Tag: christmas gifts

Christmas present, blacksmithing or beekeeping experience days

Posted onAuthorAndy

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If you are looking for the ideal Christmas present, blacksmithing or beekeeping experience days might be just what you are looking for. I can supply you with a pdf gift card to print and give to the lucky person, with the date for the ‘day’ to be set later.

I have held a few experience days over the year and wanted to share a few pictures.

Whether you are interested in finding out more about beekeeping or blacksmithing, I can tailor make a day for you.

In a day designed around what you want to achieve and learn, a beekeeping experience day will involve opening up hives and gaining an understanding of how the hive lives and thrives.

Meanwhile, on a blacksmithing experience day, I first work with you before the day to understand what you would like to make on my outdoor forge.

I then work on your idea to make it something you can make, with a little help from me when needed. Alternatively, you can make a hanging basket bracket incorporating a number of blacksmithing techniques, to learn more about the art.

On the day itself you will learn key forge techniques and make something to take away and treasure.

“Thank you for such an amazing day!”

“We both had a great day and my wife is very impressed that we managed to produce such beautiful work – all of which was thanks to your excellent coaching.  You made great use of our time and I’m still amazed that we managed to do quite so much in a few short hours.” – Patrick

“Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and patience with us.” – Karen and Graham

“Wow what an amazing candle holder Dan made..I was gobsmacked….I absolutely loved it…thank you, Dan had an amazing time and hasn’t stopped talking about it….” – Leonie

“Thanks so much for making Henry’s day so enjoyable yesterday. He had a truly fabulous time and loved every minute of it. I am amazed and delighted at the sculpture he made in the time he had – his DT teacher was equally impressed. I think we have started something here! If you ever hear of any trainee opportunities, please let us know. He was still smiling at 3.30am when I woke him to go on his school trip to France.” – Rachel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please contact me if you have any questions about my experience days, or if I can help create the perfect christmas or birthday present.

 

 

Ideal Christmas gift: beekeeping experience day

Posted onAuthorAndy1 Comment

The ideal gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person, or for someone who thinks they might like to keep bees (but isn’t quite sure):  a beekeeping experience day.

beekeeping frameFor anyone who has ever wondered what is in a hive, or what it might be like to hold a frame of bees, watching them make honey and bring in pollen, whilst witnessing the wondrous moment of a fluffy new bee emerging from a cell, then this is for them, or you.

An ‘experience’ session will last about 3 to 3 1/2 hours in total, sometimes longer; I don’t watch the clock when we are playing with the bees. It is usually an afternoon to early-evening activity.

We will spend as long as necessary getting you comfortable with being around the bees in my garden apiary, before opening up the hives to take a look.

You can then do as much as you are comfortable doing, whilst I show you what is in the hives and how the bees live.  I have kept bees for 20 years, and have a lot of experience working with people who are nervous around bees. I have yet to have any visitor, from 8 years old and up, who hasn’t finished up comfortable holding a frame of bees and gone home inspired and uplifted by the experience.

If you want a stress-busting experience away from that life behind a desk, then this is for you. You simply can’t rush beekeeping, you have to slow down.

So what does it cost?

The price for 1 person is £70, for two £100 and for 3 £125.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

I don’t mix groups, so you will have a personal day. if you pay for one person then it will be exactly that, just you with my full attention.

I am fully insured and have all the protective equipment you will need, including full length suits and gloves. All I ask is that you bring wellington boots to wear, as it may be a little muddy.

What will you receive?

I will send you a bee-themed gift card explaining the day, which you can give as a gift, or keep as a treat for yourself. The exact date can be booked later. Courses are available 7 days a week.  It is of course weather-dependent and will likely be from late March onwards, as we cannot open a hive when the temperature is below 13 degC. The voucher will be valid for bookings at any time during 2016.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures, so that you have a souvenir of your day.

To book, or if you have any questions, please do send me a message.