The Learn programme
‘Hugh was great, so insightful and helpful with my own project. Gave me instruction and help but also allowed me space to make my own mistakes and learn! It was a really good experience and one I would highly recommend!’
– James F
Open to everyone. You learn and work on your project at your own pace alongside friendly, like-minded people. No experience necessary, equally if you have experience that’s great too. We guide you throughout. If you are new to the programme you will start with a one-to-one, during which you will be shown around the workshop and the equipment, discuss your project and of course ask any questions. After this you can join the group classes.
The one-to-one classes are one hour 15 minutes. Start here then continue into the group classes. At any stage you can book one-to-ones to cover specific new skills, advice on a project, or setting up a home workshop/toolkit.
The group classes are three hours, with a maximum of five people per session. There will always be a tutor available to advise, show you what to do, and to help. Minimum three sessions.
More about Booking – this is done through our Bookwhen pages
There are two main booking options:
- Passes: for three, five and 10 sessions.
Details and prices here. - Memberships: two levels – Standard and Premium
Details and prices here.
All new members need to do an initial one-to-one with Hugh (ie. anyone who has not done a class with Hugh). In whichever package chosen this is counted as the first session.
Gift Vouchers: These are a popular option – details and prices here.
NB Bookwhen’s Booker helpcentre is here.
‘I love the classes here! Hugh is a fantastic mentor and it’s great to meet other woodworkers and find out about their projects too.’
– Rosie H
Team Awaydays
These are great for team building. Not only do you get a unique and different awayday but you are also supporting our Community Programme. Contact us to work out a programme that suits your team: eg make a Leonardo bridge, model racing cars or work individually on projects – such as chopping boards, or simple boxes. Refreshments are provided and lunch/evening refreshments are available from local cafes and pubs. Hugh is a skilled teacher, facilitator and trainer and we can tailor a great, well-paced and fun programme for you. Enquiries via the contact form
Private Groups:
We offer bespoke one-off group classes half day or whole day. This could be for a group of friends or family wanting to try something new, You could come in for two hours of making chopping boards or similar. Lunch/evening refreshments available from local cafes and pubs. These events are popular and work well. (Sorry 16 and over only.)
‘If you like to learn news skills, I can highly recommend signing up for a Woodwork class. I truly enjoyed my experience!’
– Miran G
Community Programme
We raise funds, seek sponsorships and use profits to provide specialist classes, places and courses for people with additional or specific needs (eg. mental health, stroke rehabilitation, autism) and for marginalised groups (eg. homeless, refugees.) This is delivered in partnership with our network of trusted charity and community partners, for example Greenwich Homeless Project. Our community benefit goals are:
- Creating confident Woodworkers, enabling work readiness
- Improving health and wellbeing, through social connection and reducing isolation
- Promoting good environmental and sustainable practice
‘Hugh was great, so insightful and helpful with my own project. Gave me instruction and help but also allowed me space to make my own mistakes and learn! It was a really good experience and one I would highly recommend!’
– James F
Environmental Policy
We focus on positive ways we can improve our environmental foot- print for the long-term benefit of all. To this end we:
- work locally
- use local suppliers as far as possible
- ensure that timber and materials we buy are responsibly sourced
- reuse and refurbish where possible.
- do not own a vehicle, for choice it’s a bicycle – where necessary we use shared transport solutions such as Zipcar, Zipvan, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and cabs
- keep up to date with the latest research around environmental issues through our support of Friends of the Earth, Woodland Heritage, and the Woodland Trust.
- Design, create and adapt products of quality – designed to last
- minimise waste generation through the following:
reduced consumption; recycle packaging, plastics and office paper; waste timber off-cuts recycled as fuel (any good material goes to local projects eg. Men in Sheds); use information technology to reduce printed material; safe and proper disposal of any waste created that is not recyclable; use rechargeable battery power tools; use of environmentally friendly lacquers, paints and materials as far as possible.
‘Woodworks is a fantastically supportive and friendly place to learn, experiment and create. Hugh’s coaching approach and the ‘hive mind’ of the workshop make it a great place to try things out and develop skills. Starting as a complete ‘non-woodworker’ I’ve been able to build confidence and complete a mixture of projects for my home and for family and friends. I can’t get enough of it and would recommend it to anyone!’
– Matthew W
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