I am a keen, passionate woodturner progressing into the craft to a level where I can demonstrate and promote woodturning to others, I am currently working as an Operations Manager for a canoe and kayak manufacturer in North Somerset.
My first woodturning experience was at school for my CSE woodwork assessment from then on I was hooked.
In 1988 whilst serving a plumbing apprenticeship I had an industrial accident at work resulting in a fractured spine and was paralysed from the waist down. After major spinal surgery and fourteen weeks in hospital the feeling in my legs luckily started to return and then I started the long rehabilitation process on learning to walk again and build the muscles in my lower body.
I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress from the accident, eventually it was suggested I got a hobby to try to give me a focus, so my immediate thought was a lathe! I purchased a Clarke 5 speed lathe and I was up and running.
Woodturning helped me so much, giving me something to focus on, push myself to stand for longer periods and gave me a purpose and sense of achievement on everything I turned.
After three major operations and seven years of rehabilitation I was advised I was now fit enough to return to work so I concentrated on seeking new employment away from plumbing and for the past 30 years now I have been an operations manager for a Kayak manufacturer.
I am currently a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Turners of London and a Past Yeoman of the Turners Company