Hello Everybody
Westonbirt's "Exhibitree" is part of the 7 day "Festival of The Tree" of which the only thing that runs for the full 7 days is "Sculptree" i.e the large chain saw sculptures.
Exhibitree is 22-25th August inclusive and Classic Hand Tools are busy working on their marquee for their 2008 effort. There is a great deal to see and even if you only visit the arboretum it will be worth the day out.
Those of you thinking of camping/caravanning I 'd like to save you some stress. It is quite a task to find places close to Tetbury - I have stayed at this place 3 times in the past
http://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/wi ... adilly.htm
and whilst it is a 1/2 hour + run into Westonbirt - it was the best we could find and has the advantage of good pubs and food in the historic village, which is a 10 minute trundle away. If you want to book up I'd do it now as they are always busy that particular weekend. There are closer ones but some are quite ropey. Accommodation in and around Westonbirt is expensive.
Westonbirt 2008 - Philly has accepted our invitation to join us as has David Charlesworth (one day), Chairmaker James Mursell, John Lloyd, Rob Cosman, Martin Kellermaier (bow maker) Woodcarvers Chris Pye & Peter Berry, Woodturner Mark Hancock, Robery Sorby, Mick Hudson from Clifton, Nick Gibbs from British Woodworking.
New for 2008 (apart from Philly) are The Austrian Woodcarving School, planemaker Bill Carter (one day only), Guitarmaker Nick Blishen, Woodcarver Dave Bennett & Steve Westbury (shingle maker). Our marquee is a demonstration led affair. I am awaiting responses from several other people who will add value and interest to woodworkers. Further info will be posted here and on our web site in due course.
We will have a masterclasses running on all 4 days.
Westonbirt 2007 - The only complaint we had last year was that people wished they had come for more than one day. Betty Norbury will be doing her exhibition up the road at Cheltenham so you can find two reasons to travel to the Cotswolds that week!
Finally, The forum is officially invited to take up some space in the marquee - no favours asked and no affiliation sought - I know you'll have a great time and if you pick up some new members, then power to your elbow. Just let me know, you will be expected to demonstrate though and contribute to the cake kitty!
Regards Mike
P.S I hope I am not tempting fate but this will be my 9th year and it hasn't rained once!
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