On our way to Orchard Cottage, Image Credit: Jill Brewster
Henry and the Men's Group welcome Kids Kabin to Beamish, Image Credit: Jill Brewster
Alan's initial prototype for FlexiGames
Brian, Alan, and William working on the design for FlexiGames' base
Cutting out an oak handle, in the shape of a forget-me-not
Ian, Henry, Brian, and Rickard working on final designs.
Brian carves a forget-me-not into one of the oak nuts
Oak Nut detail on a base piece, hand-carved with a forget-me-not
FlexiGames pieces, sticks, bases, nuts and bolts.
Assembling FlexiGames at Beamish for a game of football in the Hemmel.
Dodgeball at Cowgate using FlexiGames
This refined piece was the result of the afternoon group working tirelessly and with a warmth of spirit that made problem solving a joy! The finished result has given immense satisfaction to the members, has impressed their families, and has shown Kids Kabin how highly the Men’s Group members value their work, and want to see I shown off in the best possible light.
Working out the tambour mechanism
Les reveals the 1:1 prototype door for the first time
Joe building the first 1:1 prototype
Les, Joe, and Fred's finished cabinet in the shed at Beamish
Kids Kabin members have already started customising the cabinet in Cowgate
...and it fits!
The piece is detailed with iIroko plugs to contrast the birch ply, matching the iroko legs. The leg structure is built using ambitious hand joinery, representing the most significant woodworking project Lucky has ever attempted.
The care and attention Lucky put into his work was evident to everyone on the project, from arriving early each week, supporting younger children, and staying late to clean up after each session, Lucky has given those who worked with him (Rickard, Sebastian, and Henry) such joy through his work. It was clear to the Men’s Group that this was a special project, and as a surprise for Lucky they arranged for a brass sign to be put up in the shed above his piece, bearing the name ‘Our Lucky Shelves’.
Lucky's first sketch prototype
Lucky and Rickard work on a 1:1 prototype which was sent to Beamish for feedback
Lucky fits a half-lap joint cut in a leg from Iroko onto his final piece
Brian and Alan were immensely proud of the work Lucky did for them, meeting at Beamish in the shed.
Lucky's shelves, in pride of place.
'Our Lucky Shelves', the Beamish Men's Group named the piece in Lucky's honour, as a surprise for him on the day.
The result is a charming iroko bench, tattooed with over 10 Kids Kabin members’ favourite things, their experiences of Beamish, and imagery from the Mens Group itself, as well as the name of every Mens Group member, past and present, with lots of room to grow!
Unveiling the bench was the star of the show on Saturday, all the work culminated in a beautiful and unique piece, which talks to the character and spirit of both Kids Kabin and Beamish.
Image Credit: Kids Kabin
Carving a Beamish Logo at Cowgate
Kids Kabin members each carved a name of a Men's Group member, past or present.
Image Credit: Jill Brewster
The finished bench in the garden at Orchard Cottage
Image Credit: Jill Brewster
John finally has a place to sit after a hard day's work!
