Crich Woodworks

Crich Woodworks Designing and producing handmade items from my workshop in Crich, Derbyshire.

I'm reyt happy. Not only has summer well and truly arrived, I am fully recovered from a bad case of sepsis. It only took...
28/05/2026

I'm reyt happy. Not only has summer well and truly arrived, I am fully recovered from a bad case of sepsis. It only took 6 months but who's counting?

Anyway, I wanted to post on here to say hello and I hope you are doing well. During my recovery period, I had to take it steady. There were times when climbing the stairs was an effort. But, gradually, i gained my strength, not to mention my sanity. I was on a phased return to work which meant I had time to rest up, which has been an enormous help.

Me being me, I don't sit still for long. I noticed the garden wasn't looking very good, unloved and almost abandoned so this year is all about growing my own veg and salad again. Cant beat fresh out of the garden. Alongside that, 1 of 2 huge raised flower beds has been made, filled and planted, new garden column lights installed, borders dug out and a ton of new plants.

I made a book stand for the kitchen worktop too. Did I tell you I've not drunk any booze for 6 months now? Anyway, I've cut all of my hair off too. Properly feel like a new human being. Strange how a visit to intensive care can give you a good kick up the trumper.

Anyway, I waffle on. ENJOY SUMMER and be happy!!!

I've been to the Lake District many many times and never get bored of the beauty it holds. The nature is outstanding and...
22/03/2026

I've been to the Lake District many many times and never get bored of the beauty it holds. The nature is outstanding and is home to a small population of native red squirrels. Sadly, their numbers have declined dramatically since the introduction of the grey squirrel in 1876.
Cumbria is one of the last places in England where the reds exist. Various groups work tirelessly to extend their existence across the county through programmes and habitat preservation. A much loved and truly iconic member of our native species in the UK. I could happily take slightly grainy shots on my phone all day long.

Hello. If you're reading this, I hope you are well. As the winter months draw to an end, I can definately sense the star...
22/02/2026

Hello. If you're reading this, I hope you are well. As the winter months draw to an end, I can definately sense the start of Spring. The birds are active and noisy, the spring flowers are starting to appear and the days are getting longer (thank goodness).

I've limited my time in the workshop because my recovery from sepsis has taken longer than I thought it would. I didn't know what to expect when I came out of hospital, but what I do know is, the effects of sepsis strips your body of almost everything. Red blood cells take 4 months to regenerate (best case scenario) and these carry oxygen around the body, so it comes as no surprise that after an hour or so in the workshop requires rest, a large mug of tea and cake (if available).
Thats been the pattern for the last few weeks and i'm grateful that I can actually spend small amounts of time in there. To that end, a new 'chaotic' style cutting board.

It's taken almost 2 months to make, spending an hour at a time on the days that I feel I have enough energy to make it.
The wood is from various offcuts from other boards that i've made over the last year or so. I added some end grain braces to the sides from vaneers (iroko, sapele and maple).

I hope you like the board. It is utterly unique. All very very colourful. It will be gifted to a work friend who recently retired.

Drop a comment in below and let me know what you think.

Tra for now


Need a last minute Christmas gift? I have an end grain cutting board requiring a new home. Made from Sapele, Maple and E...
21/12/2025

Need a last minute Christmas gift?

I have an end grain cutting board requiring a new home. Made from Sapele, Maple and English Oak (side rails).

Measurements:
22 inches / 560mm Wide
16 inches / 410mm Deep
2 inches / 50mm Thick

This is a unique kitchen item which features hand slots to pick it up with rubber feet to the underside. The contrasting colours look amazing.

Please feel free to share. Ideally, a local pick up will be required to avoid the Christmas delivery timeframe.

Drop a message if you have any questions.
TTFN

Right then. I was hoping to post lots of pictures of me making stuff for the Christmas run-in but, unfortunately, I have...
11/12/2025

Right then. I was hoping to post lots of pictures of me making stuff for the Christmas run-in but, unfortunately, I have a different story to tell.

I'm at home recovering after a stay in intensive care at the hospital. Basically my kidneys had packed in and I had sepsis (really not good). I didn't recognise the signs during the days/weeks leading in and did what most blokes do and just carried on. From what i've been told, it was quite a close call.

So.....lessons learnt as a 50 year old grumpy man after a rather scary experience.

1- listen to your body and take time to recover. Don't go hammer and tongue

2- Drink. Not alcohol. 6 pints of fluid a day. You can always top up with Yorkshire Tea (other tea brands will be available). I will now be T-Total for the next 6 months.

3- Diet. Eat your 5 a day. Eat 10 a day. Eat 20!! The best way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep you healthy is through diet. Suppliments will help

4- The final lesson - Be thankful. My experience could have been a lot worse. By that I mean, it could have been the last time i was in my workshop, the last time I spent time with my Grandson, the last time i had a pint with my Dad and the last time i had a round of golf.

All these little tiny things are a gift, and, i'm deeply grateful that I can continue to enjoy them.
I have a wonderful family who have supported me and i love them so much

The picture is of me in New Zealand at 4.30am in Kaikoura. The night sky shows us the Milky Way, the sun is starting to rise. It's called 'A new beginning'
Quite apt.

I would like to take the time to thank everyone that have commented/liked on project/workshop updates
I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas (plenty of greens for xmas dinner) and 2026 brings a new vigour to whatever you do.

Have good'un me ode's

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