Bow drill workshop [Archive] - BushcraftUK: Community Forum

falling rain

05-11-2005, 11:08

There's been lots of questions recently about fire by friction using bow drill, so I thought I'd run a workshop for people on bcuk who havn't quite got to grips with this method of fire lighting yet and would like to.
It will be open to everyone in bcuk community and will be completely free. I would ask if people didn't mind they could make a donation to the woodland trust http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/ if they want to, but that is not compulsory it's entirely up to you.
The date is sunday 11th December 2005 at Farmer Gow's activity farm, Appleton, Oxford, from 1pm - 4pm (We can go a bit longer if we need to)There'll be a bowl of stew for everyone to keep us warm so bring your mess tins and spoons.
We'll cover - woods to use, selection/condition of wood, making your set including various ways of rigging up your bow, natural tinders (I love 'em) :D
and advice when drilling, posture and iron out any problems people are having with any aspects of bow drilling
We'll select our wood for the bows and bearing blocks and make those components ourselves. I will provide drills and hearths.
Directions - take A420 Oxford to Swindon road turn off at Appleton/ Eaton sign - through village to T-junction - Turn right and follow road for about 1 mile to Farmer Gow's (big green sign)
Tony has OK'd me to post this - so a big thanks to Tony :You_Rock_
Should be a good social day for like minded people. Please let me know if you're coming so I'll have an idea of numbers to expect to get the stew organised and have enough drills and hearths.
Any questions give me a shout via PM
hope some of you can make it, and looking forward to meeting some community folks

Cheers :D

Yohny

05-11-2005, 11:48

What an excellent idea! I've had smoke before with a bow drill, but never teh ember to start tinder alight. If I can get away that day, then count me in. The donation idea is a good one as well.
Look forward to it!
Cheers
Yohny

andyn

05-11-2005, 12:44

Hey thats a great idea :You_Rock_

That will be a busy weekend for you then Nick :)

Will you be able to get back from the Dartmoor gathering in time :dunno: :)

May well consider coming straight up there myself as I have the Monday off work :D But i may well smell a bit by then :yikes: :lmao: :lmao:

falling rain

05-11-2005, 13:01

Well done andyn for being the 1st person to spot my deliberate error :o
the workshop is on sunday the 18th of december 2005 because I'm in Dartmoor on the 11th - all timings info the same - If I had ANOTHER brain......I'd have 1 :)

Kepis

05-11-2005, 13:57

:( :( Would love to be there, but think im going to be in Singapore working :( :(

The Joker

05-11-2005, 14:11

Now its the 18th I might be able to make it, donation no probs :D

andyn

05-11-2005, 14:24

LOL, thats ok Nick :)

Definately hope to come along. Added it to the diary.

Grez

05-11-2005, 15:34

I'm up for it, I have always wanted to learn this method of fire lighting.

I will confirm once I have double checked as I may be working that weekend.

Grez..

wolf man

05-11-2005, 15:41

Nick

what a fantastic idea :You_Rock_ Count me in as a definite, i may bring SWMBO, will let you know asap.

Looking forward to it, its about bloody time i got my fire lighting skills sorted

Could you provide a grid ref for the farm please.

Razorstrop

05-11-2005, 16:10

Damn would have liked to get down there for that.

Sulking
Mr Strop

falling rain

05-11-2005, 16:23

Great stuff, looking good already.

Please be aware though that anyone travelling a long way, that it's an afternoon workshop and won't be possible to camp over night. If you want to travel a long distance to come along of course you're most welcome but you'll have to sort out your own sleeping arrangements.
Wolf man - I don't have the grid ref at the mo but I can definately get it for you. I'm at work at the moment and am working for the next few days so give me a few days and I'll post it in plenty of time. If you hit the Swindon road at Botley you'll see the turning for Appleton/Eaton on your right after about 3 miles. It's just off the A420

Of course if anyone wants to we can go for a beveroonie afterwards at the local hostelry :beerchug:

andyn

05-11-2005, 16:37

Wolfman, if my reading of Nick's instructions are correct then it is approx SP447026 somewhere on the road linking Appleton to Eaton.

Does that sound about right Nick?

P.S a swift drink before heading home sounds like a grand idea :D

falling rain

05-11-2005, 17:06

Yup, that sounds about right andyn. It's very easy. I'll post thr GR as soon as I can get to a map

Daniel Edwards

05-11-2005, 23:00

It doesn't sound too far, so I will hopehully be there!

oops56

05-11-2005, 23:37

Pignut

06-11-2005, 10:26

will be there with a another member of the forum (all being well)

will confirm in a day or two!

Wannabe

06-11-2005, 10:35

Hi Nick,

Count me in.

Thanks.

