'The tuition is terrific, there when you need it and not there when you don’t'.  Steve St Albans

'Paul and Hannah have gone out of their way to enable my ambition in this piece.  When I told them what I wanted to do I expected some pushback but they have been with me all the way'.  Andy, Liverpool

'There is a very good atmosphere on the course, I particularly enjoyed the  barbecue at the beach hut in Church Ope Cove'.  Suzanna, London

'The light is extraordinary, changing throughout the day, and helps  you to see the stone afresh'.  Marie, London

'I was amazed at what I achieved, with a little help.  I wasn’t sure I could do it but, as everyone had told me, it started to get easier after the second day and I never looked back after that. I feel really confident now to carve on my own'  Edith, North Somerset

' There is something about stone carving, that makes you focus on working the stone that is calming. You cant think too far ahead, but then it slowly evloves in front of you.  When one stops takes a break the steady tinkling of metal on stone is almost musical.  I find myself with the energy to tap away at my stone all day for hour after hour and sleep really  well at night.'  Christina, Netherlands

' Its very good value and there are plenty of places to stay on Portland where accommodation is cheap.  Paul and Hannah helped find inexpensive accommodation for my wife and I.  While I carved she walked around the island.  There is a lot to see on Portland and nearby.  It was a great holiday for us both, and we brought back a sculpture for our garden which I was really pleased with '.  Bill, Hemel Hempstead.

' I really enjoyed it when we split the stone with plugs and feathers – that was extraordinary !' James, Edinburgh

' I was suprised to learn how heavy Portland stone really is!-  I liked the way we were taught to move it carefully and safely. and the way the tutors and other people on the course worked together on this'.  Rosie,  Brighton.

'I have been on courses where they just teach a technique and you have little connection with the eventual output.  On this course they teach you lots of different approaches and not - one right way to carve stone.   So with their guidance you learn to tackle the problems in your own individual way. This is perhaps why the eventual pieces that people complete are so different.  It is so important as it makes you more aware and respectful of creative differences'.  John, Suffolk