The West Riding Stonecarving Association

What a fantastic find. We went on a two day, 'Green Man' carving weekend, a great teacher, Helen. Eleven pupils and hours of concentration.Prepare to be tired, the day is eight hours, and concentration and standing are required. There is a lunch break, but you can stop for a brew at any time, tea and coffee provided. Wear old clothes you will get very dusty.It is an extremely satisfying pass time and we now have two Green Man plaques starting to age in the garden.There is an eight session foundation course, which is, in spite of the distance from home, something I may do this year. They are very flexible in helping you achieve this.The four photos show what you start with, the end of day one, and the final finished carving. One is mine, and the other is my wife's.

I found this great place while looking for a stone carving course for complete beginners. Not a day or two with a piece to take home but regular (flexible) sessions for affordable price where a friendly tutor would help me to develop artistic skills. I could not be more lucky! First session was free! I was so sucked into my piece of stone it is unbelievable. Three hours session gone quick as a flash. I am coming back this week for another session. Only 15 pounds?! I pay more for my fuel lol.

What a fantastic place full of like minded creative people who are happy to help when ever you need it. Helen is a force for good and this venue is full of inspirational pieces of work to help. A friendly place. Can’t say enough about this place.

My friends and I had a great time at the free taster session. A great, friendly place with free tea and biscuits. The teacher was excellent, very friendly and patient. Would definitely consider buying the carving experiences as gifts in future!

Helen of Troy or is that Halifax. The face that launched a thousand manikin's. If you wan't a Micheal Angelo moment, don't delay for Helen will set your dreams in stone. With proper warm Yorkshire humor, she will have you wielding your dummy with certain ferocity and within the day you will be displaying your rose for the world to see. Once you have chased the sandstone with your chisel and found your inner Henry More" life will never be the same again. A truly monumental day out. Odin."

Helen is brilliant - as a tutor, mentor and person.Started the (absolute) beginner's course in January, which gives a great introduction to traditional stone carving, and now moved on to a full membership.Absolutely addictive, if you allow yourself to get lost in the moment...give it a try, you won't regret it.

I did a one-day course here. I'd never done any carving before, so I didn't expect to walk away with anything other than a small pile of rubble. I was delighted to find that I was wrong. Calm and reassuringly taught, and very enjoyable.

I've had a wonderful day stone carving with Helen. A great tutor and facilities. A very welcoming and friendly bunch of members in the studio as well. Amazed that I managed to go home with a piece I'm really happy with after just a day course. Highly recommend to anybody.

Well worth a visit. Try a 3 hour taster session and take home your carving. You will be pleasantly surprised

We attended our first but fabulous beginners class, and a wonderful tutor in Helen.We were made very welcome and given lots of encouragement.loved it definitely want another go and throughly recommend