Mallinson Ltd - woodwork courses in Dorset. Perfect short breaks for everyone.

The sap is down and the leaves are falling around our woodland workshop. Now is the season for harvesting and thinning in the woods and we're rather enjoying this special time of year under our new parachute shelters. Regardless of the remarkably warm temperatures for October, we've had the fires blazing and it's seriously cosy. We've also been delighted with how the parachutes came through unscathed after the recent storms here in Dorset - we thought they'd be fine, but it's good to know for sure. We've now moved our woodland dining room from its summer location on the island to the warmth of the 'mess tent', although when it's mild enough we still prefer to serve lunches in the open - there's something unbeatable about eating outside.

A World First?

As well as getting a parachute roof, the woodland workshop has now been populated with 10 brand new pole lathes and 10 brand new shaving horses. It was hard work but - say it myself - they are looking great (if a bit pristine at the moment). I can't be 100% sure but I'd put a small wager on this being the first time anyone anywhere has ever made ten pole lathes and shaving horses at once.

Our First Adult And Child Course

Last week we held our first green woodworking course specifically for adults and children and ... I'm delighted to say everybody had a great time. Yes, it is a bit of a cliche, but 'quality time' like that is pretty rare for a lot of us - so when it happens it's all the more memorable. Political correctness seems to have passed West Dorset children by, with the boys choosing to make daggers and maces and the girls focusing on rolling pins and spatulas. I should emphasise that there was absolutely no guidance from me on this one!

There are places available on our next adult and child course, which will focus on presents for Christmas and is going to be held on the 18th December. As always, book up quickly if you're keen - places are always limited.

Raging Rivers And Cream Teas

Those who came down here in the summer will probably remember that the river running through the woods was about 10ft deep and 15ft wide. Indeed, there was some extra curricula canoeing, fishing and, once or twice, even some (chilly) swimming.

If you come down now, you'll find the river has dropped to a stream - which, given summer droughts, winter rains and what-have-you, seems a bit odd at first. However, there's no need to panic - global warming hasn't gone quite that mad! The reason for this rather topsy-turvy behaviour all comes down to cream teas.

To explain, below Mangerton House is Mangerton Mill, a local tourist attraction complete with working water mill. Understandably, they control the sluice gates to build up the head of water to turn the wheel. The wheel needs to be turning to draw in the maximum amount of tourists to buy the maximum amount of cream teas - and cream teas are the Mill's main source of income. So, when the tourist season ends so does our high water level as the sluice gates are (quite sensibly) opened to let the water out and avoid any winter flooding.

This does change the 'feel' of the wood significantly but it's no bad thing - not least because we can walk the river bed from now until Easter, cutting back overgrown areas and fallen trees and generally keeping the river's course clear.

(I'm told that the conditions in winter are also ideal for a touch of trout tickling ... but of course I know nothing of such activities.)

World First #2

Readers of the Telegraph might have seen the feature on us by Rosie de lisle in Weekend section the other week. This led to a good response - enquiries and bookings - and, as a direct spin-off, an interview and wood carving demonstration this morning (31st) on Radio Solent. Yes, wood carving on the radio. The sound of gouges gouging over the airwaves. This must be another world first! Older readers might remember snooker on TV in the days of black and white TV ... we suspect this is on a par with that. Quite what listeners made of it remains to be seen! (Or, rather, heard.)

And in a strange radiophonic synchronicity, fans of the Archers have been hearing all about pole lathes in recent days. I tell you, green woodworking's time has come!

And Finally ...

As well as the course for Adults and Children, the upcoming regular adults courses for the remainder of the year are filling up quickly now, so please book soon if you want to come on one of these. More details about courses are available on our website in the normal way (www.mallinson.co.uk), along with the option to reserve a place online. Alternatively, email me (guy@mallinson.co.uk) or phone 01308 485 111.

I look forward to seeing you down here for a course soon - and don't forget those Christmas gift certificates!

Thanks for reading

Guy and the team