Having come into contact with the practical subjects in my SecondaryModern school through Mr. Smith my Metalwork teacher, a lasting interest developed which sowed the seeds for my future direction. I still have the first metalwork project I made over a number of weeks in my 13’s / 14’s during the very early 1960’s.It is interesting that when I speak with others of my generation they all can recount with affection their time in the school workshops, and invariably with a degree of pride  describe how their pieces of craftwork, no matte what standard of workmanship, have pride of place somwhere within their family environment. Look at that, they will say, “I made that at school”! The tragedy sadly is that the majority of family members and wider social contacts, do not understand or appreciate the scenario. Only another who has experienced the emotions which are generated through successfully making something which had a purpose.

My first metalwork job.