10 years of not working for a living!

[dave budd]

As usual, I'm a bit slow with posting this news.

10 Years ago as of October (ish) I finished my MA in Exeter, moved out to Dartmoor and set myself up as a knife and tool maker

I had no tools, no home, no money (having spent my saving on the masters degree the previous year). What I did have was good fortune and some good new friends who looked after me.

During the MA I was taught to weave baskets by a lovely lady named Linda Lemieux. Linda has a craft shop in Chagford (Wood and Rush http://www.woodandrush.net/) and I popped in to say hello one day whilst I was finishing off the MA. We got chatting about what I was planning to do when my studies had finished. A pie in the sky idea was to make knives and tools (it was a hobby of mine). She introduced me to her partner Pete (an endearingly mad Aussie wood turner) and we hit it off. Come the autumn I moved into a yurt in their back garden, shared a workshop with Pete (using his tools to begin with) and exchanged labour for rent.

Obviously I needed money, so I got a part time job in a local hardware store until the new year when I realised that I didn't have enough time to devout to a part time job whilst trying to start a business. The job in Bowdens (the everything shop!) and working in Wood and Rush opened up a world of fabulous people as well as getting me started gently. A chunk of money was then loaned to me by the Princes' Trust, so that I could pay rent and buy materials without the need for a part time job

Since then things have moved on and progressed. I have my own workshop, with my own tools, set within 10 acres of woodland. I now teach courses in the things that 10 years ago I was just trying to teach myself. I'm a guest lecturer (sounds better than 'the bloke in the woods that they come and see once a year') and specialist adviser at Exeter uni and the masters program. Even though I don't sell much or do very much work locally anymore, almost every aspect of what I do and the people I make things for can be traced back to the folk that I met when I moved to Dartmoor


So, really I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to all who have supported me in making my hobbies into my job and allowing me to have not 'worked' a day for most of the last decade.

[jus_young]

Dave, it is a pleasure to know you, frequent your forge on occasions and own a few of your works. Will always admire your skills, and I think you have a fan in the shape of my son for life!

[Bernie]

It couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke.

The few times I've been in your woodland have been very special to me and I cherish the fond memories.

I'll raise a jar to you and your last decade whilst I wish you good fortune and health for the decades to come.

[Silverback]

Happy Anniversary Dave - well deserved

[Sar-ian]

You lucky fella, I wish you health, wealth and happiness.......

[biker-bri]

Well done sir - may the next ten years be as good as the last ATVB Bri

[dave budd]

thanks folks

I enjoy messing about in the woods and as long as I have enough money to keep myself fed and clothed, I'm a happy bunny

[Fraser]

You are a lucky man. Happy Anniversary Dave. I hope the next 10 are even better.

[freedom]

goood for you mate

[Ashley Cawley]

Well done Dave and congrats mate. It was nice to hear your back-story, thanks for sharing. Your an inspiration to others mate, I know you certainly inspired me when I first met you at the Royal Cornwall Show many moons ago.