Diverse selection of creations at coach house studio

FOLLOWING a cardiac arrest in 2018 and a year of recovery, then the covid lockdowns, little did I know that I would be starting out on one of the most fulfilling periods in my life, writes Steve Hedger.

When the surgeon asked me if I had any questions following the insertion of my second stent, I was desperate to know whether I would be able to plane wood again. He encouragingly said “just give it six months.”

I went back to work needing to slow down, yet desperate to re-find my creative side and make furniture. I continued my part-time job running the Coach House site at Yeldall Manor (a Christian drug and alcohol residential centre) where I manage the site of the Coach House and Barn, which provide rental space for businesses and individuals.

I had a dream of surrounding myself with other makers and forming a creative hub, knowing also that this would provide opportunities for those in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse to connect with their creative side. After potter Vallari Harshwal joined me in June 2022, we didn’t look back. I renovated rooms, created studios and steered the site towards the goal of forming an artistic community, the Coach House Artists and Makers.

Vallari suggested that we join Henley Arts Trail and with Chris Harper’s help we became a venue for the event. This opened the doors to the wonderful world of local artists and makers in the area.

Our community began to grow and we now have 10 artists and makers on site — four artists, two potters, an embroiderer, an artist/embroiderer, a perfumier and a woodworker (yours truly).

Please come and join us at the Coach House at Yeldall Manor in Bear Lane, Hare Hatch, on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, from 10am to 5pm, when we will have 15 artists and makers demonstrating and showing their work.

It is an opportunity to purchase unique gifts and enjoy tea/coffee and cake. All profits from the sale of refreshments will go towards the charity. Free parking and entry.