A fantastic two days in September spent in beautiful surroundings doing something I thought would be very challenging. It was challenging but in the best possible way. Andrew was a very supportive teacher, I never felt I wasn’t doing well and he steered me to create something lovely. It was physically tiring but not as tough as I expected, mentally it was actually sort of comforting. I definitely want another go at creating from stone. Left tired but happy and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Sally Price 

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I cannot recommend a better antidote to the stress and hassle of daily life than to become absorbed in transforming stone for hours, lost in a beautiful setting. Andrew's guidance and support to explore the stone, in the way each person wants, works so well. Thank you.

Julie 

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I’ve been wanting to do one of Andrew's courses for many years. Finally I attended one last week and it was brilliant.
The setting in Mount Pleasant Gardens is stunning. Andrew's individualised teaching style created a relaxed informal atmosphere enabling everyone to master the tools and techniques. A great group of people all left with a sculpture to be proud off. I can hardly believe I’ve made mine!
If you’re pondering on whether to do this course, don’t wait years like I did.

Anna 

 

I was bought this by my daughters as a birthday gift, and it turned out to be an inspired choice.Thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend, it was totally therapeutic. Andrew was an excellent instructor, patient and informative, guiding us all through our various projects. A fun relaxing weekend set in beautiful gardens and a masterpiece to take home at the end. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anybody.

Paul Turton 

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The course was originally booked for my wife by our children as she loves crafting in all its diversities. I was coerced by her to attend with her. We had little knowledge of what to expect other than the images and reviews on line and were apprehensive to say the least. We should not have worried at all as Andrew was excellent in seeking out our ideas of what we wanted to do during the coming two days. There were no surprises with Andrew, he gave assistance to suit individual needs, skills and attributes as he saw what we were each capable of. My wife Maria and I were thrilled with our own completed items at the end of the course and also with each and every other item produced by everyone else who was there. All the participants on the course interacted and got on well with each other over the two days and were genuinely supportive of each others efforts. We would both highly recommend this course to anyone who thinks it is something they would like to undertake, just go for it, you will really enjoy it, especially the finished work of art you will come away with.

John Woodhouse

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Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the stone carving course last week. Andrew’s patience, encouragement and instruction were excellent and I was so pleased with what I achieved over the two days. It was such a lovely venue to learn something new as well, the gardens at Mount Pleasant are stunning. I would definitely like to return for another course.

Wendy 

 

I did the stone carving course with Andrew this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Laid back, fun and informative. The other students were a great bunch. I'd really recommend giving it a go.

David Colton 

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We have been on 2 of Andrew’s stone carving courses and have thoroughly enjoyed both weekends.
Andrew is a very laid back teacher and full of encouragement, enthusiasm and humour and knows exactly how to guide you so you feel comfortable with what you are trying to achieve.
We are both really proud of our sculptures and amazed that we could create something out of a block of stone. Andrew was excellent at showing us how to use the various tools and the techniques we needed.
We would highly recommend the course, we met some really lovely people who all encouraged each other and we are looking forward to going back again!
The gardens at Mount Pleasant are also stunning to explore and it’s an added bonus to be able to eat your packed lunch in such a beautiful place.

Sam Bacon 

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Having strolled past the exhibition of carving at Tatton Park Flower Show a couple of years ago, I signed up to go along to one of the workshops. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to create and by the end of the weekend was very pleased with my achievement. The only downside, it left me wanting to do more. Now two years later I'm signed up with a friend to make my next piece. Better prepared this time. So looking forward to the experience again.

Sandra Savage-Fisher 

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A brilliant weekend trying stone carving for the first time.
A relaxed course with plenty of guidance when required. Andrew provided help with design and all the different tools we used, plus the best way to get a good finish on the piece.
I have something I am proud to display.
The gardens are beautiful too, with a meadow, shady areas, perennials, Japanese garden, tree ferns and a sculpture trail.
Highly recommended. We will be back.

Ally Noble 

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An excellent course set in a relaxed environment.
I've never done any stonework before but with Andrew's help I was chipping away like a pro in no time.
Very relaxed course with a group of like minded people a few who were back for more (I know I'll be going back).
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the weekend passed in a flash. I was very happy with the sculpture I made which is now enjoying pride of place in my garden.
Gardens were lovely too and well worth a walk around during lunch and finding a nice spot to enjoy it.
I can highly recommend this course to anyone who fancy's a go at stone carving.

Stephen Ward

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Just back from a fabulous weekend’s workshop with Andrew and amazed what we could achieve in 2 days.
The course is very relaxed in terms of how it is run with 1-1 attention when needed and plenty of encouragement along the way. The 12 of us on the course all came with different ideas and all left with something unique. My arms are aching from the hammer and chisel work but it’s a good ache when you know you have achieved something. I made a block of limestone into some hands that capture the sunlight when at the correct angle, it was maybe a bit ambitious for a first timer but Andrew’s encouragement to go for it and teaching new skills as we individually moved to a new tool and new technique was very good.
Well worth the time and cost, I’ll be back for more!

Maureen Abson