Don Rigby
Senior Carpenter
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2002
Interview with Don Rigby
Which is your favourite Carpenter Oak project and why?
The Canada/Montana job – there was potential for disaster but the company pulled it all together and the client was super happy.
Portlemouth Bus Shelter – tiny, used every day, looks ace!
When not in the yard, what do you enjoy doing?
I’m always in the yard.
If stranded on a desert island, which three people would you take and why?
My family – no one else matters (as much).
Which three people would be in your dream carpentry team and why?
Jean, so I can laugh at him and ‘cos he’s a brilliant carpenter. Alan, so I can watch Jean go mental and because Alan is ace. Michael Jackson, so he can teach me how to dance.
What is the most embarrassing job you have ever had?
Probably cleaning up sick on stage at a cabaret club in front of about two thousand people.
What music do you listen to?
Whatever is on. House of Pain to Bon Iver
What is the best comedy film ever made?
You Don’t Mess with the Zohan or Bad Taste
What do you enjoy most about working at Carpenter Oak?
It’s not political
Do you have a favourite quote?
‘I told you I was ill’ – Spike Milligan
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Don’t know yet
Bio
I was born in 1976, then I mucked about for about twenty years before buying a chisel. I then used that chisel and got better at until it until Carpenter Oak found me and here I am. It’s still pretty long so hopefully it will see me out.
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Paul Slemmings
Senior Frame Designer
Joined Carpenter Oak: 1999
Interview with Paul Slemmings
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Westonbirt Arboretum Restaurant, interesting shape and lots of folk get to see it.
Who do others think you look like?
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
What music are you currently listening to in the workshop?
Captain Beefheart – Clear Spot.
When not in the yard what do you enjoy doing?
Playing mandolin, cycling and scuba diving.
Biography
I studied and worked as an aerospace engineer, namely on supersonic air intakes for the never to happen Concorde replacement. I then worked as a school teacher before getting the carpentry bug on a voluntary course just outside Bristol in 1996. I joined Carpenter Oak Ltd in 1999 as a carpenter and now spend most of my time designing frames and supporting the company’s computers, but still get the chance to dust off my tools a few times a year. So thanks for looking at our site, and should you commission us to design and build a frame for you, I look forward to being part of the process!
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