Mark.

bloodline

06-11-2005, 11:52

Thanks in advance, Ive never got round to learning just what I am looking for I will bring a mate of mine with me so put me down for two places. No problem about the donation is their anything else you want brought along ?

falling rain

06-11-2005, 12:59

Excellent stuff plenty of interest, and no limit on numbers for this so all welcome.
Bloodline - You only need to bring your mess tin/plate/bowl and a spoon (and cup for a brew) for the stew. I'll probably ask for a bit of help prepping the vegetables for the stew and I'm sure people will be willing to help with that. there'll be enough of us. I'll provide tea, coffee and herbal/fruit teas
I'm going to provide the drills and hearths as it will save time and people won't need to go round trying to find suitable wood for these, (with a lot of people this could take some time) but I will cover wood selection so you know what your looking for in the future. We can harvest wood for the other components from the woods on the farm.

The session will probably run

Finding and selection of suitable woods
prepping bow, bearing block, drill, and hearth
Natural tinders (I'll have a range of natural tinders to show you and explain where to find them) but we'll use meadow hay on the day again to save time and for ease
Lunch break
Demo by me with stage by stage explanations about technique, posture, etc
Everone has a go and I'll wander round checking progress and advising were necessary. Something along those lines anyway. It'll be a chilled and informal session I'm hoping Buckshot maybe able to give a hand and advise folks. (sorry Mark only if your not busy of course :p ) I havn't asked him yet so if your reading this Buckshot? :rolleyes: If Buckshot is busy that day we'll get by.
If everyone could bring some cord for their bows that would be helpful too, and of course your knives for carving the sets
Of course you can take your sets away with you at the end of the session.
I think that just about covers everything. If not give me a shout.

All the best :D

cronos

06-11-2005, 13:15

I am a newbie, but i would love to come along to the workshop, if i may?.
I will be in Bicester that weekend, how far away from Bicester is it.

Cronos

falling rain

06-11-2005, 14:14

Of course you're welcome Cronos that's why this is such a great forum everybody helps each other out. :D

From Bicester - straight down the A34 south - come off at Botley interchange and take A420 towards Swindon. Follow A420 for about 4 miles and take RH turn signed Appleton/Eaton follow through village to T-junction (there's a war memorial straight in front of you) TR at this junction and follow road to Farmer Gow's

Look forward to meeting you

Daniel Edwards

06-11-2005, 16:24

If everyone could bring some cord for their bows that would be helpful too, and of course your knives for carving the sets
Of course you can take your sets away with you at the end of the session.
I think that just about covers everything. If not give me a shout.

All the best :D

What type of cord? Will string do, or is it not strong enough?

falling rain

06-11-2005, 18:34

para cord 3 - 4mm should do the trick. http://www.surplusandadventure.com/ishop/800/shopscr1299.html
The army surplus on the Botley road definately sells it because that's where I get mine from.
Hope that helps

Buckshot

07-11-2005, 08:58

It'll be a chilled and informal session I'm hoping Buckshot maybe able to give a hand and advise folks. (sorry Mark only if your not busy of course :p ) I havn't asked him yet so if your reading this Buckshot? :rolleyes: If Buckshot is busy that day we'll get by. :D
Lol :D
Nick, yes I am free that day. :D
It'd be a pleasure to come along.

As a rough guide to location it's about 4-5 miles west of Oxford. So from Bicester, probably about 20 -25 minuets. It's dead easy to find.

Cheers

Mark

Phil562

07-11-2005, 09:30

Thanks for the reply to my PM :)

Myself, SWMBO and my two girls will be coming.

Cheers

falling rain

07-11-2005, 09:43

No probs Phil562 you're all welcome.

And Buckshot, that's great news it'll be great to have you there to help - very much appreciated :You_Rock_

Are you any good at chopping veg? :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Just kidding - I'll do most of that before everyone gets there, so we'll have more time bow drilling.

jdlenton

07-11-2005, 10:09

Hi I'm in, will put it in my diary

I figured out bow drill by my self (with a little reading and pointers in conversation with others) so some more instruction and a bit of practice would be very handy. I'm pretty good a chopping veg and i can help out with begginers if you need another set of hands.

James

Buckshot

07-11-2005, 10:16

And Buckshot, that's great news it'll be great to have you there to help - very much appreciated :You_Rock_

Are you any good at chopping veg? :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

:lmao: :lmao:

Grez

07-11-2005, 10:17

Well you can count me in, as I have confirmed that I am not working on the 18th. :)

Grez..

P.S. Let me know if you want a hand chopping veggies or anything as I can always come down a bit earlier.

cronos

07-11-2005, 21:03

I will be there for sure, cheers guys.
I am coming from 23 regt in bicester

Cronos

Steve K

08-11-2005, 10:15

I'd love to come along. A great offer thanks

I haven't managed to master this by myself and could certainly use a few pointers. i'm beginning to wonder whether the trick is slight of hand with a box of matches.

falling rain, if you need a hand I can get there earlier no problem.

