During the summer Naoise told us that his Jude, our grandson, had said that he wanted to be a carpenter and that this expression of interest had been sustained for a year and more.

So when it came to his birthday in November I gave him a toolbox replete with a starter kit of 'proper' tools.

And for his Christmas present I gave him 'a day in the workshop' with me during which we would 'make something'.

So a few days after Christmas Jude returned, toolbox in hand.

We discussed the project and it quickly transpired that his primary need was a workbench as he told me that he had nowhere in his house where he could use his tools.

(I should say here – as delicately as I can – that his father never expressed such an interest and has so far, I understand, never felt the need for a 'box of tools' or a bench on which to work such.)

So Jude and I went to work.

We started by 'getting it out of the head and onto the page'

We transposed those efforts into a 'working drawing'. - (Which Jude has and I can't find).

And then we went into production.................

The raw material.

Jude on the saw................

............and the thicknesser.............

................and drilling.

Job done.

And pride................

A brilliant day that I will remember for ever.