Bushcraft London

WHITTLE A SPOON

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/whittle-a-spoon-8/ **⋆⋆⋆** Like spoons? You’ll love this. If the idea of carving a spoon appeals to you, but setting out into a muddy wood and starting your learning by wielding an axe seems somewhat daunting, join us for a one-day course that will bypass all that and yet give you the immense satisfaction of watching a fully-fledged spoon emerge from your handiwork. Each spoon will be carved using seasoned wood and we will use Lime – a light, silky smooth and close-grained wood- used by great master carvers in St Paul Cathedral and stately homes. In one day, you will learn how to create a spoon from Lime wood- a traditional seasoned hardwood that holds detail and is a pleasure to carve with a cutout decoration detail in the handle. This can be a straight handle or a heart, but if you have an idea for a simple design, we can try and make this possible too. Your spoon will be a gift to keep for yourself or give to your loved one. This course is taught by Jon Hall, a talented professional City and Guild trained carver who teaches our one-day ‘Intro to Woodcarving’. We supply all the tools and materials and can advise you on which simple tools to buy to carry on this fascinating hobby. Love Spoons. In folk museums and heritage craft collections throughout Europe and the UK, you can sometimes see versions of these charming ‘Lovespoons’- some with one or two hearts carved out of their handles. The traditional lovespoon was made by a man who gave it to his beloved in order to show his skills and commitment. Her father would also have been able to see the man’s craftsmanship. Some of them are full of complex symbolism. A lock denoting security, a cross for faith, horseshoes for luck, bells for marriage and some including interlinked chains. As a ‘pastime’, many hours were spent on them and sailors passed their free time embellishing them with mermaids and anchors. One-day course 10.00 – 5.00pm.

Crafting in the Old Diorama

INTRO TO WOODWORK – FLIP LID DOVETAIL BOX – 5 AFTERNOONS

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-51/ ⋆⋆⋆ **Details:** An absorbing five-week course for confident beginners and an enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this five-week course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass-backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. This well-proportioned flip-lidded box is constructed of European redwood using a single dovetail joint at each corner and the fitted hardwood lid is attached to the base by a handmade ‘dowel’ peg hinge. The project will familiarise learners with many classic woodwork techniques and is taught with patience and enthusiasm by Andy Nicholl, who has devised this informative and challenging project. You will take home a treasure to treasure- and we hope it will enthuse you to learn how to make many handmade woodwork projects in the years to come. If your keyboard-weary hands have been needing the skill to fulfil and satisfy a yearning desire to create something you can hold, come and join us in our well-equipped and inspiring workshops and discover the wonderful world of woodwork. **Key skills:** * Measuring marking and cutting dovetail joints to make an accurate framed box. * Planing and shaping a hardwood lid to fit the softwood frame base. * Making and fitting a hardwood dowel joint to attach the frame base to the lid.

Craft Session

Come and join us on Tuesday evening, 7-9pm for a chill evening of crafting. We meet at London Friend office, 86 Caledonian Road, London N19DN. You don't need to RSVP, so you can just show up. This session is a drop in and a chance to meet likeminded people to socialise with even if you don’t fancy getting crafty. Materials are provided onsite for FREE and no experience is needed! This social activities group is open to all LBT women plus non-binary people who have an identity within a community that centres on women. We are looking forward to seeing you! :)

FEBRUARY 22 - 28 - LA GOMERA - Isla Mágica (the magical island)

**Backabush is heading back to the Canary Islands to visit La Gomera!** **La Gomera is known as "the magical island" or "the Canary island that time forgot" because of its incredible natural beauty.** FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306789341](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306789341)

Craft Session - Bracelet Making!

Come and join us on Tuesday evening, 7-9pm for a chill evening of crafting making bracelets. We meet at London Friend office, 86 Caledonian Road, London N19DN. You don't need to RSVP, so you can just show up. This session is a drop in and a chance to meet likeminded people to socialise with even if you don’t fancy getting crafty. Materials are provided onsite for FREE and no experience is needed! This social activities group is open to all LBT women plus non-binary people who have an identity within a community that centres on women. We are looking forward to seeing you! :)

The Wonder of Ancient Oak Savernake Forest, Berkshire

**Distance**: 24km (15 miles approx) circular route **Ascent**: 265m **Duration**: 6 hours walking **Grade**: Moderate Savernake Forest is a quiet, hidden wonder that holds more veteran trees than anywhere else in Europe - walking here feels like moving through deep time. My plan is to visit this February when the forest stands bare, allowing the full presence of the trees to be seen and felt. Without leaves, their vast forms and ancient structures are revealed in a way that is really striking . I’ll return again in autumn, when the same paths are transformed by colour, offering a very different, equally powerful experience. Savernake is the largest privately owned forest in Britain, set within the North Wessex Downs. Its damp, heavy soils are particularly well suited to oak and beech, and many of the trees have immense girths that are awe-inspiring. Some are over 1,000 years old, bearing the marks of centuries of weather, growth, and survival. Some of trees to see are: King of Limbs (Radioheads 2011 album is named after it), Cathedral Oak, Big Belly Oak, New Queen Oak, Replacement King Oak to name but a few! There will be an optional pub stop at the end of the walk. The toilets in the forest are closed for the winter and there are no cafes along our way, so come prepared with enough food and water for the day. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Group size:** 20 **Start**: 8.40am London Paddington for Group Save **Meet:** 8:50 for those who buy their own tickets **MORNING train from London** **Dep**: 09:05 London Paddington **Arr:** 10.30 Great Bedwyn **RETURN:** **Finish:** 5.30pm at the pub **Return train**: 17:41. Next train is an hour later **Arr:** 18.57 in London Paddington. **Recommended train ticket** Off-Peak Day Return to Great Bedywn * **£29 group save/ network rail price** Recommended: yearly Network Railcard for reduced train prices www.network-railcard.co.uk **Meeting Point:** In front of Heathrow Express Ticket Office **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[complete list]()[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

