The Wobbly Bodger at Ransom Wood

Major Oak Heritage Crafts is a small business created by Sue and Gary Joynt since 2015. 

Green Woodworking is the technique of manufacturing wooden products from green or unseasoned timber, sourced whenever possible from Ransom Wood and covers everything from making a ‘Fan Carved Bird’. spatula, bowl or spoon to making traditional chestnut fencing, ‘Stick Furniture’ Windsor Chairs and bespoke furniture.  

‘Green Woodworking is wonderful as only traditional tools, such as a drawknife, ‘Shave Horse’ and ‘Pole lathe’ are used and the beauty is, you can still hear the wildlife and birdsong whilst using the lathe etc, as it is very quiet. Although sharp tools are used, instruction is given to using safe techniques to limit injuries, mostly small cuts and guidelines on sharpening and how to obtain and sharpen tools, so they remain in good condition. 

Both Gary and Sue are disabled and therefore empathise with how challenging everyday life can be and aim to include everyone in green woodworking and can usually find a way of adapting techniques and practices to suit an individual or small group.  We also work closely with Hemendra and Lisa, of Green Scene Forest Schools also based on site and have been offering courses through funding obtained by ‘Hem’ and Lisa. 

Folks often ask why Gary is known as the ‘Wobbly Bodger’ and it because he is affected with a progressive condition known as ‘Ataxia’ that affects his balance, coordination and speech as well as spondylosis that affects his joints and muscles. 

Those tenants who venture towards the Paddock will have noticed just before you reach it, on the left, that some traditional chestnut fencing and a small hut, made from recycled pallets has appeared over the past 2 years and this is the Green Woodworking area, that has been ongoing with the help of family, friends, Ransom Wood employees and the very supportive Mr. Charles Cannon. The next phase involves erecting a shelter on site to provide cover from the rain and sun, and once this is finished, we will be looking towards running courses in Spoon Making, Fan Carved Bird making, stick furniture etc and making items for sale in Forever Green. 

The Wobbly Bodger is excited to be part of the Ransom Wood Business Park family and looks forward to working and growing the business on site. If you are passing, please feel free to drop-in and have a chat, a cuppa, and a chillax and if you are interested in attending a course or workshop, we can discuss prices, availability and duration? 

Major Oak Heritage Crafts 

Mobile 0791303326 

Email gary@majoroakheritagecrafts.uk.