Last Friday the Henley Hall was perfumed with the sweet scent of willow as 12 people wove garden ornaments under the watchful eye of inspirational Yeoman Basketmaker, Eddie Glew. You might have seen Eddie on the television in programmes such as Kirstie’s Handmade Home or Garden Rescue. He’s a great teacher, clear and simple in his instructions and always ready to sensitively offer encouragement and support if you’re struggling.
We had a great time and at the end of the day we glowed with pride, forgetting our aching thumbs, as we admired our finished obelisks, dragonflies, bird feeders and other garden decorations.
You can see some of Eddie’s own baskets and willow sculptures if you visit his website https://blithfieldwillowcrafts.co.uk
Alternatively look out for his wicker snowdrops at Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire or Wallington Hall in Northumberland. If you go to Warwick Castle mind you don’t get lost in his ‘Horrible Histories-style’ willow maze!
St Mark's Mansfield 