Dyfed Smallholders' Association

The DSA Basketry Course on March 14th and 15th was a great success. Over the two days a total of 22 DSA members and Non-Members had expert tuition from Richard and Suzanne Kerwood from Windrush Willow in Exeter.

All of those participating in the course were impressed with the attention to detail and explicit instruction on
how to weave a traditional frame basket. Everyone on the course produced a good saleable example of this style of basket. A variety of Willow species were supplied with a wonderful range of colours available. This meant that each of the baskets was a unique example.

Richard and Suzanne explained their story of how they got started and the various varieties of Willow that they grow in Exeter and at a plantation near Haverfordwest. The history of willow baskets going back over 12,000 years and the various styles of baskets from all over Europe and the UK were fully explained. They brought with them some lovely examples of the different basket styles. Some of the professional basket makers turn out 6-8 first class baskets each day. All of us on the course would be happy if we could produce one such example each day!

The weather was kind to us and the Red Kites circling overhead in the Cwm with their plaintiff and
distinctive calls made for a lovely weekend.  Several of the participants have taken the trouble to write thank-you notes or e-mail their thanks for the excellent tuition and hope we can run something similar later in the year or at least next year.

A number of those who attended were interested to look at the plantation we had planted in March last year
and were amazed at how well the various varieties had grown in just 12 months.

Many thanks to Richard and Suzanne at www.windrushwillow.com We hope all that attended had a great
time.

With Thanks to Nick & Glyn Falcon

The webmaster has been surprised at the high hit rate on the links section of the website. Therefore if any members have their own website and would like to submit a link then please do so. Reciprocal linking raises your own website's profile and provides other DSA members with possible useful connections.

Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Come along to a one-day felt making workshop to be held near Newcastle Emlyn on March 7th.

Make your choice of bag or a bowl, no experience necessary! You will learn the techniques involved in felting from scratch, using merino fibres in gorgeous colours, or try your hand at hand or machine carding washed fleece. Everything will be supplied; all you need to do is bring yourself.

A home made lunch will be provided, along with drinks and biscuits throughout the day.

Total cost is £45.00 and places are limited to 6 people.

Please call Quaerina on 01559 371770 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it