There is a wealth of craft expertise locally. Why not combine a stay at Hollow Ash with a craft experience, such as basket-making, blacksmithing, singing, or apple juicing. Contact the individual craftspeople to discuss availability and prices.
Basketry
The ‘Wild Wicker’ day course in basket-weaving techniques is an introduction to basket-making using various types of willow and seasonal hedgerow materials. Clyde will guide you through the basic weaves involved in a fruit basket from the base right through to the finished basket.
Contact Clyde at clyde@wildwicker.com. Visit wildwicker.com
Clyde’s wicker course was so memorable…
Ruth & Toby
Blacksmithing
You can enjoy three or five hours of blacksmithing with a fully trained and experienced member of the team. Take away a beautifully crafted piece of ironwork, created by your own hands.
Contact Oldfield Forge at academy@oldfiedforge.co.uk. Visit www.oldfieldforge.co.uk
Singing
Receive a short, intensive, personalised course of singing lesson(s) from professional mezzo-soprano Catherine King. The lesson(s), which will take place in Catherine’s home about 3 miles from Hollow Ash, will each last 1 hour and will include exercises and songs to suit your ability and experience. Catherine recommends 3 lessons over as many days.
Contact Catherine at ck@catherineking.org . Visit catherineking.org
Beekeeping
Do you fancy getting up close and personal to a hive full of busy honey bees? You are welcome to visit local beekeeper Janet Lowore – about 3 miles from Hollow Ash – and visit her bees. You can see inside a working hive, meet the bees and get an introduction to the basics of beekeeping. Janet practises natural beekeeping which means she allows the bees to live as close-to-nature as possible. Janet works for international charity Bees for Development and your fee for the visit will go towards supporting beekeepers in developing countries. Clean bee suits provided.
Contact Janet at janetlowore@beesfordevelopment.org
Apple juicing
Come and join in with the apple harvest at Hollow Ash. Our small orchards are planted with local or old varieties of apple, including Adam’s Pearmain (first recorded in Norfolk 1826), Ashmead’s Kernel (Gloucestershire 1700) and Catshead (England, 1629). We offer you the chance to pick apples and learn how to press, bottle and preserve the juice. Take home the fruits of your labour and remember your holiday when you drink your own apple juice! September and October only.
Contact Jeremy at juice@hollow-ash.co.uk