I needed a table so went on a woodworking course to make one, with a lot of help. I took a short course at the Stanton Guildhouse in Gloucestershire set in the very picturesque Cotswolds. The Guildhouse was founded by Mary Osborn who had met, and was inspired by, Mahatma Gandhi while working in the East End of London. That was back in the 1920s. Mary set about creating a Cotswold ashram or retreat where traditional crafts could be practiced. The Guildhouse opened in the 1970s, I was there in the 1990s. Making the table taught me what tongue and groove or draw dowling meant. My gifted and patient tutor was Josiah Eric Prestwood. I’m also grateful to my old school friend’s mother, Marge, who was managing the Guildhouse at the time and who set up the course. Thank you, Marge.




