About Woodworks

Woodworks - carpentry classes, joinery classes, carpentry courses, joinery courses, commissions, Lewisham south east London, UK

Hugh, director and tutor

 Woodwork has been my lifelong passion. After working in formal and informal community education, I set up Woodworks in September 2016, working in my cellar and back garden. I started out with commissions and repairs/modifications before setting up woodwork classes in 2020. These have grown rapidly and in 2024 we moved to our current premises in Ladywell.

I believe that woodworking has a lot to offer individuals and communities. So in 2024, we took the step of becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC). This helps us better serve our stakeholders.

 

Hugo, tutor

I completed my apprenticeship to a Wales based early musical instrument maker in 1990.  I  then became a prop maker at the National Theatre. I set up my own company in 2009 and have a workshop in Crystal Palace where two of my sons work with me. I really enjoy teaching at Woodworks. It’s something I have been wanting to do for a while now and gives my sons a bit of space!

Community benefit

As a social enterprise we deliver community benefit in three areas:

  • Developing the craft and skills of woodwork
  • Encouraging health and wellbeing
  • Fostering sound environmental practice.

We are friendly, inclusive and encouraging with social events and trips.
We are developing our offer to include more places and courses for people with additional or specific needs (eg mental health, those in recovery, autism) and for marginalised groups (eg homeless, refugees.) This is in partnership with trusted charity and community partners. To this end we are looking to raise funds, seek sponsorships, commissioning and use profits. Please contact us for further details and any enquiries. Please contact us using the Contact page if you would like to find out more.

Woodworks - carpentry classes, joinery classes, carpentry courses, joinery courses, commissions, Lewisham south east London, UK‘Hugh was great, so insightful and helpful with my own project. Gave me instruction and help but also allowed me space to make my own mistakes and learn! It was a really good experience and one I would highly recommend!’
– James F

Environment policy

We focus on positive ways we can improve our environmental foot- print for the long-term benefit of all. To this end we:

  • work locally
  • use local suppliers as far as possible
  • ensure that timber and materials we buy are responsibly sourced
  • reuse and refurbish where possible.
  • do not own a vehicle, for choice it’s a bicycle – where necessary we use shared transport solutions such as Zipcar, Zipvan, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and cabs
  • keep up to date with the latest research around environmental issues through our support of Friends of the Earth, Woodland Heritage, and the Woodland Trust.
  • Design, create and adapt products of quality – designed to last
  • minimise waste generation through the following:
    reduced consumption; recycle packaging, plastics and office paper; waste timber off-cuts recycled as fuel (any good material goes to local projects eg. Men in Sheds); use information technology to reduce printed material; safe and proper disposal of any waste created that is not recyclable; use rechargeable battery power tools; use of environmentally friendly lacquers, paints and materials as far as possible.
Woodworks - carpentry classes, joinery classes, carpentry courses, joinery courses, commissions, Lewisham south east London, UK