The Guild of Master Craftsmen and the Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers
The Guild of Master Craftsmen recognises the Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers as a Guild member organisation that reflects a strong commitment to craftsmanship, learning and the pursuit of high standards within woodworking. The Fellowship brings together hobbyists, skilled amateurs and professional craftspeople from across the UK who are united by a genuine passion for working with wood and a respect for both traditional skills and modern techniques.
As a woodworking community, the Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers provides an environment where knowledge is openly shared, skills are continually refined and members are encouraged to develop confidence in their craft. This approach closely aligns with the Guild’s own aims to champion skill, integrity and excellence across British craftsmanship, supporting those who take pride in their work and value continual improvement.
A Community Built Around Skill, Knowledge and Craftsmanship
Based in Odiham, Hampshire, the Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers hosts regular monthly meetings at the historic Cross Barn, conveniently located near Junction 5 of the M3. These meetings take place between September and May and feature talks and demonstrations from experienced woodworkers, tool specialists and timber professionals. Each session is designed to offer practical insight, whether exploring traditional joinery methods, specialist tools, materials, safety considerations or evolving approaches within the craft.
A key part of the Fellowship’s ethos is accessibility. Meetings are recorded and made available to members, allowing learning to continue beyond the event itself. This commitment to shared knowledge reflects a belief that craftsmanship thrives when skills, experience and ideas are passed on openly and responsibly.
Supporting Woodworkers at Every Stage
The Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers offers far more than a programme of talks. Members benefit from a wide range of opportunities that support both technical development and creative growth. These include mentoring from experienced craftspeople, skill sharing between members, informal access to quality timber and tools, summer visits to workshops and artisan studios, and recorded learning resources that can be revisited at any time.
Working in collaboration with a respected furniture making school, the Fellowship also delivers hands on Experience Days. These practical sessions focus on essential woodworking skills such as dovetailing, woodcarving, sharpening and the safe use of specialist equipment. Delivered in a supportive and encouraging environment, these workshops provide structured learning while maintaining the strong sense of community that defines the Fellowship.
Interest Groups That Reflect the Breadth of the Craft
To support the diverse interests of its members, the Fellowship runs a number of focused interest groups. These groups allow members to explore specific areas of woodworking in greater depth while connecting with others who share similar interests. Areas covered include antique furniture restoration, digital woodworking using CNC and laser technology, musical instrument making and repair, general woodworking advice, carving, turning, tool sharpening and beginner support.
Each group provides a welcoming space for discussion, collaboration and problem solving, reinforcing the Fellowship’s belief that learning is most effective when shared.
Shared Values and a Shared Purpose
The Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers’ membership of the Guild of Master Craftsmen reflects a shared commitment to quality workmanship, ethical practice and respect for the craft. Both organisations value the preservation of traditional skills alongside modern innovation, while placing strong emphasis on learning, collaboration and professional development.
Together, the Guild and the Fellowship support woodworkers who take pride in their work and seek to uphold high standards within their discipline.
Get Involved and Be Part of the Craft Community
For anyone with an interest in woodworking, whether at an early stage or with years of experience, the Southern Fellowship of Woodworkers offers a welcoming and inspiring community. Attending a meeting, taking part in a workshop or joining an interest group provides an opportunity to learn new skills, share ideas and connect with others who are equally passionate about the craft.
The Guild of Master Craftsmen encourages those interested in woodworking to go along, get involved and experience the Fellowship for themselves. It is an opportunity to be part of a community that values skill, supports learning and celebrates the enduring craft of working with wood. You can find out more and contact them here:
