Member Profiles

Rachel Benson

I started weaving in 2013 with sculptural forms then moving onto traditional basketry with Phil Bradley.  I’m addicted to the lovely smell of willow, the way the rods bend and curve, finding out how it behaves and what will and won’t work. l've hosted basketry workshops 2015 - 2024 with Phil Bradley, Anna Turnbull and Jane Chapman. I also grow a small amount of basketry willow; whilst the willow beds do have amazing views, at over 1000’ in the Yorkshire Dales and quite windy, the harvest is not so prolific and can be branchey!

I also enjoy green woodworking and using a shave horse to help make willow frames!

I joined Northumbria Basketry Group in 2019 following a workshop with Anna Turnbull.

Some folk who've been to willow workshops at Broadrake had started to meet up informally to improve our weaving skills and now we are a self-help group for Northumbria Basketry Group, offering a more southern venue at the NW edge of the Yorkshire Dales. 

We normally meet on the 2nd Weds of each month, subject to bunkbarn bookings. We try to focus on ideas that will give opportunities to try out new weaves, different styles & ideas to increase skill sets.

2026 dates are as follows with initial plans for Jan-March meetings:

Jan 14th 2026 - Foraged fibres from 2025 harvest; willow bark, daffodil, dandlion, iris, plantain, leaves & stems. 

Feb 11th  - Lampshades, maybe steamed willow

March 11^{th  -} 2026 season willow, frame baskets, shave horse frame making opportunity

April 8^th   May 13^th    June 10^th

Sept 9^th   Oct 14^th   Nov 11^th    Dec 9^th      Break for summer in July and August

If you interested in coming along to weave together, sharing tips and knowledge along with chat in our self-help group, then please get in touch rache@nosneb.co.uk 

If you are a tutor and wish to use us as a workshop venue then please get in touch - we are in a stunning location and also offer overnight accommodation at just £30ppn Sun-Thurs nights.

Maybe a group of friends might want to come and stay to weave together where you can also walk and enjoy the Dales landscape. We also have opportunities for harvesting foraged fibres on our 4 acre wild site at various times of year - nettles, willow bark soft rush, rose baywillow herb, rib leaved plantain.

Please note that we only take large sole use groups at weekends. 

I am also a member of The Basketmakers Association.

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