Bromsgrove apprentice impresses at county museum (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove apprentice impresses at county museum

7:10am Friday 21st September 2012 in News

A BROMSGROVE apprentice has been impressing after joining the team at a county museum.

Worcestershire County Museum, based in Hartlebury Castle, advertised earlier this year for an apprentice to learn the traditional skills of woodworking and wheelwrighting from its long-standing volunteer Ced Lewis.

Ced, aged 83, has been volunteering at the museum for more than 20 years and the retired engineer has developed his skills to a very high level.

His recent projects included the restoration of a Gypsy caravan, the carving of a wooden horse and the building from scratch of a Gypsy caravan model.

Earlier this year, Ced decided it was time he passed on his skills to someone who will be able to learn the traditional craft, and continue to help the museum in the future.

The appeal resulted in a number of applications who were whittled down to three individuals.

After a woodwork test, the chosen candidate was Lickey Hills resident Mark Clements.

Recently retired from a local authority the 51-year-old had no previous woodworking skills.

"I'm a practical person, I've always been keen on DIY and I appreciate fine woodwork so I thought I'd give it a go,” Mark said.

“I never expected to get the job though.

“I absolutely love it, Ced is an inspiration and I'm learning new skills all the time.”

Mark has already successfully made two wheels from scratch, using them in the construction of a hand cart which the museum will be able to use in its exhibitions.

Ced said: “Mark's a natural.

“There's still plenty more for him to learn though, I've been doing this for 20 years and I'm still learning.”

The museum is always on the lookout for more volunteers.

Anyone interested can call Rachel on 01299 250416 or visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.