A talented 82-year-old is using his carpentry skills to carve figures and sculptures out of wood.
John Freeman, from Holbeach, is known affectionately as the ‘wood man’ and uses leftover timber which he shapes into bird boxes, gypsy caravans, animals, cars, figurines and a moving Ferris wheel.
He spends a lot of time in his vast workshop and his wife Nancy, who is also 82, describes herself as a Wood Widow when he spends days creating wooden objects.
John Freeman outside his bungalow. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
Mr Freeman said: “It is a hobby.
“I was top in the class for woodwork but never took it up.
“I started 20 years ago when I retired at 65.”
Timber used for the sculptures. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
Although some items are for sale, Mr Freeman doesn’t make a profit, and relies on word of mouth and bespoke commissions from people.
He said: “People come from Northampton for my bird boxes.
“I made a musical figure for a brass band in Boston.
John Freeman. Iliffe Media
“Every couple of months I donate a raffle prize to the Royal British Legion in Long Sutton.”
Before retiring, Mr Freeman has had a varied working career on a farm and for his father’s lorry business.
He said: “I was self employed and had a car garage business.
A gypsy caravan. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
“We had a sports shop in Holbeach and a green grocery round in Corby.
“I had some land and sold it and we moved into the bungalow.”
Mr and Mrs Freeman, who married in 1962 at St Mary’s Church in Whaplode, will celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary next year.
Mr Freeman with a vehicle he created. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
He said: “The secret to a long marriage is working together.
“Nancy would give you her last shilling and has a different temperament to me.
“I am a bit more fiery.”
A painted wagon. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
His son Gary Freeman is a builder and often passes on unused wood.
Most of the objects are left as natural wood for people to paint themselves.
Mr Freeman said: “Some items will take two days.
A gypsy caravan. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
“Others can take a week.
“The car would take about three weeks.”
For further information about purchasing a bird box contact John Freeman on 01406 420397.
John Freeman in his workshop. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaA Ferris wheel with an electric mechanism. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaAn owl sculpture. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaMr Freeman will add flowers to this sculpture to donate to the Royal British Legion in Long Sutton. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaThe workshop. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaThe sculptures are left as natural wood. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaMusical men. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaThis bird box has been sold. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaWooden sculptures can take two days to make. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaA bird box. PHOTO: Iliffe MediaTwo of Mr Freeman’s musical sculptures. PHOTO: Iliffe Media
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