Mark given new role (From Evesham Journal)

Mark given new role

7:50pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News

THE Worcestershire County Museum has recruited a volunteer wheelwright apprentice following an appeal.

The museum at Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, advertised earlier in the year for an apprentice to learn the traditional skills of woodworking and wheelwrighting from its longstanding volunteer Ced Lewis.

Mr Lewis, aged 83, has volunteered at the museum for more than 20 years, travelling twice a week from Wolverhampton.

A retired engineer, he took up woodworking when he began volunteering at the museum and developed his skills to a high level.

Earlier this year, Mr Lewis decided the time had come to pass on his skills to someone who would be able to continue to help the museum.

Successful candidate Mark Clements, 51, of Lickey Hills, has been working at the museum alongside Mr Lewis two days a week for the past three months.

Mr Clements had no previous woodworking skills but was keen to learn.

He said: “I never expected to get the job. I absolutely love it. Ced is an inspiration and I’m learning new skills all the time. I also love being here at the castle. It’s a smashing place, very peaceful.

“The staff are all very friendly and it’s nice to be able to chat to the visitors about what we are doing.”

Mr Lewis 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.”