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Born and schooled in Nottingham, David's talents at school leaned to the practical subjects of woodwork and metalwork.

He was always very proud of his work and it was in 1952 at the age of twelve he made this small copper vase, which is still in his possession to this day. He wanted to gain a craft apprenticeship working in wood or metal. He achieved his goal and secured a six year apprenticeship when he left school in 1956.

There were lots of skills to be learned before being unleashed into the real world of maintaining and installing equipment. One of those skills was the use of the 'mouth-lamp'. This is the very lamp he used for soldering joints on lead gas pipes. The operator used his breath to control the flame in order to get the required effect.

David wasn't to be a gas fitter all his life, instead he progressed into sales and service management with the gas board moving around South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Hull and the northern parts of Lincolnshire to fulfil his work commitments.

He became a magistrate when his employers encouraged people working for the company to become involved. Twenty years on the bench saw him preside over many cases and latterly taking on an educational role, training magistrates in the Hull area.

During his interview David also talks about his role with the former Humberside Ambulance Service NHS Trust which became the Tees, North and East Yorkshire Ambulance Trust and also about his love of motorcycling.

David's main picture is of a wooden chain with a ball within a small cage he carved from the same piece of sycamore. He showed it to a friend involved with the East Yorkshire Woodturners and David accepted an invitation to go along to the group. For the past five years he's been the Secretary of the East Yorkshire Woodturners. The group meets at Skidby Village Hall once a month to exchange ideas and view demonstrations on turning techniques.

The age range of the members is considerable, from the teens to those in their seventies of both sexes. The group is very active and attracts a wide variety of people, mostly those who pursue their hobby for pleasure, although some have sold some of their handiwork.

Demonstrations are very important to the group and for that reason many presentation tools are used to ensure that everyone can see what is going on. Recently the group received funding from the 'Awards for All' lottery scheme to enable them to upgrade the equipment. They received Β£3,200 for a new lathe, public address and visual aid equipment which David says is a welcome boost.

The East Yorkshire Woodturners have around 65 members but welcome interest from anyone who'd like to find out more. David can be contacted on 01482 876702 for more details.