During my teaching career I taught Woodwork, Metalwork, Motor Engineering, Computing and Physics in a large Comprehensive school. Those years brought many changes - the main one being the challenges of all the practical subjects being drawn together under the banner of 'Craft, Design and Technology'. Whilst this change had some advantages, it has brought about the demise of many machine based activities for students leading to a shortage of skill sets for students.
My interest in computing and control technology during my last few years as Head of CDT were exciting and demanding. Everything seemed to be 'new technology'.

In 1989 I took a career change and a new challenge in securing a new job as Senior Manager for education IT systems for a County Council in the north of the UK.

After many years of back problems I underwent spinal surgery for the first time in 1995 and since then have had  7 spinal operations. During this period I had to take early retirement and post recuperation I have had the opportunity to spend more time to explore the pleasures of changing the shape of wood through turning. My back is fortunately behaving itself at present - it must be all that touching of wood!

I have been a member of several woodturning groups - am currently Chair of the Blackmore Vale Woodturners (BVWA) and enjoy contact with other woodworkers. I firmly believe that there are no rights and wrongs in how we do things; albeit some ways better than others, and we are all learners together, keen to share our experiences and try new ways of doing things. If I can inspire others in the delights of woodcraft either through their viewing of this web site, by looking at some of what I have made or by sharing my experiences then I couldn't be more pleased.

More recently I have had many orders to completely overhaul and refurbish lathes.  So if yours is getting old or the bearings/motors have gone - give me a shout - I still like to get my hands oily!

Just fro something different, for the last few years I have been building and repairing computers, mobile phones and iPads etc as well.

'Enjoy the website and Happy Turnings!'

Richard    rajefferies@btinternet.com