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Previous Newsletters
December 2009
It's Christmas!
About the only activity going on in the woods lately has been covering the Gunnera with straw and leaves. It's already turning cold enough to merit giving it protection, and December isn't even the coldest month.
Other than that, I've been hibernating in the office sending out gift certificates and tools and doing the kind of 'house keeping' administration that every business needs but that I like to put off for as long as I can.
It's not just admin that I put off; I'm famous in my family for procrastinating about Christmas presents too. However, I know I'm not alone in this, and so for those of you who are like me and haven't bought everything by the end of November and wrapped it all by the first weekend of December, I thought I'd suggest a few ideas from our shop.
ONE:
Pretty well whatever your budget, there's something in our online specialist tools and equipment shop. From spokeshaves to storm kettles, carving axes to Fitzi Froes, you're spoilt for choice!
TWO:
If you or your partner have a gate-shaped hole in the garden, there's a great time to be had on our new garden gate course, starting in the Spring. There are more details here.
All you need to do is bring along the measurements of the hole in your garden and two days later you'll go home with a gate that you made to fit it - that has to be satisfying!
THREE:
For the slightly more ambitious, our two five-day masterclass courses have to be the way to go. We've updated the site with full details now, so whether you want to make your own shaving horse and pole lathe, or whether you fancy starting out with a tree and going home with your own post-and-rung chair, I can't think of a better way for anyone to spend a week:
You can even book a camping pitch in the woods if you fancy a real 'woodland immersion' experience!
FOUR:
Last but not least, of all our gifts, it's the 'open gift certificate' that's by far and away the most popular choice. These allow the lucky recipient to pick whichever standard two day course they wish to go on, on whatever date they fancy. If they prefer, these gift certificates can instead be credited against a gate-making or masterclass course. In a nutshell - they're a completely flexible and hassle-free passport to a great time in the woods, which probably makes them the perfect present!
*****
Well, that's it for this month, for this year and for this decade - and that's all a bit surprising really - it all shoots by in a blur.
Looking back I can say two things for certain. One is that getting the Woodland Workshop as far as we've achieved so far has been a lot of hard work and fun. The second is that we couldn't have done it without your support - and for that I'm very grateful. Thank you. Have a very happy Christmas, and here's to a great New Year.
Guy
PS: Tree of the Month will be back next month, when hopefully we'll all be enjoying at least a bit of outdoor life again. Now, what shall I make the family this year? Probably not yet another spatula or dibber ...