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News letter April 2018

Welcome to my first email news letter.

Firstly I would like to welcome you, some of you have been waiting to hear from me for fare to long.

Where to start and what to say....

Firstly I’d like to announce that parts of Mellingey Mill Willow Craft Centre are finally going to be open for this year for Open studios 2018 and there for after. There is still a lot of restoration to do out in the fields, but the shop will be open and also used as a workshop and some workshops will take place in the yurt field. Please check for opening times on my website. I will be sharing the shop and space with another willow worker called Mark and both of our products will be for sale in the shop. There are plans for a further workshop to open later in the year in the Mill house.

Willow news

Last year’s crop has all been harvested most of it has been sorted and sized and some of it has already been used. This year I have extended the willow beds with some interesting varieties of willow to add to the collection. A lot of last year’s willow has been planted in the yurt field as living willow structures and I have lots of pots of love willow sculptures growing nicely. The rest of the willow will be woven over the coming months.

Other news

The beginning of the year I was joined by Dale and he helped me build a field shelter to teach workshops from. It’s a fantastic structure and has been built from elder that was felled at Mellingey. I’m very much looking forward to working in it this summer, Come rain or shine were covered. After years of restoration hard work blood sweat and tears, I can now say it’s all been worth it as we once again open the gate. I do hope to see some of you at Mellingey and you are all invited to Open Studios 2018 dates are 19^th to the 28^th May

The website is up and running and I’m really pleased with it, if you haven’t already had a look please do.

Course page

http://www.emmascottwillowcraft.co.uk/courses.aspx

This page is constantly being updated so if you cannot find what you’re looking for please let me know as I am happy to do a pop up workshop if you have something in mind or something special to celebrate.

If you would like to get involved with the restoration project at Mellingey I will be holding volunteering days throughout the year if you would like to get involved please send me a message and I will forward you some dates and work projects going on throughout the year.... there’s always so much to do any help is gratefully received and appreciated. On volunteering day I will supply a simple but wholesome lunch, tea, coffee and cake. Tools are provided but welcome to bring your own if you have them. You will need to wear suitable clothing; wellies are a must throughout the year due to the nature of the ground and environment. Mellingey is set in a beautiful valley and covers 12.5 acres of willow coppice and woodland, you will love spending some time there if you enjoy the great outdoors it is both peaceful and tranquil. Being outside in nature is so good for you so even if you only have a couple of hours and like to help I’d like to hear from you.