Getting on.... a bit. First trained in Furniture Production at High Wycombe after O's and A's in school (the woodwork room was the only one accessible on crutches). Worked on site (unqualified as a carpenter) and then moved on, working in the timber trade and glass/double glazing supply industries. Ran a picture framing business for a few years and then took over running the family printing business (est. 1889) which closed after 3 burglaries in 6 months in the 90s.

I have always worked in wood and mechanised wherever possible (being a Disabled Person) - I remember being teased on site with the comment - what are you going to do if there is a power cut?.

I have a very pessimistic view on the state of carpentry and all craft training. A friend of over 40 years (4 heads of trade - Army) is a technician at a local college and I get regular updates on what the latest brilliant idea is. The latest two being lecturers being qualified in teaching but not having any woodworking experience combined with no practical skills being taught by the college, leaving that to the employers.

My wife is American and we have full grown kids and grandkids in Oregon and the craft training there is based on a far more sensible programme. My step-son qualified as a plumber in his 30s with no loss of income whilst training in fact his pay went up with every stage he achieved - a lot more sensible than here.

That's it from me for now.