2010 MASTERCLASSES

Following the success of the Masterclasses which we introduced at the 2005 Gathering you will find new Masterclasses each year, these are held on the Sunday of the weekend as before. These courses are longer in duration, cover more in depth and can only be booked in advance. To avoid disappointment book early because numbers are limited.

NB: IT IS ONLY POSSIBLE TO BOOK ONE MASTERCLASS PER PERSON AS THEY ALL START AT THE SAME TIME ON SUNDAY MORNING.

NOTE: Last chance to book Masterclass tickets in advance by Friday 13th August 2010, and if there are any remaining places these will be available at the front desk on Saturday 21st August 2010, these will be sold on a first come first served basis.

THESE WERE THE MASTERCLASSES THAT WERE AVAILABLE AT THE 2009 GATHERING:

BOWDRILL FIREMAKING - hands on course    
This year John Rhyder will be conducting a master class in bow drill fire making to include the selection and condition of materials and suitable species. He will also cover  techniques using one and two person set ups, group operations and trouble shooting. From this session you will make a fire by friction set to use and keep. Therefore safe use of tools together with simple woodworking techniques will also be covered.
INSTRUCTOR - John Rhyder

TRACKING - phase method and zone technique     
Tracking to the next level using the phase method and zoneing technique to get you closer. You will practise and learn the phase and zone tracking technique that will greatly improve your awareness and tracking ability. Once mastered we will apply these methods in a practical exercise tracking wildlife at the gathering.
Those that know Max will know that he has a deep respect for most things, he believes that tracking is his tool, the outdoors his office and that bushcraft and campcraft provide his home and are the bus to work. He believes that tracking and bushcraft are inextricably joined. His methods of tracking are an alloy of skills and knowledge from around the world. His methods of teaching tracking are unconventional, they will excite you and bring you and your environment closer together.
INSTRUCTOR - Ian Maxwell

OUT ON THE TRAIL - Plant Walkabout
We are pleased to welcome back Marcus Harrison from the Wild Food School. The 2009 WFS Masterclass will be a walkabout looking for wild food resources. Wild Food recipes can be found in his books (pen name Johnny Jumbalaya) Really Wild Food Guide - Essential Nettle, Dandelion, Chickweed and Thistle Cookbook - Essential Hedgerow and Wayside Cookbook - Essential Backpackers Wild Food Cookbook and Essential Survival Greens.
INSTRUCTOR - Marcus Harrison

TRAPS & TRIGGERS - a hands-on class using the knife
Introducing traps, triggers and snaring techniques with demonstration of 20 working traps from around the world. Students will prepare and construct a trap, so basic knife competency and knowledge of knife safety is essential for all participants.
INSTRUCTOR - Patrick McGlinchey

HAND DRILL - learn this fire by friction technique
Introducing the hand drill and how to make fire by friction using this technique.
INSTRUCTOR - Dave Watson

PHARMACY IN THE FIELD - production techniques
Herbal Medicine - collection, preparation and uses of medicinal herbs and plants.
INSTRUCTOR - Jackie Saull-Hunt

Organisers: Roger Harrington and Dominic Harvey