tobytools
Established Member
Where to begin.
A trip up to Kent to see Jimi has been in the pipeline for quite sometime. It nearly happened a while ago however due to me not booking the hotel in advance we were unable to go. But finally, Last weekend, my partner Freya and I took our little skoda on a jolly gaunt to see tools, Wood work, Kent and of course Jimi and his lovely wife Annie.
Early Saturday morning we set off on my longest motorway journey since learning to drive. I was fairly nervous however it was smooth sailing the whole way there. Surprising considering it was a bank holiday. As we drove through Seven Oaks, trying to find the hotel we were spoiled by rolling hills and glorious sunshine. However, we had not read the booking instructions for the hotel so we ended up with 2 or so hours to kill before check in. After seeking Jimi's advice we were pointed in the direction of a BOOT FAIR! Of course!
I traveled over 100 miles to go to a boot fair in Kent! I thought they were good where i am, but now i can see what all the fuss is about! The grass truly is greener in Kent.This boot fair was huge, People all over the place! almost immediately after walking through the front gates i was greeted by a lovely Coopers Adze. Reading that it was only £2, i quickly snapped it up and put it in my bag. Ready for my next bargain. I bought a few more things including a 52 Record Vice and some other bits and bobs.
At around 2 ish we finally checked into our room and did all the normal things you do when in a hotel. Such as go straight for the teas and coffees and try the t.v. Knowing Jimi started work at 3 we made our way down for our first meeting. I was so excited to meet such a brilliant man. The minute I walked down the stairs I heard "TOBY" and instantly we began our two day long conversation about tools, woodwork and other wonderful things. There was no awkward start, we instantly fell into conversation.
Sunday!
Sunday morning was an early start. We had a tasty breakfast with jimi before going to his lovely home for the day. That is where it got interesting! The second we pulled up Alfie was at the gate calling for Jimi. He was so excited he was shaking. His welcome was the warmest most excitable welcome around.
As soon as we had got in the house Jimi and I were off. Talking about tools and plans for tools, Wood, Plans for wood... you all know how it goes. First and foremost was one of Jimi's famous coffees. By the end of the day I was so jacked up on coffee we had to stop a few times on the way home. But it was something special and I really recommend anyone visiting to try one. We left the ladies talking about lady things and carried on with our manly discussions. Stick two toolies in a room and what are they going to talk about? Tools! Beginning with Richard. Unfortunately it wasn't ready to take shavings however you can see how much hard work and effort has gone into this plane. I respect and admire Jimi completing this stunning plane to the utter best of his ability and doing so in the public eye. He has taken every step of this plane and put over 100% into it. I believe Richard would have loved it too.
We tinkered and tooled around, chattered and planed. I truly enjoyed myself. Freya loved Alfie and some how managed to get him to calm down on her lap towards the end. He wouldn't do that for me. Freya especially loved the observatory! It is amazing to have one in your back garden!
Alfie was offering his advice the whole way through.
Annie made us a spectacular lunch that was gone in seconds. She had even baked her own bread. I want to say a huge thank you for opening your home, workshop and observatory to Freya and I. We enjoyed ourselves so much we would love
to come and visit again. We would also love for you to come down here and see us for a bit. Let Alfie run along the beach.
All in all we had a fantastic time and thank you ever so much for your valued friendship!
Toby and Freya
Also a big thank you to Pete also a ukw member for the oak boards, when I'm
Next that way I'll be sure to pop over for a tea!
A trip up to Kent to see Jimi has been in the pipeline for quite sometime. It nearly happened a while ago however due to me not booking the hotel in advance we were unable to go. But finally, Last weekend, my partner Freya and I took our little skoda on a jolly gaunt to see tools, Wood work, Kent and of course Jimi and his lovely wife Annie.
Early Saturday morning we set off on my longest motorway journey since learning to drive. I was fairly nervous however it was smooth sailing the whole way there. Surprising considering it was a bank holiday. As we drove through Seven Oaks, trying to find the hotel we were spoiled by rolling hills and glorious sunshine. However, we had not read the booking instructions for the hotel so we ended up with 2 or so hours to kill before check in. After seeking Jimi's advice we were pointed in the direction of a BOOT FAIR! Of course!
I traveled over 100 miles to go to a boot fair in Kent! I thought they were good where i am, but now i can see what all the fuss is about! The grass truly is greener in Kent.This boot fair was huge, People all over the place! almost immediately after walking through the front gates i was greeted by a lovely Coopers Adze. Reading that it was only £2, i quickly snapped it up and put it in my bag. Ready for my next bargain. I bought a few more things including a 52 Record Vice and some other bits and bobs.
At around 2 ish we finally checked into our room and did all the normal things you do when in a hotel. Such as go straight for the teas and coffees and try the t.v. Knowing Jimi started work at 3 we made our way down for our first meeting. I was so excited to meet such a brilliant man. The minute I walked down the stairs I heard "TOBY" and instantly we began our two day long conversation about tools, woodwork and other wonderful things. There was no awkward start, we instantly fell into conversation.
Sunday!
Sunday morning was an early start. We had a tasty breakfast with jimi before going to his lovely home for the day. That is where it got interesting! The second we pulled up Alfie was at the gate calling for Jimi. He was so excited he was shaking. His welcome was the warmest most excitable welcome around.
As soon as we had got in the house Jimi and I were off. Talking about tools and plans for tools, Wood, Plans for wood... you all know how it goes. First and foremost was one of Jimi's famous coffees. By the end of the day I was so jacked up on coffee we had to stop a few times on the way home. But it was something special and I really recommend anyone visiting to try one. We left the ladies talking about lady things and carried on with our manly discussions. Stick two toolies in a room and what are they going to talk about? Tools! Beginning with Richard. Unfortunately it wasn't ready to take shavings however you can see how much hard work and effort has gone into this plane. I respect and admire Jimi completing this stunning plane to the utter best of his ability and doing so in the public eye. He has taken every step of this plane and put over 100% into it. I believe Richard would have loved it too.
We tinkered and tooled around, chattered and planed. I truly enjoyed myself. Freya loved Alfie and some how managed to get him to calm down on her lap towards the end. He wouldn't do that for me. Freya especially loved the observatory! It is amazing to have one in your back garden!
Alfie was offering his advice the whole way through.
Annie made us a spectacular lunch that was gone in seconds. She had even baked her own bread. I want to say a huge thank you for opening your home, workshop and observatory to Freya and I. We enjoyed ourselves so much we would love
to come and visit again. We would also love for you to come down here and see us for a bit. Let Alfie run along the beach.
All in all we had a fantastic time and thank you ever so much for your valued friendship!
Toby and Freya
Also a big thank you to Pete also a ukw member for the oak boards, when I'm
Next that way I'll be sure to pop over for a tea!
