Please note that the classes can ONLY be attended by advance booking! I am never short of people wanting to come so please don't leave it too late - I can't hold dates for you without payment I'm afraid.

Last time all the dates were fully booked within a few weeks so please don't leave it too late if you are thinking of booking.

I try to update the lists of available dates each day but if I get several bookings for the same class on one day then I might have to ask you to change your date - you can leave an alternative date in the text box for technical instructions on the order form.

Classes are only available by booking in advance.

STICK MAKING CLASS

ONLINE BOOKING

Buy your friend or loved one a place on a stick-making class - or simply treat yourself! A class makes a wonderful surprise present.

IMPORTANT
FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED BEFORE A BOOKING CAN BE CONFIRMED.

  * If Covid rules are changed or severe winter weather is forecast please contact me a few days before the class is due so we can rearrange a date.

If you have to change the date of a class (after we have confirmed it with you) it may be possible - but only if we can allocate the place to someone else. We can't afford to have empty spaces. In the event of a refund being made we reserve the right to withhold a £5 admin fee to cover postage, time spent and bank charges.

If you have questions to ask or comments you'd like to make about the classes then please
email me

Please be aware though - I don't know the dates of classes until they are worked out and published here.

Correct as of 1pm - 14th December datesccasionally become ava

ONE-DAY BEGINNERS CLASS ( (

 A one day class in the basic skills involved in making your own sticks. No experience needed but minimum age is 18 (because of insurance limitations). Most of the people who come have never made a stick before - but everyone goes home with a complete stick they have made! Anyone with a bit of stickmaking knowledge who would like to improve and learn some new tricks is also welcome.

The format of the class is really simple - I show you how to do something, then watch you do it on your own so you really do make the complete stick on the day! If you need more advice - I'm here to help as much as you need. You must be fairly fit though as I can't make the whole stick for you.

Everyone who attends learns how to straighten a stick, make a "proper" traditional peg joint to fix the handle to the shank and use standard hand tools to work the handle and shank to a finished stage. No power tools are used by students - all power-sawing and drilling is done before the class. There is a choice of five or six different handle types in wood to use to make walking and hiking sticks - many people come back more than once to make different sticks.

ALL MATERIALS AND TOOLS ARE PROVIDED FOR YOU ON THE DAY. Tea, coffee and buiscuits are provided throughout the day. There are so many important dietary requirements these days and we can't cater for these so please bring your own lunch.

Classes start at 9.00am and finish at 4.30.
We hold the classes in my private workshop and have use of the toilets at the Walled Garden very close by.

If you get held up on the day for any reason then try and let me know, if you're a little bit late we can make up some lost time and still get finished.

Maximum of Three people only in each class. Price is £160 per person inc. VAT.
All materials and use of tools are included in the price and you take your stick home!.

Coffee and tea is provided at frequent intervals - bring your own lunch.

ALL THESE CLASSES ARE ON SUNDAYS FROM 9AM-4.30PM

NO DATES ARE AVAILABLE AT PRESENT.

Three places available normally unless stated. Click box to change date

You will receive an automated provisional receipt of the class booking before we have chance to physically check that a place is available for you - so I strongly suggest that you wait until we have confirmed your booking by post before you make any plans or pay for any accommodation!

If you require accommodation for a stay in Helmsley there are several hotels, guest houses etc. in and around the town. Within Helmsley itself I can recommend the following:
Stilworth House B+B which is a short walk from the workshop

If you would prefer traditional Farmhouse B&B you might like to try Carr House Farm just a few miles away near Ampleforth.

For advice on other places please look HERE or HERE

If you don't receive confirmation of a place BY POST within a week of making the booking then YOU MUST contact us to check the situation!

Paper confirmation overrides any email receipt - which may have to have a day or name changed if you update your booking.

I thought I would share this email I received from one of my "students" following his attendance at a beginners class:

"Keith,

When I arrived home last night I was greeted by 3 little people enthusiastic to see my 'efforts' and a wife who was thrilled with the end product.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would like to thank you for your patience, sharing of knowledge and opportunity to learn a lovely skill which I hope to improve in time. It was one of the most thoughtful presents I have ever had and I found the day to be very therapeutic indeed (perhaps slightly different from your perspective!!).

I now have the confidence and desire to learn and do more. There will be use of the website in time I hope for placing orders.

Great to have a laugh over LJS etc.

Thank you for a fabulous day and for your kind hospitality.

All the Best

Chris."

(LJS is a reference to the school which we both attended)

If you are interested in other arts and crafts courses in North Yorkshire then I can thoroughly recommend http://artison.co.uk/ from personal experience!

ArtisOn is held about 40 minutes drive away from Helmsley so maybe your spouse or partner could go there while you enjoy a stickmaking class here?

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