In excess of £4,500 raised for MS Cahrity marking retirement
Story date: 9th Sep 09
Finewood opened up the doors to the workshop over the first weekend in September to let customers old and new see the craftsmen at work for one last time before Albert hands over his overalls and the fine woodworking business to son, Jeremy and skilled master craftsman, Andrew in December of this year.
As well as witnessing the chairmaking processes, guests were treated to woodturning, fretwork, carving, polishing, pyrography, steam bending and tower bell wheel making demonstrations, plus a unique opportunity to try the vast range of chairs on display in the lounge.
A prize draw to win a very special, personalised Highback Mendlesham chair made by Finewood raised over £4,500 for the MS Society with the winning ticket appropriately drawn by staunch local business supporter, Lady Caroline Cranbrook.
“ We were completely astounded by the number of people enjoying a visit to our workshop this weekend” said Albert, “and delighted by the support for this worthwhile charity. I will miss the buzz of creativity, the highs of making chairs for HM Queen Elizabeth II and more recently for St Edmundsbury Cathedral and of course I will miss the workshop jokes. But am looking forward to new challenges ahead and am so pleased that Jeremy, who has worked with us for over 10 years, will be taking over our now very full, order book and developing the business further with the very experienced help of Andrew.”