Back in July, Jill got in touch with us at The Dusty Shed. Her late husband, Leighton, had always loved carpentry. He spent hours in his shed making beautiful things — dolls’ houses, children’s toys, and wood-turned bowls. When Leighton sadly passed away in March, he left a few wishes close to his heart.
One of those wishes was that his carpentry tools and machines should go to a local Men’s Shed, where they could carry on being used and enjoyed. Jill reached out to the Dusty Shed, and Peter and Dave went along to see what he had left behind.
They were amazed. Not just by the impressive set-up of Leighton’s workshop, but by the love and skill that shone through in his work. Among his creations were a model of the Open All Hours shop from the old Ronnie Barker comedy, and even a model of Arkwright’s delivery van.
Jill kindly donated all of Leighton’s equipment to us – including a wood lathe with lathe tools, a table saw, pillar drill, scroll saw, bench grinder, mitre saw, and more.
Leighton also had two other wishes for Jill: to get herself a dog, and a mobile home. We’re delighted to say she’s done both.
Peter and Dave were so touched by Jill’s generosity, and by Leighton’s story, that they made a plaque in his memory. It now has a special place in our Shed, and it reads:
“In Loving Memory of Leighton John and in honour of his wife Jill.
Their kindness lives on in every turn of the lathe.
With heartfelt thanks for the generous donation of this lathe and other machinery,
which continues to shape, inspire, and bring joy to all who work here.
From all at The Dusty Shed.”
From all of us here – thank you, Jill and Leighton. Your kindness will live on in every project that takes shape in our Shed.
