"My longbow, “Eloise” (I jokingly gave it a name like the Marines give their rifles in the film “Full Metal Jacket”), leans against my wardrobe at home. I can hardly believe that from my less than able hands, I have wandered out of the woods clutching a bow and four arrows. And this is no childhood bow- a stick and a bit of string. It is modeled on the English longbow and is a thing of beauty. I spent two days working in the woods under the expert guidance of John Ryder of the Woodcraft School, a man quietly confident in his knowledge of bow making and a natural teacher. Or rather a guide, because John’s style is guidance rather than overbearing instruction. John ensures that each student is given one to one advice, without making you feel a spectator.

There is something wondrous in being handed, what is effectively, two pieces of wood laminated together, and knowing that with draw knife, spoke shave and cabinet scraper you will make something altogether more beautiful and functional than the pipe rack you made in those interminable woodwork lessons at school! The process is almost meditative, requiring great concentration. And yet I cannot remember a more fulfilling and enjoyable weekend. There was time to chat, crack jokes, laugh, eat and sit round the fire in the evenings. Friends who have seen “Eloise” marvel that I, a ham fisted, white collar worker could produce something that is beautiful and works too. I suggest “Eloise” tells you more about my mentor, John Ryder, than about my ability to work with wood…."