A specialist wood workshop to assist in the recovery of sick and injured servicemen and women was officially opened on 26th July 2015 at Catterick Garrison’s Phoenix House, in the north of England.
Since opening in the summer of 2013, Phoenix House has played a vital role in inspiring, enabling and supporting wounded personnel, through such activities as woodworking skills.
The woodworking class attendance grew rapidly and soon the teaching facilities were insufficient, so an appeal was launch to the woodworking industry for financial support and donations of equipment to build a purpose built woodworking skills facility.
After being introduced to Warrant Officer Chris Morgan, a volunteer tutor at Phoenix House, and seeing the success of the woodwork classes it was clear that the project was something that we wanted to help with.
Through close working consultation with Chris we designed, manufactured and installed a centralised dust extraction system for the effective capture and handling of mixed wood waste materials, to ensure the comfort and safeguarding of both the volunteers and personnel.
Opening the facility, Colonel John Bridgeman said: “I wish we didn’t have to have recovery centres but, as we do, thank goodness they are like Phoenix House.
“Young or old, man or woman, no matter what your injury, there is something here for everyone.
“The wood workshop is a wonderful idea – we have created a new world for those who come in to use it. It’s a great facility and very therapeutic.”
One course attendant, Veteran, Ted Granger, said: “It is great to have a dedicated workshop now, rather than just trying to fit in the arts and craft room. Woodwork is great because you can lose yourself in a project. I hope that in 12 months time I can be making money from woodworking.”
It is an honour to be part of the team that delivered this specialist wood workshop and FERCELL are happy to continue their support with ongoing periodic LEV CoSHH reporting and aftercare servicing.