Thanks
Steve

falling rain

08-11-2005, 16:30

The lady who owns the farm has agreed to let people camp if they want to. £3 per person per night. toilets and showers are available. you'll have to bring your own food or eat at the pub nearby in the evening. it's a small village so not a lot around in the way of shops. There is a village shop which will be open on the sunday/monday morning.
I'm doing the stew for the people attending the workshop on sunday afternoon.
I'll be camping too so I'll show everyone where everything is. I was planning to go for a drink at the village pub after the workshop so if folks want to have a drink the camping will be available so you don't need to drive.
Thanks for the offers of help from everyone. If you want to come along a little earlier say 12 - 12:30 tyo give a hand with a few jobs that would be great :You_Rock_
Looking forward to it

andyn

08-11-2005, 20:06

Room to string a hammock up Nick or is it a tenty place?

Thanks for arranging this, i'm really looking forward to it.

falling rain

08-11-2005, 20:45

I've never actually seen the camping area so don't know. There may well be a few trees but I'd go with a tent to be on the safe side, or bring both and if trees are there you can take your pick.
A fire wouldn't be a problem but can we stick with a communal fire for everyone please. We can keep a brew on, keep warm, and cook on the same fire.
First person to get an ember at the workshop who's never got an ember before can do the honours :p

andyn

08-11-2005, 21:53

falling rain

09-11-2005, 08:16

Nick...Your assuming that those who have never got embers before (me including) will be able to this time :lmao:

But with your help and that of the rest of you clever clogs :You_Rock_ i'm hopeful i might get there.

Fingers crossed :D

You'll get an ember andyn. :D That's what the workshop is about. At Glastonbury I did about 30 workshops with individuals over the 3 days and everyone except 2 people, managed to get an ember. Of the 2 who didn't manage it, One young chap was on the razz the night before and was exhausted before he'd even started, and the other wasn't really interested in giving it a good shot and gave up after the first attempt. some will manage it quicker than others but I hope everyone will have done it by the end of the workshop or at least be very close and be able to go away with the techniques. :D

Daniel Edwards

09-11-2005, 16:02

I was planning to go for a drink at the village pub after the workshop so if folks want to have a drink the camping will be available so you don't need to drive.

I would love to camp but I have collage in the morning :( . But I will join you for that drink, if that's ok, as I will be getting a lift from my parents because I can't drive! :beerchug:

cronos

11-11-2005, 21:22

falling rain

13-11-2005, 09:20

Not really cronos. Sorry. She's agreed to the sunday but I think asking about the saturday would be pushing it. If you want to get there early though no problem. There's a campsite in Oxford at Touchwood sports.which is about a 20 minute drive from the farm it's not bushcraft friendly though but they do have showers etc, and it's open 365 days a year so I can give you details of that if you like.
There's everything nearby you need pub, for meal etc, but as I say you won't be able to have a fire etc. Let me know if you want the details :D

Timm

14-11-2005, 08:06

I'll be there.

Tim

Povarian

14-11-2005, 09:35

the workshop is on sunday the 18th of december 2005 because I'm in Dartmoor on the 11th - all timings info the sameBother! The 11th I could have made (with the lad), but it's not looking good for the 18th - gotta be social elsewhere. :sigh:

cronos

19-11-2005, 09:40

Just wondering how many are going on Sunday and how many are staying over night.

Cronos

cronos

21-11-2005, 19:36

The Joker

21-11-2005, 19:45

lol lol lol :lmao: :lmao:

So its not just me that does things like that. :)

falling rain

21-11-2005, 20:09

It shows that you should spend time and read all the post :rolleyes:

how stupid did i feel, when i turned up at Gow's farm on sunday for the workship only to find i was a month to early :p :confused:

Sorry Nick

anyway the village pub is not bad :beerchug:

cronos

There's always one cronos.............and you're both of them :lmao:
You could have stayed and set things up ready for us :lmao:

falling rain

08-12-2005, 13:23

Just over a week to go till the workshop.

The cost of camping at the farm will be £4 per person for the sunday night. There is one toilet and shower, so we'll have to wait our turn for those who want a shower.
The local village pub have said they'll do a simple menu for those who want to eat in the evening. Pie and chips or Fish and chips that type of thing. Nothing too fancy just 2 or 3 choices we can pick from (no I don't know exactly what will be on offer ) but it will be as mentioned simple fare.

