Master Craftsman • Woodwork Artist • Children’s Workshop Mentor
Wild Woodwork Classes With a Difference
Nature and habitat conservation through basic woodwork classes by Tom Roche for all ages from nine to ninety
Days: Wednesdays & Saturdays (Sundays & Bank Holidays will be considered by special request)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Book a class today
Give your child the opportunity to explore their creative side and support their wellbeing through one of my woodworking classes – you’ll be glad you did.
Young Makers Inspired
Children have discovered the joy of creating with wood through fun, hands-on workshops that build confidence, creativity, and practical skills.
Safe, Creative & Hands-On Learning 🪵
Children have discovered the joy of creating with wood through fun, hands-on workshops that build confidence, creativity, and practical skills.
What makes my approach different from all others?
I am an activist, craftsman and educator committed to eco-nomic, social, eco-logical and environmental justice and sustainability for all.
I adopt a ‘multi-sided‘, no nonsense approach to learning and craftsmanship by combining the expert knowledge and experience I have gained over the years and connecting that to present-day furniture making that takes into account the social, economic, political and environmental synergies that govern and pressure our lives on a daily basis and control natural resources but in particular WOOD and the FORESTS it comes from.
Our food, our water, our livelihoods — they all come from nature.
But we’re taking more than our share, and now the fate of the one and only planet we’ve ever called home is uncertain.
The challenges facing Mother Nature’s oceans, rivers and forests affect us all — and it’s up to all of us to work together to tackle them. Because, ultimately, saving nature is the only way to save ourselves.
I passionately believe that every village like Rhode, every town like Tullamore, every community in Ireland would be a much better place to live in if every trade was serviced by local craftspeople where MIND HEART HANDS connects to family, community, craftsmanship, stewardship of nature and natural resources and global citizenship.
My ambition is to help spread that message and serve the people of Rhode as an activist craftsman and educator.
What to expect from my classes
While I love modern technology I much prefer face-to-face negotiation. So, when you have decided you would like to book a class for your son/daughter, grandchild or other loved one, we will meet in person in a mutually convienient public place. There you can tell me what you would like to get out of the class and I will tell you what I will do. After we have agreed strategy.
We will both sign an ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU). This is important so that both parties are very clear on what to expect. Payment will be made. Date of class will be set. You will receive a copy of the MOU.
P.S. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
Contact Us
086 8049389
Why Hands-On Woodworking Matters
Helping children & teenagers engage all their senses. It has been proven time and time again that children and teenagers learn best through doing. The benefits of hands-on work is astonishing. Children learn how to think by measurement, problem solving skills and creative design. Their senses will also be ignited – touch, smell, sight and sound.
Building Confidence Through Creativity
Creative woodwork projects support children’s mental health and confidence. Woodworking involves many creative activities, including, drawing, storytelling and mathematical calculations thus allowing children to communicate complex, overwhelming feelings they might not have the vocabulary for.
Why Hands-On Woodworking Matters
Creative woodwork projects support children’s mental health and confidence. Woodworking involves many creative activities, including, drawing, storytelling and mathematical calculations thus allowing children to communicate complex, overwhelming feelings they might not have the vocabulary for.
What to expect from my classes
Hear from parents, teachers, and schools who have experienced Tom Roche’s woodworking workshops and seen young makers grow in confidence, creativity, and practical skills.
Workshop Gallery
Explore moments of creativity, craftsmanship, and hands-on learning as children build, create, and discover the joy of woodworking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our children’s woodworking workshops? Find answers to the most common enquiries about safety, age groups, booking, and what to expect.
What age groups are the workshops suitable for?
Our workshops are designed for children and teenagers of different ages. Activities are adapted to suit each age group and skill level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience.