WILLOW workers from around the South West met at Whiddon Down Village Hall for a two-day course.

Tutor was Eddie Glew, based in Staffordshire. He had brought the materials with him as well as a display of his work.

The course was on making a round fitched shopping basket, an open weave basket and members of Basketmakers South West were fortunate to be able to work with Eddie.

This was the second course he has run for the group who hope he will come back for another. He is tutor for a City and Guilds Level 2 qualification course in basketry being held at Westhope College in Shropshire.

Basketmakers South West has nearly 100 members. It runs two major courses a year, of which this was one, and members also run courses.

Organiser of this course was Richard Kerwood from Windrush. Part of the aim of the BSW is the history of willow and weaving.

Richard said the oldest surviving willow work so far was more than 8,000 years, found in a peat bog.