Timings then

(Cronos) Sunday the 18th December 2005 :)
Farmer Gow's Activity Farm - Appleton Oxfordshire

If everyone can be there for 10am we'll have a quick coffee and start at 10.30 quick break for some stew at 12- ish and a couple or 3 more hours in the afternoon. There's no definate finish time but we'll finish in time to get tents up (for those who are staying) If people want to go home staright away after the workshop that's fine, or if people want to just stay for some food at the pub and then shoot off no problem either

Can people who are staying for the camping and/or meal let me know asap please as the pub wants a rough idea of numbers to cater for and the farmer wants to know how many will be camping - Thanks

Please bring your knives and some cord. I'll supply the drills and hearths. Any questions please ask.
Looking forward to it :D

Steve K

08-12-2005, 13:46

I would like to stay and camp.

Thanks
Steve

Add Eat too!

andyn

08-12-2005, 14:22

Hi Nick - I'll def be there and will stay for the meal but will need to shoot off after that.

Daniel Edwards

08-12-2005, 15:18

Just to clarify, I'll definatly be ther, camping and be eating at the pub,

Thanks

Buckshot

08-12-2005, 21:34

I'll be there and eating :D

Grez

09-12-2005, 10:22

I will also be there but won't be camping or eating (got to drive home) :cool:

See you all there.

Ogri the trog

09-12-2005, 13:10

I have to work 12 hour nights on the friday and sunday, but if I can cram in enough sleep in credit, I'll try to come along.
Don't worry about stew or other eats, nor camping. If I can make it, it'll be a flying visit but one that will kindle( :rolleyes: ) a skill that I've been after for a long time.

Cheers

Ogri the trog

PS I should add that if I don't make it, its because I've fallen asleep somewhere ;) So don't wait.

jdlenton

09-12-2005, 13:31

I can't make it unfortunatly I've got to go and sort out a turkey for christmas dinner and do some other christmas related gumff

hope you all have a good time

James

falling rain

12-12-2005, 08:25

Thanks for the replies folks.
I'll put down for about 10 for eating in the evening then.

If you can all get there for around 10am that would be good.

Cheers

andyn

12-12-2005, 10:47

Hi Guys, unfortunately my Nan has been caught up in this nightmare up at hemel, depending on when she is allowed home i'll be going up there with my mum to help put things back in there place. The house is in one piece but there is a bit of mess where things have fallen off the walls and shelves that need fixing back on.

Fingers crossed I can get up there on Friday, but the police have cordoned the whole place off to stop looting etc so may not be till Sunday on Monday till we are allowed into the area.

If I don't make it I appologise.

Bright Ember

12-12-2005, 14:09

I'll be there Nick, see you Sunday at 10.00. Would love to camp but have got to work next morning so not possible this time.

Gerald

Timm

12-12-2005, 14:19

I'll Be that for 10, but won't be staying for the food in the evening.

Tim

bloodline

12-12-2005, 21:10

im still coming and will be there with a mate at 10 ive got a 6 o clock start monday so i cant camp on the sunday night

good will hunting

13-12-2005, 12:04

count me in for this bowdrill workshop sound a great encounter with the outdoors and anything to do with fire i am there.
i will be there and camping and pub i remember those things

falling rain

13-12-2005, 20:50

It's great to see so many are coming along to the workshop, it should be a good day.

Kit list

paracord
knife
spoon
bowl/mess tins etc
mug

and of course your camping gear if you're staying over night. (No hammock/tarp tying points I'm afraid)

any questions PM me before friday 20:30 please as I'll be offline after that time

Cheers

Geoffrey_Bubbles

13-12-2005, 21:13

Damn it, why are these things always miles away!

Would love to of joined you, but distance and time will permit me.

Hope you do a good write up afterwards. Perhaps you could even post up the finer points and a few pics...

Oh well, have fun all.

Geoff

falling rain

16-12-2005, 17:24

OK folks I'll be offline from about 8:30 tonight so I'll look forward to seeing y'all on Sunday at the farm at 10am. Looking forward to it :)

Any questions please ask before 8:30 tonight as I won't be on the BCUK site until next week now.

Cheers

Ogri the trog

18-12-2005, 17:01

This means that I get to be the first one to say a public thanks to everybody for making todays workshop so enjoyable. I won't list names as I'm bound to forget one or two, but I for one enjoyed the day and learnt a valuable skill. Now all I have to do is wipe the smile off my face and get through the night shift.

Thanks everyone

Ogri the trog

PS Tony, do we have a member status of "Firemaker"? ;)

Phil562

18-12-2005, 18:11

Well done to Falling Rain for organising a great workshop :You_Rock_

I have always thought fire by friction was some black art, not anymore :p

Nicks method of instruction was spot on, I may have been the first to make fire, but I certainly was'nt the last, despte leaving early, kids and wife in tow, their was fire sprouting everywhere.

Nick your all in stew and lashings of tea was very much appreciated as the temperature was cold to say the least.

