Testimonials

Members and Volunteers 

“Coming here was once described to me by my wife as a place where men can go to have a man-to-man chat, which is like going to the pub but doesn’t involve beer!” MW 

“Once you come, you get hooked. I called in once 5 years ago and loved it from the start, even though I don’t do woodwork! There is always lots to do.” DC 

“There is strong camaraderie, although sometimes too many comrades can spoil the broth. We are getting so popular we might need an extra shed!” MF 

“It’s a bit like being at work with your colleagues, doing something towards a common goal, your own projects, a commission or job for the charity. Beware women of a certain age approaching with a smile…they usually have a job for you to do…. hahaha.” MF and then much laughter and comments on it is so good to be safe to banter, and we are happy to do the jobs really, and we can always say no.  

“It’s a great place. There is always someone who can help you out, with personal things as well as technical. There is a really wide knowledge of so many things, with people from all backgrounds and working lives.” DP  

“Winters were hard on my own until my wife retired. I called in to MIS and was feeling a bit low and couldn’t settle to anything in the shed. So I popped into the main building and chatted to a few people and I quickly felt so much happier. You can move between buildings and get involved with whatever is happening. My mood always lifts after being here (agreeing nods from other MIS members). NJ 

“I saw people sewing when we came over from the sheds for coffee, and asked if I could learn. My wife and I then joined the next learn to sew workshops course. I really struggled with the foot pedal on the machine as it was counter to my welding machine muscle memory. The tutor brought the computerized machine out and showed me how to use it. Now I can sew and a whole new avenue of activities has opened up to me and my wife in our retirements. I even made an apron to wear in the sheds.” NJ and EJ 

“The shed was getting a bit too busy on certain days, so we agreed to split what days everyone came in. Then suddenly those days were busy and the others not. It just shows it isn’t always what we are doing, it is the contact, friendships and sense of community that being with people brings.” PO 

“It is so easy to join, easy to turn up, it’s free, and there is lots of support, if you want it, or you can work on your own projects.” DC 

“I was having panic attacks and a neighbour who comes to MIS recommended I tried it. Now I feel so much calmer and am really enjoying my time here. I’ve made a lot of friends and even inspired other people and shared my patchwork skills. I feel proud of myself. Learning from others has been good too. I’m dyslexic and can’t read or write and had a really rough time at school. Here everyone is so patient and helpful and they don’t judge. I feel valued and if I’m worried about anything I can talk to someone and things are quietly sorted out. I really like it here.” BC. 

“Coming here makes me take time out of my busy week to do something for myself. It is so relaxing. The skills I’ve learned from so many people is brilliant, as is the camaraderie and sharing of experiences, and the humour! Getting involved in the collaborations with school children and young carers has been really rewarding and builds my confidence and self esteem. I can now share those skills with my grandchildren. The WHCC is a lovely relaxing environment and everyone is so accepting of each other.” LW. 

“It gives me a break from home, and gives me something to get up for.” KP. 

“It is something to get up for and look forward to. I enjoy the company and meeting other people. It’s usually a good laugh. I really enjoy using the new computerized sewing machine, and I really like making things. I love the activities with Mickie, making cup cakes and crème egg fondant chicks with Sarah, and sewing with Diane and Sarah.” AB 

“I’ve been coming so long I think I’m part of the furniture! It IS nice to get out of the house and do stuff.”   EF 

“Coming here is like having a big warm hug. Lots to do, plenty of help and a cup of tea! Anyone can learn and share new skills. No skills needed!” CW 

“I like to meet up with my new friends, and have a hot tea or cup of milk. I enjoyed sewing using the new sewing machine and making a crème egg chick. Showing people what I have made (sushiko, rug-making, drawing, card-making) makes me smile. People are thoughtful and helpful. Always big smiles and hugs.” EK 

“I’ve been bringing my elderly mum to the WHC since it extended its opening hours to include Tuesday afternoons. My mum has dementia and finds mornings difficult, so being able to come to the WHC in the afternoon is perfect. As someone who spent all her spare time sewing, my mum loves being here looking at all the fabrics and sewing machines. Everyone is so friendly and inclusive, and nobody minds that my mum just likes to sit and watch what is going on.” AE 

“Everyone is so friendly. I can drop in and always find someone to talk to and am made to feel welcome. I have picked up new skills, joined an evening class, got my old sewing machine working again. There is always help and advice on hand. I don’t always have a purpose to come in, and anyone can see what other projects people are working on and be inspired. People have skills that can be tapped into. Even if you don’t have skills you can tap into those here and gain skills and confidence for the future. Membership is free to all.” TH 

“I just wanted to say how much we all enjoy the workshop courses that you provide at the Woodhouse Craft Centre.  Myself, daughter, grand-daughter and my grandson all enjoy coming to the Woodhouse Centre. As a family we try and do things together regularly, every so often.   

