minute of it :) I have never touched anything to do with wood turning before, but had always fancied having a go at it, but it always got put to one side. However, I needed a creative art project for something else I am doing in life and thought it might be nice to combine the two and go and have a go at wood turning. Mark is an excellent teacher; show / do, show / do, show / do. Get stuck, helps and then stands back whilst you try again. At no point does he take over from what you are trying to achieve, at no point does he make you feel inadequate, in fact, quite the opposite, encouragement all the way. I shall be going back for some further tuition when I have managed to set myself up with some gear. And that is the other thing Mark does, shows you simple ways of doing things and how to enjoy it rather than running on ego and making it all complicated. He also spent some considerable time with me explaining all the tools and what they do - and sorting out a potential 'shopping list' of things needed to get me going without wasting money on stuff I don't need. I'm female - any females out there fancying a go - go and do it. I really regret not having done it sooner. Its relaxing, engrossing, fun, and you leave with a great sense of having achieved something. And going home like a child with the 'look what I made' grin on your face."

4 Nov 19'

Patrick Boland reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have long fancied taking up woodturning and took the plunge this year - bought some kit and had a day training with Mark. He has the best setup/mancave you could ever want - and he's a really nice guy as well! I was more then a little nervous but Mark quickly put me at ease and - as with other reviews the day flew by. Mark is an extremely competent woodturner and a very very patient teacher. I came away absolutely exhausted but fully motivated to getting fully tooled up to get onto my own lathe and start making shavings (to start with). If you are looking for a start in woodturning then you could do no better than have a day with Mark."

22 Oct 19'

Rob Lane reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was looking for a new hobby in retirement and I don’t need to look any further! What a great day I had with Mark. We spent over an hour at the start of the day talking about turning equipment, types of wood, authors etc. Mark was extremely informative and engaging, I’m not sure where the time went. When I did begin my first ever experience of turning Mark was a great instructor, letting me get on with it, but always there to advise and put me back on track. Mark is very easy company and relaxed about finishing times. I can’t recommend the course highly enough for anyone considering taking up turning. Thanks Mark."

29 Sep 19'

Sam Davies reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark ran a short course especially on sharpening gouges. This is the third time I have attended one of Mark's courses. Each one has been superb. As a beginner I have been on a couple of other courses and Mark's beat those hands down. Practical, pragmatic and well paced. As a retired teacher I'm only too well aware of the need to match material to the pupil. In OFSTED parlance he is "Outstanding". I will be back for more."

27 Sep 19'

Anthony Culley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Great day. Mark is patient, skilled, knowledgeable but never patronising. A very enjoyable day covering what I wanted and a few other things that Mark thought I should know and do. This is the third session I have had over the last three years. Great to sort out the bad habits that creep in (or never go away) and an opportunity to do something different."

25 Sep 19'

Ben Jones reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended a 1 to 1 day course with Mark, and very full day to say the least, Mark didn't finish until we had covered everything (even if i did keep asking questions and going off on tangents). A huge amount of information was passed over to me, accompanied by a wealth of informative notes for reference. Mark taught in a extremely clear and to the point manner which I gelled with. Hes a great chap with a lot to say both wood turning and otherwise. I would highly recommend this course to any wood turner both novice and practised. I did leave by the end with some major lathe envy though haha. Thanks again Mark you're a top bloke!!"

22 Sep 19'

Mr Brian Daniel reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having read quite a few reviews for Mark I'm tempted to just put "ditto" ! It was my first "go" at wood-turning and had a great "day" with Mark ... (a very generous "day" too as Mark had no official finishing time and there was no rush to complete the day). Very thorough notes and Mark was happy to follow up with queries after the course. I could write more but much easier to say "ditto" to all the excellent reviews ! Thanks Mark."

21 Sep 19'

Pete Portch reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had an introduction to word turning at school many years ago, then I bought an old Record lathe but it sat in my workshop almost unused until I attended a 2-day course with Mark. He is an excellent instructor with a very easy, friendly manner. With his help, I found how much satisfaction can be had turning a lump of wood into a beautiful object. His advice on safety, technique, tools and sharpening techniques was invaluable. His detailed course notes were very helpful as so much was covered during the course that some things slipped my memory! His workshop was well laid out and superbly equipped. If you are interested in learning woodturning then I would unhesitatingly recommend Mark."

21 Sep 19'

Elaine Iljon Foreman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I did a 2 day course on my own with Mark. I had been taking up woodwork with my husband, and we were going to have a course for both of us. Sadly I lost my husband - but decided to carry on with woodturning on my own. Mark was brilliant! Patient, encouraging and very clear. I can't recommend his teaching more highly. Any ladies out there thinking of taking it up - or improving your skills - go for it! Elaine"

20 Sep 19'

Bill Thomson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Can only add to the other 5 star reviews. I had a great day with Mark, who took time to explain all the fundamentals from wood structure to use of the equipment, what tools to get, and more importantly what not to get!, and techniques. Through his years teaching Mark has just the right approach in terms of showing you how to do the next stage, then letting you get on with that. There was a wealth of information passed on, and Mark has his own detailed handout sheets. It was a full-on day, and as others have said finished when everything was completed in the early evening."

14 Aug 19'

Chris Sweeney reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I've been interested in wood turning for some time, however, due to work commitments I've not been able to pursue it. Like so many before me, I had the most enjoyable day with Mark at his workshop in Pershore. A long, intense and informative day after which, thanks to marks excellent teaching technique and patience, I came away enthused and motivated to pursue my interest in wood turning. As a keen enthusiast, but total novice, I needed to learn as much as I could about wood turning before jumping in and incurring unnecessary expense only to find that it was actually not for me. I therefore looked around for a suitable "introductory" type course from which I could gain the insight I was seeking. I contacted Mark with regards the content of the course and was advised that it could be "whatever I needed" to give me the insight I required. Mark is a very good teacher and a good communicator so I had no difficulty in understanding the concepts that needed to be explained. The approach was structured, friendly and informal, so that in one day we covered the use of the basic tools, the lathe, tool sharpening and maintenance along with the necessary Health and Safety requirements. All in all it proved to be a very interesting day and I left the workshop wanting more. I would recommend Mark Hancock to anybody who is interested in turning wood into something beautiful."

8 Aug 19'

Jon Hawke reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Magic Mark - Like others before me …. I was a complete novice at woodturning and after only one full-on day with Mark I have a beautiful fruit bowl in 'spalted elm' and the motivation to do a lot more turning. I can't fault Mark's teaching. He was always there to give the best advice and his knowledge of the subject is outstanding. Above all else, Mark gave me confidence. Just to say that I thought his workshop was superbly equipped and organised. Definitely 5 Stars all round from me !"

23 Jul 19'

Martin Liebermann reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent an amazing day with Mark and produced a beautiful bowl. Mark is an excellent teacher who taught me at a pace that I was comfortable with. He has me completely hooked and has been supportive with me wanting to move forward to take wood turning up as a hobby. If you've ever thought about learning to wood turn, then Mark's your man!"

15 Jul 19'

Sam Davies reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My second day course with Mark was even better than the first! I ended up with a bowl which my partner still thinks I bought!! It's not just the course he imparts, but the asides and info' that is so useful. I can't wait for my next day!"