Woodwork the focus of special weekend

Garden visitors will be able to see and be inspired by the work of some of Britain’s finest woodturners, woodcarvers, stickmakers, chainsaw carvers and basketmakers at the Wales Woodcraft Weekend (August 20-21).

In recognition of the growing popularity of amateur woodturning and carving, there will be experts on hand to talk and demonstrate about using lathes, the art of pen-making, captive ring cutting and using specialist timbers.

Woodturning clubs from across South Wales will also be competing against each other to see who produces the ‘Best in Show.

Some of Britain’s leading stockists such as Axminster Power Tools, Hamilton Baverstock and Robert Sorby Tools will be there too, selling specialist tools like bandsaw blades, sharpening stones, and fittings for making pens, key rings and clocks.

Inside our Oriel Yr Ardd Gallery we’ll have a special display of spinning wheels from France, Sweden, the Hebrides and Wales which will be accompanied by real-life spinners and weavers. We’ll also be showing 18th century lambing chairs, designed to stop the farmer falling asleep!

Kids will love making dens and bows and arrows at the Twm Siôn Cati camp, and having a go at basketweaving and searching for signs of elves and fairies in our magical Fairy Wood, while tree lovers will enjoy a Welsh native tree trail and guided tours of some of the Garden’s most wonderful trees.

There’s also the chance to try your hand at proper bows and arrows with two days or archery adventure – courtesy of Hawk Associates.

It is also worth remembering that anyone buying a full-price ticket to the Garden between now and the end of the year will be able to re-visit FREE of charge for seven days after their initial visit – and as many times as they like in those seven days.

The Garden is open from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5pm.

Admission to the Garden is £9.75 (including Gift Aid) for adults and £4.95 for children over five.  Entry is FREE for Garden members and parking is free for all.