Phoenix House Wood Workshop

Phoenix House Recovery Centre
Richmond Road
Catterick Garrison
North Yorkshire
DL9 3AW

Tel:01748 834148

catterick.enquiries@helpforheroes.org.uk

Phoenix House Wood Workshop, was officially opened by Col John Bridgeman, Master of the Worshipful Company of Turners and Chairman of the Recovery Careers Services, and renowned professional woodturner and teacher, Tony Wilson.

“I wish we didn’t have to have Recovery Centres but, as we do, aren’t we glad they are like Phoenix House?” said Col Bridgeman.

“Young, old, man, woman; no matter what your injury, there is something here for everyone. The wood work shop is a wonderful idea and a wonderful concept. We have created a new world for those who come in to use it. It’s a great facility and very therapeutic.”

Woodwork lead instructor Tony Wilson and Col John Bridgeman, open the centre.

Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

The appeal was launched by world renowned tool maker Robert Sorby at the 2013 North of England Woodworking and Power Tool Show – the biggest woodworking show in Great Britain. This was prompted by the success of a series of woodturning workshops held by the company for Help for Heroes beneficiaries.

The campaign’s fundraising target was originally £30,000 but it soon became clear that such an amount was not needed, thanks to donations of equipment from manufacturers, and tools and wood given by retired woodworkers or by the relatives of those who have died, leaving behind items that the family did not know what to do with.

Now, they have a new workshop, kitted out with a wide range of machinery, tools and wood where they can practice the craft be it as therapy, to learn a new skill, gain qualifications or even, for some, as the first steps into a new career as part of Help for Heroes Career Recovery pathway.

Veteran Bob Taylor with various woodwork pieces that he has made.

Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Woodwork lead instructor Tony Wilson (right) demonstrates his skills with veteran Ted Granger.

Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Chris Morgan and Di Williamson
who have received recognition for their work at Phoenix House

Rachel Evison’s late father Gerald Cole had been a keen wood worker and she was delighted to have been able to pass on his tools to the Phoenix House workshop, especially after being invited to unveil a plaque in memory of Gerald and three other major individual family benefactors,

“Dad practiced woodwork all his life and, as children, we used to mess about in his woodshavings! He used to love teaching people and, as a permanent mark of everything he achieved, this is perfect,” said Rachel.

Rev. Anne Freestone, with (left-right) Chris Morgan, Bob Taylor, Ted Granger and Andy Lake
from Phoenix House, Catterick Garrison and the nativity scene they helped to create.

A full write up of the opening of the Woodworking Group is available for download here

A presentation of the groups work and sales information will be available soon

Chris Morgan & 21 Association would like to thank all those involved, Northern Echo & Darlington and Stockton Times copyright exists with those that own it