Owen Jones

Owen Jones runs a number of workshops throughout the year. If you would like to have a go at making an oak swill yourself then come along to a workshop.

Courses run over three days during which time we cover all aspects of swill making: starting with oak and hazel in the round, cleaving, boiling and riving the oak; dressing and steam-bending the hazel rim or bool; and finally everyone will weave and complete their own swill.

The course is quite intensive but no previous experience in either basketry or green wood working is required. This course can be treated as a one off experience, or as an introduction for those intending to take this craft further. All tools and materials are supplied. All you need is stout footwear and oldish clothes.

Feedback from previous participants has indicated that they really enjoyed the course, the challenge of learning how this ancient craft is practised, the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to meet other people, as well as the satisfaction of coming away with a completed swill of their own making. So if you feel like doing something totally different I will welcome you on one of my courses this year.

At my home in the Lake District

In 2012 I am running the following five courses from my home in the Lake District:

• Friday - Sunday          30th March to 1st April
• Friday - sunday           20th to 22nd  April
  
• Wednesday - Friday    15th to 17th August
• Friday - Sunday           28th to 30th September
• Friday - Sunday           12th to 14th October

The course fee is £170 per person. This includes all materials, a vegetarian lunch each day, and all tea & coffee.  

The timings of the course are 9.30 am to 5.30 pm each day.  

I can  provide information about local B&Bs and campsites; please ask me for details when booking 

How to book Courses run at my home:  
The best way to book is to phone, or e-mail, to check availability of places.  I will then pencil you in and hold your place for 7 days until you confirm by either sending the full fee for the March and April dates or sending a deposit cheque for £50 for the Aug, Sep and Oct dates with the balance to be paid one month prior to the course and I will mail you to request this balance.

I will also be running a three day swill basket course of identical content at "the Woodland Skills centre", Bodfari, N Wales on Fri - Sun 23rd - 25th March. For all info and bookings go to  www.woodlandskillscentre.co.uk

In addition to my swill basket courses I will be tutoring a cleft oak hurdle course on weekend of 16th/17th June. It will be hosted by Brantwood, Coniston and all details and to book go to www.brantwood.org.uk/courses