TRAINING COURSES FOR BEGINNERS
SOMERSET
2008
The next course at the scythe shop in Somerset is scheduled for Saturday 23 August, 2008. The cost is £50, including lunch.
To book a place, please e-mail chapter7@tlio.org.uk or phone 01460 249204.
ABOUT THE COURSES
These are day-long training courses for beginners. They are run by Simon Fairlie with help from Mike Zair.
The courses cover:
• selecting the right blade and snath for the job (or making best use of what you've got):
• setting up a scythe and snath;
• peening with a jig, and and introduction to freehand peening with hammer and anvil;
• sharpening;
• mowing technique;
• how to avoid damaging the blade, and how to repair chips and cracks;
• managing grass with scything in mind.These courses are fairly informal, and will probably be held at The Potato Store, Flaxdrayton Farm, S Petherton, near Yeovil in Somerset (nearest train stations, Yeovil and Crewkerne). We take 10 people on each course which will take place from 10.00 till 5.30, or later if anybody wants. Lunch and snacks are provided. You do not need to bring your own scythe, but if you have one, please do bring it if it is not too inconvenient.
If you live some way away, and can get five or more people together Simon can come and run a day long course, price by arrangement.
DEVON and WILTS
Simon is also giving courses for beginners at:
August 9/10 Land Matters: near Totnes, Devon Two day course. For more information telephone Charlotte at Landmatters 01803-712718 or via www.landmatters.org.uk
August 13 Salisbury. Chris Riley is organizing a course near Salisbury, with Simon as tutor. Chris Riley, Reserves Officer,
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Duck Street, Steeple Langford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4NH
01722 792011
COURSES IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
If you live in the North of England, Raymond Lister provides scything workshops. Raymond attended the two day course given by Peter Vido in May 2005, and also gives workshops on other rural skills. He won the 2006 West Country Scything Championship. For more information contact Raymond Lister, 22 Hind Street, Retford, Notts DN22 7EN; 01777 710091; 07791 388415; 07791 544061; raylister@hotmail.com