I am a cabinet-maker based in Standlake, Oxfordshire. Having recently retired from the NHS as a Consultant Anaesthetist, I am now focusing on my lifetime other passion of working with wood.

I make furniture and wooden objects from locally-sourced hardwoods including, but not limited to: boxes – for jewellery, trinkets, pens etc; drinks and other types of cabinet; trays; chopping boards; and tables of all types.

My real passion is to make personalised gifts for special occasions such as notable birthdays or anniversaries. These will have unique design features and inlaid or carved names or dates to highlight the uniqueness of the gift. Many of my creations also have hidden or secret compartments which add to the uniqueness of the piece.

I love repairing and restoring antique or heirloom furniture to their former glory. This can include veneer patching, table and chair repairs, re-surfacing and re-finishing antiques. I also reupholster chairs and other upholstered furniture.

I use Sketchup - a computer aided-design software program - when required, to show what the finished product might look like before starting work. For complicated items, I will send you an image of what the final version looks like so we can agree the design and construction before I start work.

I need to cover my costs for wood, tools, glue and finishes - and for a basic hourly rate. To give an example, this translates to £50 and upwards for small boxes right up to £000’s for a complicated cabinet. Details, initials, carving, inlays, secret compartments all obviously add to the price. All open to discussion!