Learn & Play Riichi Mahjong Sunday Afternoon Session

Japanese Riichi Mahjong is a fun game for 4 people but beware it is very addictive ;-)Beginners are welcome. Our hosts and regulars will be glad to show you the basics to get you started on this fun game. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ The board game cafe charges per session are food and drink minimum spend requirement of £15 plus £6.50 cover charge. The Library Pot menu https://librarypot.uk/menu/ **Please don't bring any food or drink to be consumed on the premises.** Sorry no bicycles or buggies of any type inside. DISCLAIMER: By joining in on any of our Meetup activities you agree and accept, that, by the simple act of attending, you are fully responsible for your own safety & well-being and that you will not hold the Host/s responsible in any way for any injuries or other loss that you may suffer.

WOODTURNING – PEPPERMILL

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodturning-peppermill/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodturning-peppermill/) **⋆⋆⋆** This one day woodturning workshop will further your learning journey in woodturning techniques used in the pen and bowl turning workshop. During this one-day woodturning workshop you will learn the ’Headstock method’ ‘Spindle turning,’ accurate drilling, fitting two parts together and decorative tips, to make a Peppermill. Discover the parts of the lathe and understand how to safely secure your work, the methods to use with each chisel and how to sand and finish your projects. You will start by turning a practice piece before moving onto the peppermill, using spindle turning techniques, learning to drill accurately and introducing the use of a woodwork chisel and tenon saw in the process. Making the peppermill will teach you how to make and fit two parts together. By creating a ‘spigot’ on the head of the mill to fit nicely into the body of the Peppermill. Suitable for those who have attended our pen and bowl making workshop however confident beginners are also welcome. For more information, check out our website: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/woodturning-make-a-peppermill-whistle/

WOODWORK – STEP UP LOW WOOD STOOL – 5 EVENINGS

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-step-up-low-wood-stool-6-evenings-3/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-step-up-low-wood-stool-6-evenings-3/) ⋆⋆⋆ This course is another charming project from our a cherished Edwardian instructional woodwork manual, ‘Carpentry for Beginners’. The projects in the book are perfect for learning basic woodwork skills and we have refined the instructions to incorporate a modern craft construction. This classic ‘child’s stool’ is a handy ‘hop up’ you can use if you have shelves you can’t reach at home and small ones can reach the sink by standing on it. It measures 40cm x 22cm x 26cm high. We use a redwood pine wood that releases a heady and uplifting scent when cut, chiseled and planed. Even if you have never used any tools, a professional cabinet maker will teach you the processes you will need to take home a future heirloom along with a very special sense of satisfaction that comes with crafting by hand. You will learn how to measure and mark timber accurately, use a chisel and a vintage ‘Granny’s tooth’ hand router to cut out grooves to house the legs into the sides of the stool. By the time you have finished your useful step up stool, you will have become familiar with many of the basic woodworking hand tools and increased your confidence to go on and do more general woodwork at home.

INTRO TO WOODTURNING

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodturning-117/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodturning-117/) **⋆⋆⋆** If you have ever seen wood turned on a lathe and been intrigued by the bowls and forms made on it, this one-day workshop will demystify the technique and teach you basic techniques to make a simple bowl and a hardwood barreled pen. You will be led by expert, Nathan Cardwell who is a passionate woodworker and a patient tutor. When not with us, he teaches woodwork in a London boy’s school. Nathan will introduce the parts of the lathe and explain how to safely secure your work, the methods to use with each chisel and how to sand and finish your projects. During the day you will learn the ’Headstock method’ to make a small bowl in hardwood and ‘Spindle turning’ to make a wooden tube that fits into a metal pen mechanism. We will supply everything so come with curiosity and enthusiasm and leave with satisfaction, a bowl and a ready-to-use rollerball pen. We will also advise you on how to continue this fascinating hobby with guidance on buying your own lathe, tools and timber.

WOODWORK – SET OF STEPS

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-set-of-steps-8/ ⋆⋆⋆ This timeless classic is taken from our favourite 1910 vintage woodwork book. It is a brand new project for our Carpentry for Beginners courses. Take home a fabulously useful set of steps, beautifully crafted with ‘Through tenons’ and ‘shoulder’ joints. Measurements are: 53cm H x 50cm W and 55cm D when open. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, experienced craftsman Len Conway will guide and inspire you as he teaches age-old techniques in carpentry. As you begin learning how to make traditional wood joints in seasoned redwood, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and marking gauges. Len is an experienced carpenter and teacher. He conveys his skilful practical experience with light-hearted humour. Learners will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. Over 5 specified days, we will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session while making a small set of steps that you will take home. **We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:** * Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry. * Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Cutting accurately with a hand saw * Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice. * Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice. **You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:** * Simple joints and why we use them. * Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes. * Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon **You will make a simple project to take home:** It’s fast-paced but with the support of Len, you will complete your own project to make a small set of steps. * Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces. * Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws. * Sand and smooth to a stage where your project is ready for staining or waxing and taken home with pride. All personal protection, the use of tools and basic materials are included. **This course is suitable for beginners**