All phots taken are in my gallery ( apologies for more of me but swmbo took them)

PS - Ogri which one was you, if I had known I would have said hello ;)

Tony

18-12-2005, 18:48

PS Tony, do we have a member status of "Firemaker"? ;)

Umm, it might come about ;) Although, I hope that everyone ends up as a firemaker, which would make it a bit redundant! :D

Fantastic stuff guys, it's great that you all go together and just got on with it. There’s so much that we can all give to each other and you lot are the example of how! It's what Bushcraft UK is all about :D

Ogri the trog

18-12-2005, 20:29

PS - Ogri which one was you, if I had known I would have said hello ;)

Phil562,
You did, I was disguised as the bloke in the green shirt ;)
2nd to get an inferno, green headover as a bob-hat, talking to Andyn as we walked towards the fire site.
3rd from left, facing camera in photo 181205 thankfully a sufficiently fuzzy shot ;)

ATB

Ogri the trog

Phil562

18-12-2005, 20:36

Phil562,
You did, I was disguised as the bloke in the green shirt ;)
2nd to get an inferno, green headover as a bob-hat, talking to Andyn as we walked towards the fire site.

ATB

Ogri the trog

Ogri

Yep, well hope to meet you again. I'm sure our paths will cross ;)

Hows that then me first with fire then you, hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Ogri the trog

18-12-2005, 20:45

Ogri

Yep, well hope to meet you again. I'm sure our paths will cross ;)

Hows that then me first with fire then you, hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

You bet you're boots I enjoyed it - can't wait to try it again, but I'm stuck in work. :(

All the best buddy

Ogri the trog

andyn

18-12-2005, 21:10

Well it was great to meet everyone and a big thank you to Nick for a great workshop and to Mark for all the help and advice you gave during the day on someof the random topics of conversation i kept throwing at you :lmao: . It was much appreciated. Especially the demo on game preparation. Yum it was!

I'm still buzzing from the day!

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC00242.jpg

Buckshot

19-12-2005, 09:08

Pleasure Andy :D
Glad you enjoyed it

Daniel Edwards

19-12-2005, 09:44

It was a great day and even though I didn't make fire I had great fun. Thanks to all and Nick especially.
Even though there were just two of us it was good to get out camping again! :You_Rock_

Buckshot

19-12-2005, 10:00

The only photo I took was this one...
I meant to take loads but forgot all about it :banghead:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/BCUK/Mark/DSC00128.jpg

Bright Ember

19-12-2005, 13:58

Thanks again Nick & Mark for a very enjoyable day.

Have definately improved by technique and learnt a great deal. The pheasant dissection was an unexpected highlight.

Have a great Xmas everyone and look forward to meeting up again in the New Year.

Gerry

Grez

19-12-2005, 14:46

Just wanted to say a big thanks to both Falling Rain and Buckshot for a most enjoyable day.

It was also great to meet everyone and finally put some faces to names. :)

I think my arm will make a full recovery so more pactice is definatly in order. :D

Grez..

bloodline

19-12-2005, 16:43

Great day, thanks to Mark and Nick for their help and advice Im inspired by two people giving up their free time to pass on their considerable knowledge free of charge to others. It was also great to meet all the others and put faces to all the names if any of you are in my neck of the woods the beers are on me (well the first ones anyway). Thanks again and see you all soon I hope.
Peter. :D

falling rain

19-12-2005, 18:00

Thanks for all your comments, and thanks for coming along and making it a good day. A big thank you to Mark (Buckshot) for all his help too, and the bonus pheasent prepping demo :You_Rock_
Well done to all those who managed to get an ember for the first time and those who didn't wern't far off it so I think a successful day all round.
We'll do some more workshops in the new year (maybe down on Dartmoor) :D

falling rain

20-12-2005, 15:55

Just to let you all know. We raised £78.60p for charity on the bowdrill workshop day. A big thanks to everyone who came and many thanks for the donations :You_Rock_

andyn

20-12-2005, 16:11

Thats brilliant Nick. Lets hope it helps to make a difference!

Many thanks again!

Bright Ember

20-12-2005, 16:19

Great news Nick.

Can you also extend my thanks to the lady who owns the land at Farmer Gows for the use of her fine woodland. Perhaps we could all chip in for something for her next time.

Look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

Steve K

20-12-2005, 21:37

Thanks Nick and Mark and everyone else for workshop, food and company.

I didn't crack it on the day, to busy chatting and eating, but I will before the week is out!

Just in case anyone was wondering how cold it was, when unloaded the car at 11:45 on monday I had to shake the ice off of the flysheet!

see you next time!

Cheers
Steve

Seoras

21-12-2005, 21:04

Hi all

I hope I am not last to say thanks.

