Coracle Making Weekend – Sold Out

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.

The Course

Coracles are traditional round riverboats, which you paddle with one oar. On this two day course, participants make a coracle and have a go at boating on the Museum’s millpond.

Using traditional materials and basic hand tools, you will make a frame which is then covered in calico. The final finishing touches and waterproofing are completed at home following instructions provided by the tutor.

Please note: coracles are quite large so please make sure your transport is big enough to get it home! If in doubt, please give us a call and we will advise you.

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. It is also advisable to wear layers as the Downland Gridshell can be cool.

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 note that you will need a large vehicle to transport your coracle home. Recommended dimensions are approximately 11.5″ deep x 4’6″ long x 4’2″ wide.

Fee & Refreshments

£300 per person, to include all tuition, coffee, tea and afternoon cake.