My story
Organic Matters was started in 2008 to help people to grow vegetables in their own gardens. Initially to complement the vegetable gardening I discovered the wonderful world of willow. After doing a few courses myself I became completely hooked on the most versatile skill and ancient craft of weaving with willow. I've kept the name as I feel it also applies to the new direction I have taken. I believe it is equally important for us to work with organic materials, not just eat organically.
Since 2011 the willow weaving took over completely when I started to teach. I love being able to pass on the skills of this ancient craft and spend time with such lovely people. I run regular basketry, plant support and general weaving courses in Nunney near Frome in Somerset. Also at other local venues in and around Frome. The Urban Garden in Bath and Newton Farm Shop just outside. I run private courses can be arranged here or at a venue of your choice. I have worked with many schools and have done some really exciting sculpture projects and workshops. I love giving my 'willow' talk to local clubs, gardening, WI's etc. It seems to evolve every time I give it as my life and my willow journey evolve.
Now I have chosen to follow the calling of making coffins, I really feel I have found my happy place. This may sound strange given the nature of the task involved but if I can help to make the end of life process for anyone just a little bit easier then I feel I have found where I need to be right now. In fact, together with a group of friends we are in the initial stages of setting up 'an end of life collective'. Bringing together many aspects of end of life support to help people have a more gentle and peaceful transition.
We've lived in Nunney since 2013. My husband is a gardener and we have two teenage boys. All generally supportive of endless bits of willow and scraps of wood everywhere, particularly our dog Pango! My brother sadly died in 2018 and put me in a financial position to build my beautiful workshop in our garden, a legacy to him and something I will be forever grateful. The workshop is a wonderful family space incorporating a pool table which is stored behind the willow racks. Cries of 'aargh there's so much willow everywhere.....' are met with 'no willow, now workshop'!