I must say I was very impressed with the workshop. Nick and Mark you seem to make a good team. The veggie stew went down a storm with my 2 year old daughter.
Nick thanks for showing me your style of Bowdrill kits and Mark thanks for the reminder on the Pheasant preparation.

Until the next workshop or Booshmoot.

Cheers

George

Steve K

21-04-2006, 14:44

Eureaka, I know, I know, I said I'd get it by the end of the week but I have now successfully managed to do it, and more than once.

I know that you guys will appreciate the silly grin I've been wearing all week.

I just need to practice..practice .. practice.

Cheers Nick and Mark.

Steve

rich59

22-04-2006, 21:40

Many congratulations Steve.:red: :notworthy

Buckshot

23-04-2006, 07:13

Well done Steve :D
It's such a good feeling when i finally works isn't it !

Cheers

Mark

falling rain

23-04-2006, 08:23

Excellent stuff Steve. Well done. I'm happy to do another one of these workshops if there is enough interest, and maybe a bit on plant ID'ing. I'm really big into plants and know a fair few, but am by no means an expert. If someone knows a bit about plants and wants to do a joint Plant ID'ing workshop and Bowdrill session...................Plea se step forward and make yourself known :red:

andyn

23-04-2006, 14:56

Well done Steve! Bet your chuffed to bits! Just keep up the practice now!

Nick, as I said to you on the day of the last workshop, a Plant ID session would be great. So I would certainly be up for coming up there for that, and its always good to have an excuse to play with the bow drill. :D

Daniel Edwards

23-04-2006, 20:07

I would also be up for plant IDing as I know almost nothing about it, depending on place and date, of course.

Annie

24-04-2006, 21:12

Me too - very interested in plant ID & getting my bow drill set to work - complete novice I'm afraid.

Seoras

25-04-2006, 18:12

Another one for the workshop. Enjoyed the last one. When we last spoke Nick, we talked about the possibility of identifying trees/plants that could be used for a Bowdrill/Handdrill and to see if we could make up a set that would work. Could form part of the plant ID workshop.

George

pibbleb

25-04-2006, 22:34

I'd be interested in any workshops, both bowdrill and plant ID are of particular interest.

Pib :cool:

Steve K

26-04-2006, 08:59

I'd be up for anything along those lines.

Cheers
Steve

jdlenton

26-04-2006, 09:11

my plant id is rubish but i'm willing to helpout with any workshop. was really dissapointed to not make the last one.

James

Povarian

26-04-2006, 11:14

Definitely interested in bow drill and plant-id workshops. Currently naff at both.

falling rain

26-04-2006, 16:41

Great stuff, looks like there's plenty of interest then. Righty how about setting a date. Sunday 14th May OK for everyone?

I,m happy to do the Bowdrill workshop, and as before will supply drills and hearths to people who need them. Of course you're welcome to bring your own if you have them.

Kit list - Bow - Bearing block - Knife - Para cord - packed lunch and drink and usual personal kit like wet weather gear FAK etc.
I'm afraid we won't be able to do the workshop at the farm again this time. I have a few locations in mind and will post them after I've talked to a few people but it will be in the Oxfordshire area. If you want to camp you'll have to organise that yourselves. There are a few options for campsites around here. If you google campsites in Oxfordshire you should find something.

As for the Plant ID'ing, as I mentioned I'm certainly no expert but will happily share what I know. If anyone is well up on their plant knowledge and would be good enough to do a walk/talk that would be great.

jdlenton

26-04-2006, 16:47

nope can't do i'm of to the knife show in exeter so looks like i'm going to have to miss this one too

James

falling rain

26-04-2006, 17:01

I was hoping to go to the Knife show in Exeter and camp at Widecombe, but now need to save my pennies for something so could do without the cost of petrol especially at nearly £1 a litre.

jdlenton

26-04-2006, 17:48

4 in a car = 25p a ltr only way i can afford to do it

James

pibbleb

26-04-2006, 18:00

Hi

What's the rule on kids coming along? my wife is doing a double shift that day so not the best but if kids are able to come I could probably swing it.

Pib

bloodline

26-04-2006, 19:02

Shame about the farm the last workshop was a great day, put me down for two places. As Im from Kent if anyone is camping let me know where as I would like to camp out saturday night but dont know the area.

falling rain

26-04-2006, 19:33

Kids are fine Pibbleb, get 'em trained up early.
Here's a link to some campsites around the area. Bridges house caravan site at Clifton Hamden is a good one. Lovely Old pub very close by dating around 16th century if I remember correctly. No fires allowed at the campsite though but a very nice place all the same.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?region=Central&county=Oxfordshire

Hope that helps

andyn

26-04-2006, 20:27

I cant do the 14th either Im afraid, 20th or 21st are the only dates I have left in my diary until late June :eek:

Maybe another time.

pibbleb

27-04-2006, 08:37

My wife has just reminded me that I'm doing Jury Service in Hove Sussex from the 15th. So I think I'm going to have to duck out of the 14th. :sad6:

If you do anymore or change the dates I will be very interested.