The Woodhouse Craft Centre gives my grand-daughter especially a place to be calm and take part in a caring, calming environment and to relax. Everyone there is so helpful and it is such a huge part of our lives as well as the whole community.   To sit, chat, laugh, make friends or quietly watch and learn a skill is so needed these days and absolutely priceless.

There are so many varied things to learn with you all, we come home full of enthusiasm to get back again and continue a project or start something new.  You are all so eager to help and give your time.  It’s absolutely brilliant.  

I work in quite a stressful job but going to the courses or even just pop in for a cup of tea really helps.  It is a very special place. You all work so hard to make it a safe environment and provide so many activities, courses and daily help to all who go there for next to nothing in return. Friendships are made and we are all interested in each other’s progress in different crafts.  

It is a part of our community and family life that we are extremely grateful for. I cannot thank you enough for all everyone at The Woodhouse Craft Centre do and may it long continue.” CS

“The Woodhouse Craft Centre for me, as a carer, is a place for me to have time away, of peace and crafting, which I so look forward to each month. The staff are full of knowledge, great ideas and so welcoming.  The Woodhouse Craft Centre is jam packed with beautifully crafted gifts & cards available to buy. Also projects on the go. I recommend a visit to meet new friends, hone a skill and have coffee and biscuits. Such an asset to the community.” AC 

“As a relatively new volunteer to the WHC, I have been impressed by the range of activities that go on here and the expertise of the volunteer helpers. I have been pleased to help with writing articles for local magazines to raise awareness of the Centre and was delighted that the response to these articles has been very positive with new members joining the Centre and getting involved.”  AE 

Customers / Businesses we have worked with 

“I’ve worked with a lot of Community Centres in the London area. This is the best I’ve seen. There is a real buzz here.” KH, customer 

​“We received the wonderful bee hotels at school this morning! They look absolutely amazing, and the children were so excited to see the finished project. We have already hammered the first bee hotel to its post and Year 1 all feel extremely proud.  

Thanks to the whole team at The Woodhouse Centre and Men in Sheds for making this project such a memorable, fun and special experience for everyone. We all absolutely loved coming to collaborate with you and we all feel very grateful for the huge effort and kindness that we were shown.  

Thank you so much for supporting Year 1 with their bee project. We loved meeting everyone and we hope to collaborate with you again! All of Year 1 at Hazelwood School  

“Dormouse houses were located around the school grounds, according to specialist guidance, and we hope will help protect this endangered species.” Hazelwood School. Year 4 collaboration (Compassion and giving at Christmas). 

I was absolutely delighted with the cardigan the kind volunteers at the WHC helped me finish. I had spent 6 years trying to knit it but finally approached the Centre for help, within a very short time they knocked at my door with the completed cardigan. I was thrilled and it has been my “go to” item all winter. It has brought me a huge amount of pleasure. Thank you  WHC!” VB, local resident 

“I just wanted to let you know that our wonderful caretaker has now securely fixed our library in place and we are in the process of stocking it with books! Do pop in at some point to take a look and I can also get a photo of you (if you don't mind!) next to the library. I'm going to send an email out this morning to let our parents and families know about our lovely new library and I'll give a big shout out to Men in Sheds, The Woodhouse Centre and Titsey Rotary. It's also going in Thursday's newsletter. Thanks all!” LS, Hurst Green Infant School & Nursery. 

“D loves this book cabinet. He literally goes there every day at drop off and pick up, opens it up by himself, gets a book, closes it, reads the book and then takes it back and puts it away. A great incentive for younger children to grow their love for books.” Parent at Hurst Green Infant School & Nursery. 

“Titsey Rotary Club members were delighted to work with The Woodhouse Centre and Men in Sheds on the Hurst Green Infant School “Outdoor Library Project”. From start to finish, the Woodhouse Centre team and the Men in Sheds chaps were full of ideas and suggestions to make this project a reality. This involved designing the library, choosing and sourcing the materials, construction, suggesting the finishes (paint, varnish etc) and they even helped to transport the library to Hurst Green School, where it has been installed and is now being used daily by the children.  

All in all, this was a great community project involving The Woodhouse Centre, Men in Sheds, Hurst Green Infant School and Titsey Rotary Club. 

