Coracle Making Weekend

The Course

Coracles are traditional riverboats. Round in shape, they are paddled with one oar. On this two-day course you will make a traditional coracle and try out your boating skills on the Museum’s mill pond. You will make a coracle covered in calico and receive instructions for completing the final stage (waterproofing) at home. The finished coracle is quite large so please consider appropriate transport.

The Tutor

Kevin and Ellen Grimley have been making coracles since 1995 and have led coracle workshops in a variety of locations including Donegal, Ireland. They often demonstrate coracles on the canals near their home in Leicestershire. In addition to workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations, they have built coracles for theatre, TV and film production, including for the BBC programme ‘Coast’ in 2006.

Participant Information

Please wear stout shoes and working clothes. If possible participants should bring a cordless drill and bits, a hammer, a hand saw and small G clamps. (Please let us know if this will present a problem).

Please bear in mind that you will need a large vehicle in which to transport your coracle home. Dimensions are approximately 11.5” deep x 4’6” long x 4’2”wide. It is advisable to wear layers as the Downland Gridshell can be cool.

Fee & Refreshments

£280 per person, to include all tuition, coffee, tea and a light lunch. Please let the museum know in advance of any dietary requirements.

This course is fully booked.  Please email courses@wealddown.co.uk or call 01243 811021 if you wish to be added to the waiting list.