Pib

Fenlander

27-04-2006, 09:42

[QUOTE=falling rain]Great stuff, looks like there's plenty of interest then. Righty how about setting a date. Sunday 14th May OK for everyone?

QUOTE]

I'm afraid I won't be able to help out after all Nick as I am running a course that weekend....sorry mate:(

Willowbark

27-04-2006, 09:48

I'de love to come along. 14th is OK for me.

Hey Poverian are you bringing your sprog along? (just scared he'll show us adults up :eek: )

Willowbark

Povarian

27-04-2006, 11:00

Yup, 14th sounds OK for me - and yes I'll bring the pyromaniac nipper (should that be kipper?) with me. SWMBO is in college that day, so won't be able to attend.

Looks like there's a few "Can't make it" posts already, so I hope there's enough of us to make it happen.

Um, now where exactly is it going to be?

Daniel Edwards

27-04-2006, 19:03

I should be able to make it on Sunday 14th too.

falling rain

29-04-2006, 08:39

Date Sunday 14th May, meet at 10am in Horspath Athletic track car park.

Take the Oxford ring road, and head for the east side of Oxford. At the BMW Mini car plant traffic lights, Head towards Horspath. (right or left depending if you're coming from the north or south) As a land mark there is a big building called 'BIG YELLOW STORAGE' and incredibly the building is yellow !! (we don't just throw these names together here in Oxford you know!!) :D
Follow this road for about half a mile and turn left into the Athletics track/rugby pitch car park.

We'll do this anyway, even if only a few people come along.
As I said earlier if you want to camp you'll have to arrange that yourselves. I'm doing this completely free for fellow members of the forum. And will enjoy the chance to meet some new faces and catch up with some old
If we start with the workshop for Bow drill say about 2- 3 hours or so. Then have lunch, and after lunch go for a stroll around Shotover country park and see what plants and trees we can find. Say till about 5 or till we get bored. If anyones already OK with Bow drill then please come along anyway if you can. It's always good to learn from others how they do things too :) and maybe you could give a hand with some of the practice for the people who are new to it.
Please bring a Wild flower guide book if you have one and we can look up plants if we all get stumped.
The Country park is owned by the council so we can't really go hacking the woods about too much. I'll supply drills and hearths to those who need them, but if you can bring at least a bow, bearing block, and maybe a few tinder bundles that will save a lot of time and we can concentrate on getting the technique and ember. Please bring you own lunch. We won't be able to have a fire so if you want a fresh brew, please bring something to heat your water on, or a flask.
I'm going to check the weather the afternoon before (saturday 13th) and if it looks atrocious we'll pospone it as it'll be no fun if it's pouring down with nowhere to change or get dry. I'll post on the forum if this is the case.

Think that covers everything

falling rain

05-05-2006, 16:59

Can anyone let me know if they are definately coming along to this or not next Sunday 14th May.

Thanks

pibbleb

05-05-2006, 18:17

I think I'd originally said I was defo coming but, due to jury service the next day I don't think I can Sorry.

Paul

Annie

06-05-2006, 07:51

Yep I'll be there - have my own kit just crap at using it!

bloodline

06-05-2006, 13:11

Two still coming from Kent

Daniel Edwards

06-05-2006, 13:27

Can anyone let me know if they are definately coming along to this or not next Sunday 14th May.

Thanks

i am definatly coming.

Salix

07-05-2006, 19:24

This is something that i have been wondering about putting on in the North West, at our base at the Beacon Country Park. It could include overnighting, no probs. But i would need an instructer as all I can muster is sweat and smoke, alas no ember/fire, if anyones interested in helping out with this to make it happen, then please PM me.

Cheers.

Mark

Toddy

07-05-2006, 19:37

If you reallly are prepared to find a site for a hands on day/ weekend, then it might be good idea to start a new thread too. If you put something about the locality in the heading it'll catch the attention of those folks who live within travelling distance.....might find yourself with a largish group though :rolleyes: :D

Cheers,
Toddy

Timm

08-05-2006, 08:06

My wife and I should be there.

Buckshot

08-05-2006, 08:54

Afraid I can't go this time, taking the scouts camping this weekend.
Going to get them to try nettle soup ! MOst of them are real 'townies' so that should be good...

Cheers

Mark

falling rain

08-05-2006, 09:16

No worries Mark. Nettle soup is good. If any of them mis-behave you could always tell them they can eat nettles stright off the plant fresh. That should keep 'em quiet!! :) Have fun mate

Povarian

08-05-2006, 10:25

A slight change - now there will be three of us - Me, SWMBO and the (k)nipper.

