Over the years, James has received numerous letters of appreciation and completed Teaching Quality Review Forms from students covering a wide range of ability levels.

Here are just some examples which acknowledge his caring and professional approach to the teaching of calligraphy and craft subjects.

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‘ Thank you so much for a fabulous day on Saturday. We all learnt so much. We would like to wish you and Linda a long and happy retirememt. ’
Deb of Lechlade
Creative Paper Crafts Lechlade WI Saturday 24th November 2007

‘ The tutor was first class with years of experience and an amazing sense of humour. He made the weekend most enjoyable. Very clear and concise with endless patience. I had done a course on calligraphy in 1985 at West Dean in Sussex BUT it wasn't as thorough as James' teaching. ’
Esther of Guildford Surrey
Gothic in time for Christmas The Ammerdown Centre near Radstock Somerset 9th - 11th November 2007

‘ Thank you very much for sending me the video 'The Illuminator' which my friend and I have enjoyed watching. I am off to the post office this morning so it should reach you in a couple of days. Pam and I really enjoyed our weekend at Denman College, thanks mainly to your patient teaching. ’
Mary of Chelmsford via email
An Introduction to the Copperplate Script Denman College near Abingdon Oxon 24th - 26th August 2007

‘ James was a wonderful teacher and a very knowledgeable, funny and encouraging teacher to have. He should be banned from going into retirement! ’
Bernadette from Harrow
Illumination and Decoration in Calligraphy Farncombe Adult Centre Broadway Worcestershire 17th - 20th August 2007

‘ Thank you once again for the expert, patient tuition that you provided at the Marlborough Summer School this year and also for all the extra material you brought with you by way of the CD Roms, the very interesting video about Donald Jackson and the amusing video about the monks! My only regret is that I didn't attend your classes in previous years. ’
Jane of Worcestershire
Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers Marlborough College Summers School (Week 3) 29th July - 4th August 2007

‘ Thank you James for a wonderful week's course at Marlborough. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your teaching and I went home delighted with the result of my first attempt at calligraphy. It has spurred me on to continue learning about the subject, but first I will try to perfect my 'Gothic' hand. I must admit it is a style I like very much. Thank you again for such a superb start for my new hobby in calligraphy. ’
June of Isleworth Middlesex
Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers Marlborough College Summer School (Week 3) 29th July - 4th August 2007

‘ A five star course!!!!!!! ’
Francesca of Italy
Creative Paper Crafts Marlborough College Summer School (Week 2) 22nd - 28th July 2007

‘ Please list three things which you enjoyed about the course.......1) The humour initiated by the tutor which helped one to relax.......2) Excellent teacher (from a born teacher).......3) My expectations were more than fulfilled ’
Magda of Devizes
An Introduction to Calligraphy Marlborough College Summer School (Week One) 15th - 21st July 2007

‘ I felt that James did well in the following: 1) very good time management 2) very clear instructions 3) very good materials to take away ie. photocopies so no need to take notes 4) enthusiastic and encouragement given at all times 5) 'went the extra mile' to make it even more worthwhile eg. video, his personal work, and other interests. ’
Christine of Brighton
Calligraphy Summer School The Ammerdown Centre nr Bath 11th - 15th June 2007

‘ James is a true teacher and is able to convey material in a way that is easily taken in. Demonstrations are extremely helpful ’
Kathy of San Jose USA
Calligraphy Summer School The Ammerdown Centre nr Bath 11th - 15th June 2007

‘ Thanks for your patience and kindness. ’
Mary of Denmead Hampshire
An Introduction to Calligraphy Denman College 2nd - 5th April 2007

‘ Many thanks for such an inspiring few days! Hope to come back and do some more. ’
Elaine of Storth Cumbria
An Introduction to Calligraphy Denman College 2nd - 5th April 2007

‘ I am back at my desk today, wishing I was still at Denman and continuing with the craft course! Just wanted to say many thanks for such an instructive and enjoyable course - I look forward to making more bags, cards, etc ’
Valerie of Milford-on-Sea via email
Creative Paper Crafts theme weekend - 'Turkish Delight' Denman College 2nd - 4th March 2007

‘ I thoroughly enjoyed my week - your tremendous enthusiasm, assistance and powers of explanation made me very keen. Waiting for me was a golden wedding invitation, so the card for that is my next project. ’
Sheila of Coventry
Let's Celebrate - Calligraphy Denman College 26th February - 2nd March 2007

‘ Thank you very much for our happy Calligraphy course. ’
Wilfred of Taunton
Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers Brunel Manor Torquay 11th - 15th February 2007

‘ Many thanks for the loan of the video 'The Illuminator' and for the inspiring course. I have been practising and have completed the work we started in class. ’
Helen Jones of mid Wales via email
Celtic Calligraphy Farncombe Adult Learning Centre nr Broadway Worcestershire. 26th- 28th January 2007

‘ Just a brief note from me to thank you so much for the course at the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt I was actually getting somewhwere by close of play on Sunday. I shall keep practising! It was a pleasure to meet you and I very much look forward to being taught by you again. ’
Judith of London via email
Celtic Calligraphy Farncombe Adult Learning Centre nr Broadway Worcestershire 26th - 28th January 2007

‘ Thanks again for yet another excellent course at the weekend. I have had a look at the evaluation forms - all excellent feedback, as usual. ’
Benedicte Scholefied: Director of The Ammerdown Centre
Creative Paper Crafts for Christmas: The Ammerdown Centre 8th - 10th December 2006

‘ A very big thank you for the interesting activities, patience, kindness and all the organisation and preparation. ’
Margaret of Frome
Creative Paper Crafts for Christmas: The Ammerdown Centre 8th - 10th December 2006

‘ We very much appreciated your HARD work teaching us - with so many raw beginners! The laughs you gave us and patience - created a wonderful course. Haste ye back. ’
Sylvia from Playhatch near Reading on behalf of the group
Creative Cards and Christmas Calligraphy: Denman College 20th - 23rd November 2006

‘ I just wanted to thank you again for your inspirational calligraphy course at Brunel Manor. It was great to have the processes we were taught explained so clearly (and entertainingly) and to be encouraged to have a go.... I was surprised at my results and am glad I took the plunge to learn a new skill. You will be glad to know I was practicing hard last week - I made 18 place names for a dinner we went to last night and people were most impressed! I was even asked where I'd got them done! So now I'm going to see whether I can get onto a course after Christmas so I can build on what you taught me. ’
Christine of Bordon Hampshire
Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers Brunel Manor Torquay 13th - 17th November 2006

(These are genuine comments and are available for inspection)

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