The Martinsey Isle Trust

Events and Activities

Where applicable, click the titles below for more details

Creating an idyll of Martinsey and Lidney Islands

Natural Burial honouring life's sacred thresholds

Weaving A Willow Coffin

Mon 22nd - Thur 25th September 2008, Glastonbury, Somerset

Cost: £450 including all materials, light lunch and refreshments

With Willow Weaver: Norah Kennedy

Willows have been around long before humans - thousands of years ago willow was used in the construction of trackways across the Somerset Levels.

"To wear the willow" was a phrase applied to the wearing of mourning, especially for a sweetheart or bride - as in Maddy Prior's song All Around My Hat I Will Wear The Green Willow.

We will be using willow, which has been grown on the Somerset Levels where basketmakers have been weaving baskets for thousands of years. It is even used to make artists' charcoal and to reinforce riverbanks.

We will construct the coffin around a wooden base and weave the sides and lid in different colours of willow using age-old techniques and learning some interesting jargon.

Click here to download full details and booking form

To talk about any of the above, the work of The Martinsey Isle Trust, or any issues arising - or to host our play production 'Colder Than Here' - please phone Judith or write to her at:

Ivy Cottage, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1DU. Phone: 01258 475125

Some useful links:

Natural Death Centre

Transitus

Hospice of the Heart

Wessex Research Group

The Invisible Community

Activities and Events