Hope the weather brightens up though,

falling rain

08-05-2006, 11:03

I hope so too Povarian. As i said earlier I'll look at the forcast on Friday and if it's going to be atrocious we'll pospone it as there's no shelter. and we'll be out all day. I know we have to learn to light fires in all weathers but that's not what the day is about. That would be the next stage after we've all cracked it. Looking forward to it. I suppose we could bring tarps to string up if a downpour starts. It's up to you. Anyway bring gear as listed previously and a chair and anything else you may need to make yourselves comfortable. We can dump any excess kit back at the cars before we go on the plant walk

Buckshot

08-05-2006, 11:06

No worries Mark. Nettle soup is good. If any of them mis-behave you could always tell them they can eat nettles stright off the plant fresh. That should keep 'em quiet!! :) Have fun mate
Sounds like a plan... ;)

Steve K

09-05-2006, 11:29

I'm sorry that I cannot make this one. I'm helping my mum redo her garden (its been five years in the planning).

hope you have a great time and the weather is with you.

Cheers
Steve

Willowbark

11-05-2006, 11:40

I'll be there, with my young'un in tow. Looking forward to it.

falling rain

12-05-2006, 15:03

Just to let you know the weather looks fair for sunday. Intermitant showers.
We'll risk it for a swisskit.
I'll be offline after tonight so if you need to know anything ask today.
Don't forget lunch.

See you at 10am on sunday

Daniel Edwards

14-05-2006, 22:07

Looks like I'm the first to say thanks to Nick and everyone else who made today enjoyable. I learnt loads about plant IDing and the bowdrilling was a great reminder, thanks!

Timm

15-05-2006, 07:58

andyn

15-05-2006, 09:20

Any photos of what i missed out on? :D

Willowbark

15-05-2006, 09:34

Many thanks for organising a great day and congratulations on such a lovely site to play in. I'm really glad I came along.

jdlenton

15-05-2006, 12:04

sounds like you had a good one lets hope i can make the next one James

Daniel Edwards

15-05-2006, 12:08

Any photos of what i missed out on? :D

I only took one, rather fuzzy picture with my cameraphone when we were on the plant walk in Shotover.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/eddicus/DSC00046.jpg

I would have taken more but forgot or had my hands full of smoldering hay!

Povarian

15-05-2006, 12:51

Just checked in, so looks like I'm the last to say many thanks to Nick for an enjoyable day.

Got a couple of photos, but I forgot the camera mostly.

Making hearths
http://www.povarian.plus.com/images/nick%20making%20hearths.JPG

Some of the attendees at "fire drill"
http://www.povarian.plus.com/images/bow%20drill%20workshop.JPG

I think I recognise bluebells now...
http://www.povarian.plus.com/images/Shotover%20bluebells.JPG

Some blurry Jew's Ears on Elder:
http://www.povarian.plus.com/images/jews%20ears.JPG

falling rain

15-05-2006, 15:09

A BIG thanks to everyone for coming along yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Willowbark for her input on the plant walk. A very knowledgeable lady :) Thanks Povarian for the Coffee, and great photo's and well done Daniel for getting those embers. Everyone was vey close and I hope you can practice and crack it now. I'll do another one in the summer and Willowbark it would be great if you could come along and help out with the plant walk. Nice one :) a good day out

falling rain

15-05-2006, 15:16

Sorry I didn't make it yesterday got half way there and the car broke down, by the time the AA got us going again it was to late.

Hope to come to the next one you do, if there is a next one that is.

Tim

No need to say sorry Timm, these things happen. :( The main thing is you stayed safe and got back OK. Come along next time if you can make it. :)

Buckshot

15-05-2006, 16:16

I was going to say sorry I missed this but looking at those legs Nick :eek: I'm rather glad I did !!! :lmao:

Glad you had a good time. :D

Mark

Phil562

15-05-2006, 16:18

Certainly looks warmer then the last workshop :D

Ogri the trog

15-05-2006, 16:24

Certainly looks warmer then the last workshop :D

Lightweight!

;)

Ogri the trog

Phil562

15-05-2006, 16:29

Lightweight!

;)

Ogri the trog

Says the big man with ten layers on and a wooly hat ;)

falling rain

15-05-2006, 17:10

I was going to say sorry I missed this but looking at those legs Nick :eek: I'm rather glad I did !!! :lmao:

Glad you had a good time. :D

Mark

Thanks Mark............. and I hope you stung your mouth on your nettle soup too :D Thanks. Yes we did have a good time.
It was a mild day. It did threaten to shower a couple of times but we were lucky. One thing about bow drilling is if you don't get an ember you're sure as h*ll warm from trying. Definately up for another one later in the summer. Thanks everyone for coming along. :You_Rock_