I joined the Hay Makers over 20 years ago after moving to the Welsh borders in the late 80’s. I had set up a workshop in converted farm buildings overlooking the inspiring Wye valley equipped with a solid cast iron lathe. Wood turning had been a hobby which became a full time activity.

My initial interest was to produce traditional ladderback chairs along the lines of the Arts and Crafts designer Ernest Gimson and the famous Herefordshire chair maker Philip Clissett and I also made simple farmhouse tables and smaller items such as stools.  My preference is for locally sourced British hardwoods like Ash, Cherry,Walnut and Sycamore. I continue to supply the gallery with bowls and chopping boards.

I was fortunate to become the part owner of two small woods , one in East Herefordshire and one just south of Hereford. This led on to me getting interested  in and studying woodland management. I remain committed to the sustainable production of timber and enjoy sourcing interesting wood with all its variety of grain and colour. 

Now that I have reached “semi-retirement” I find I am back trying to continue to meet the challenge  of turning functional but aesthetically pleasing  bowls and platters. There is satisfaction in seeing the whole process from the selection of the tree, through the conversion of a log, seasoning carefully after the first rough turning  and then the finishing resulting in the final form.

My bowls which are usually one offs are given two coats of finishing oil and finished with a mixture of hard and soft beeswax. With reasonable care (wiped clean and not soaked in water) they should last many years.