We hope we can cooperate with The Woodhouse Centre and Men in Sheds on similar projects in the future.” Sam Baird, Chairman, Community Support, Titsey Rotary Club 

"I brought a very old stool into the Woodhouse Centre, one that both my children had sat on and absolutely adored, many years ago.  Age had however taken its toll and once very visible lettering and beautiful bee illustrations were faded to the point of being virtually illegible. The team at the Woodhouse Centre immediately recognised the sentimental nature of my little stool and did the most amazing job, updating me along the way and quite genuinely restoring it to a pristine and ‘brand-new’ condition. The work was quite clearly painstaking and detailed, and the stencilling was superb. My Mum picked the stool up for me on completion and was moved to tears by the interest and pride shown by the whole team at the Woodhouse Centre in this memory-laden renovation project." MM, local resident 

"On the back of the most amazing repair and renovation project that the Woodhouse Centre did for my son, I decided to try them out with another commission. A commission in the form of a very tatty and torn Crystal Palace mascot that had passed through the hands of my husband, our son and then his son too! The mascot was ripped with stuffing coming out and in such poor condition that I really did consider throwing it away. I’m so glad that I didn’t…….the repair work done by the individual in the Centre was so amazing. New stuffing was put in and the restitching and knitting produced a stunning rejuvenation, bringing the mascot back to its former glory. I cannot recommend the Woodhouse Centre enough." JM local resident 

As part of our Falls Prevention Campaign, we have been grateful for the opportunity to work with your organisation to deliver falls prevention presentation, check walking aids and replace the worn out rubber ferrules……Thank you again for your support and collaboration within the community.” EH, Right at Home Reigate & Crawley 

“It is wonderful to visit the Hurst Green Outdoor Library with my kids and see their excitement.” VH 

“It is so nice to have quality items to buy and know we are supporting a local charity.” Parent at Limpsfield Village Fair 

“There was such a lovely vibe here tonight (BoardMasters), and I’ll definitely be back next month!” SM, board game enthusiast 

“We are so impressed with what you do here.” LP. Community Groups in Tandridge.

“Limpsfield Memorial Stores would like to thank the WHC for its help and support over the years supplying the shop at Christmas time with its locally made goods to sell in the shop as well as helping to contribute to our Christmas display. As a community shop, we like to work with other community organisations and are therefore delighted to have a connection with the WHC. We also appreciate the Centre organising our ink cartridge recycling collection, it’s great that we can offer this recycling opportunity for our customers and the Centre manages it for us.” AE, Limpsfield Memorial Stores 

Limpsfield Village Fete Committee has been pleased to welcome the WHC to run a stall at its annual summer Fete. It is lovely to see the range of goods that have all been handmade at the Centre which appeals to both adults and children. As the proceeds of the day are split between St Peter’s Church and Limpsfield School lots of families attend the event and the children enjoy spending their pocket-money at the WHC stall. The Committee appreciates the WHC support every year with this community event.”  Limpsfield Village Fete Committee 

“We were absolutely delighted to have the Woodhouse Centre join us for our church’s Sustainability Fair in February this year. Their stall was popular and perfectly captured the whole spirit of the event. 

The team brought a beautiful selection of handcrafted items and gave a live demonstration of traditional chair caning. It was brilliant for our visitors to watch, and it gave everyone a fantastic, real-world example of how we can repair and reuse things instead of just throwing them away. 

The Woodhouse Centre team were warm and engaging, sharing their skills and chatting with everyone who stopped by. They are a wonderful asset to our local community, and their dedication to keeping these traditional crafts alive while bringing people together is inspiring. We are so grateful for their support and fully back them for this award!” Jacquie Hill, Churchwarden St Peter and St Pauls Edenbridge 

“I am very pleased to share my experience of working with the Woodhouse Craft Centre. We needed an A-frame to promote our community coffee morning and decided to ask the Woodhouse Craft Centre if they would be able to make one for us. Everyone there was extremely helpful and made sure that we had exactly what we wanted including a chalk board so that we could write on the A-frame. So, when we needed some A-frames for our local Fair, we didn’t hesitate to return to them to have a further three made. Once again we were pleased with the results. We would highly recommend the Woodhouse Centre for any similar projects.” AD, Limpsfield Chart Fair 

From 2025

“I have tried to knit a cardigan so many times in the past, without the patience and guidance I have been shown at the Woodhouse Centre I would never have persevered. I am absolutely delighted with my achievement, thank you” SM.

“This place gives me a reason to get out of bed every morning. We always have a great laugh” DP.

“…in January when everyone seems a bit low, it was really good to see everyone coming away with smiles on their faces. It actually is quite a challenge at the moment, so a specially big thank you for all you do” EH.

