An 82-year-old craftsman from Holbeach has transformed his retirement into a creative journey, carving intricate sculptures and functional bird houses from leftover timber. John Freeman, affectionately known as the "Wood Man," spends countless hours in his expansive workshop creating an impressive array of wooden objects including bird boxes, gypsy caravans, animals, cars, figurines, and even a moving Ferris wheel.
Freeman's passion for woodworking began two decades ago when he retired at age 65, despite being top of his class in woodwork during his school years. "It is a hobby. I was top in the class for woodwork but never took it up. I started 20 years ago when I retired at 65," Freeman explained. His wife Nancy, also 82, humorously describes herself as a "Wood Widow" when her husband spends entire days immersed in his creative work.
Although Freeman sells some of his creations, he operates without profit motive, relying on word-of-mouth recommendations and custom commissions from interested customers. His reputation has spread far beyond his local community, with customers traveling from as far as Northampton specifically for his bird boxes. "People come from Northampton for my bird boxes. I made a musical figure for a brass band in Boston," he noted, highlighting the diverse range of his commissioned work.
Freeman's commitment to community service shines through his regular charitable contributions. Every few months, he donates a handcrafted raffle prize to the Royal British Legion in Long Sutton, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to local organizations. This generous spirit reflects his broader approach to his craft, which prioritizes community engagement over commercial success.
Before discovering his artistic calling in retirement, Freeman enjoyed a diverse professional career that spanned multiple industries. He worked on farms, operated his father's trucking business, ran a self-employed car garage, owned a sports shop in Holbeach, and managed a grocery delivery route in Corby. "I was self employed and had a car garage business. We had a sports shop in Holbeach and a green grocery round in Corby. I had some land and sold it and we moved into the bungalow," Freeman recounted.
Freeman's personal life has been equally fulfilling, with he and Nancy celebrating nearly 64 years of marriage after their 1962 wedding at St. Mary's Church in Whaplode. When asked about the secret to their enduring relationship, Freeman offered thoughtful insights: "The secret to a long marriage is working together. Nancy would give you her last shilling and has a different temperament to me. I am a bit more fiery."
The practical aspects of Freeman's woodworking operation benefit from family support, particularly from his son Gary Freeman, who works as a builder and regularly provides unused wood for his father's projects. Most of Freeman's creations are left in their natural wood state, allowing customers to paint and customize them according to their preferences. The time investment varies significantly depending on the complexity of each piece, with simple items requiring two days while more elaborate projects like cars can take up to three weeks to complete.
Freeman's workshop serves as the heart of his creative enterprise, filled with various timber pieces and works in progress. His creations range from functional bird houses to decorative sculptures, including painted wagons, owl sculptures, and intricate musical figures. One of his most impressive pieces is a Ferris wheel equipped with an electric mechanism that actually moves, showcasing his ability to combine traditional woodworking with modern functionality.
For those interested in purchasing Freeman's bird boxes or commissioning custom pieces, he can be contacted directly at 01406 420397. His continued dedication to his craft at age 82 serves as an inspiring example of how retirement can become a time for creative exploration and community contribution rather than simply a period of rest.
