A regular gathering organised by Dorset Coppice Group, Spoon Club brings together people interested in traditional green woodworking. Honor Bank recently paid a visit to one of the group’s sessions at Bonsley and shares her impressions:
We thought we’d take a drive out to Bonsley to see who was about at Dorset Coppice Group’s Spoon Club. It was a bit of an overcast day but the classroom was open to welcome any enquiring passer-by. We sat outside, tucked in beside the classroom and surrounded by the green of this season’s new spring leaves and with nature’s background music. Naturally, we were being overseen by the permanent local residents among the branches.
Members worked quietly – some with small axes, just starting to shape out their blank. Others were scooping out their spoons or bowls with careful strokes of their knives.
Visiting the club, it felt like stepping into a slower-paced afternoon. Between cups of tea there was easy conversation: hedge talk, wood talk, chats about grain direction and carving techniques, knives, wildlife and old traditions – as well as new ones. With a basket of tools, plenty of patience, craftsmanship and community spirit – and, of course, a cuppa in hand – we enjoyed a relaxing couple of hours.
We all know what happens in Spoon Club…
To learn more about Dorset Coppice Group and their activities, please contact David Ewers, chairman, on 07588 432812 or [email protected]
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