“I didn’t come to sew, I came because I needed someone to talk to” MB.

“I feel so much better after a morning here” JR.

“ I felt so proud of my achievement this morning, I left my walking stick in the Shed by mistake” RH.

“A warm welcoming space, everyone is accepted” JK.

“That Yucca plant’s leaves made me bleed, but my goodness the flowers are amazing. I can’t believe it’s flowered 2 years running” MM.

 “I like it so much I come 4 days a week. I like to do things, I enjoy the outings and have a good old chat and laugh.” CW.

 “I think the WHC should be prescribed on the NHS, as it is so good for people. A weekly visit is a real boost. THE WHC keeps people young as it has such a great sense of community, comradery and fun.” VB.

 “This place is the most wonderful place in the world and I’ve been coming since 2015. They do so much good here and it gives me a reason to get up.” FM.

“Marvellous, good old laugh. Always something to do, good people taking of us” BK. 

“It’s great for learning new skills. People are very helpful people and it’s very good for a laugh” PW.

“Men in Sheds keeps us old guys going” MW.

“Though we are ok on our own, we like the contact and a purpose to work for the charity in the same premises. Benefits us all. Good for the community” GH.

“Whilst working with wood, we make good friends and contacts without making an effort. It just happens” PF.

 “Having recently become a volunteer, I’ve discovered it is a wonderful way to meet people, and how satisfying it is to support the SEND adults with craft activies. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming” JK.

 “The WHC benefits lots of people and you don’t have to pay to come here. And it is for anybody. People arrive and leave happy” MS.

 “I’m never sure whether I’m a helper or a member! The humour is  very good , as is the friendship, amusement, and company” JP

 “It’s a good place to learn crafts, meet people, make friends. Good excuse to get out of the house. Nice to help the community and give back. Although I don’t do crafts it’s nice to know I’m helping in some way. Very rewarding” NP.

 “It’s the company and always so helpful with the little things. Friendship, and a place to see old friends. Something good always happens when I come over” EH.

“The Shed is not just about making things, it is about making life meaningful again.”

“An interesting and informative morning, thank you for organising” SD.

“I grew up with this stool and now your wonderful upholstery team has given me the opportunity to see my grandchildren use it.” Customer

“I’ve really enjoyed learning to sew in the evenings, discovering the art of Sashiko embroidery at the weekend and learning to block print with my Family Voice support group on a Wednesday afternoon” MB.

“Everybody has been admiring my bag and I’ve been telling them, I made it myself at the Learn to Sew workshop” AB.

“I was not going to stay this morning, but was persuaded, and I have just had the best morning” MWD.

“I never find the time to sew at home. It’s been lovely to lose myself being creative here” AV.

“I feel so inspired hearing and writing about all the great things we do” DA.

“I come here to learn something new, but I always leave having felt immense kindness” EW.

“I really like the Woodhouse Centre because it’s really arty and crafty and I like making things” FG.

"I like the way I can make anything I want to and everyone is really nice" JD.

Hazelwood School Y1 feedback

“Thanks to the whole team at The Woodhouse Centre and Men in Sheds for making this project such a memorable, fun and special experience for everyone. We all absolutely loved coming to collaborate with you and we all feel very grateful for the huge effort and kindness that we were shown.” BG Head of Year 1

“It was so much fun. See you in May.”

“ I like the Wooden bowl being made. See you in May. Thank you Woodhouse.” (HWSchool, 6)

“Thank you for everything. My favourite thing was getting in the bee van.” (HWSchool, 6)

“Thank you for letting us come to the Woodhouse Centre. I liked you making a plate. Thank you for letting us have the wool.” (HWSchool, 5)

“ I love the hedgehog house and the bee talk and the man teaching us all about bees. (HWSchool, 6)

“I liked it because me and my friends got to touch real sheep wool” (HWschool, 6)

“Thank you for helping make our bee houses and bees and flowers.” (HWSchool, 6)

“Thank you for making our bee hotels. We love them.” (HWSchool, 6)

Example feedback about our workshops:

“Excellent – calm, informative, friendly and helpful” (SR)

“Endlessly patient, knowledgeable and kind. The tutors are enthusiastic and always believed in us. Lots of tips and tricks” (FW)

“Excellent workshop, thoroughly enjoyed it. 😊” (MB)

“Well supervised through each step of booking and attending. Better value for money than expected.” (SD)

“Lovely people. Felt very comfortable and welcome.” (AS)

“Thank you so much to you and your amazing volunteers . They were absolutely amazing on Saturday and the young carers loved the session.” (SH)