Forty Years a Friend

A snotty-nosed apprentice

I first met Tim when I started work as a snotty-nosed sixteen-year-old apprentice. In amongst everyone else was this larger-than-life character who would take on the world if he believed in the cause. Forty years on, he still would.

We've got more in common than most. We both love our pets, and in both our houses the dogs always come first. Our sons even share the same name.

Never why. Always when.

It's never been about money with us. Over the years, whenever one of us has needed the other's help, it's never been questioned why. It's always been when.

“It's never been why. It's always been when.”

From sharing a pint on the seafront on a summer's day to popping round each other's house, the door's always been open, and we've always ended up having a laugh.

In sickness and in health, whenever it's been needed, we've stood united.

So why this site?

Tim would never ask for help. He's far too stubborn for that, and I wouldn't have him any other way.

So I built him this instead: a home for his woodwork, his food, his training, his stories and his dogs. A place where his work can pay its way. Not a hand-out. A hand up.

If you've read this far, have a look around. Cook one of his meals. And if you can, sponsor one. He won't ask. I just did.

Martin