Nick

United Kingdom
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
Starting to look for opportunities for next year now. I hope to take in some of Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and return to Spain and Portugal to work with cork via Alps and Pyrenees.
My next destination:
Poland
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Description
I love traveling, meeting people and making things. I would welcome the chance to meet folks who share my love of nature and are equally creative.
Time is the most valuable thing to share, give and receive and hope I can let some pass without a frantic dash from one week to the next.

I would like to learn more massage, there is always more to learn with cooking and teaching too. In the UK I would like to swap my expertise with wood for some help converting a camper van, especially electrical and mechanical. In Poland I am visiting a sawmill manufacturer and exploring forests going South as far as Slovenia. In Germany learning more about eco building tech would be great. In France I would like to work with chestnut coppice timber and make some small buildings.

I am always looking for a more adventurous deal where I could build a funky little building that I get to stay in every year. I am pioneering Somatic Architecture and would love to have a series of small buildings that others could 'feel' what they like.
Interests
LGBTQ
Winter sports
Van life
Sustainability
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Performing arts
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Music
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cycling
Carpentry
Art & design
Architecture
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Beginner
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
Babysitting and creative play
Being an elderly companion
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
DIY and building projects
Eco Projects
Art Projects
Teaching
More details about your skills
I trained as a carpenter and joiner and have experience in many aspects of the timber trades. I re-trained in environmental design at Hooke Park so now can fell trees through to building from local timber. Design and innovation using local timber has been my passion for many years now. I have some designs I would like to try, to prove how timber can build modern sustainable homes.

I enjoy chopping firewood as much as the high craft. At 66 I have a wide range of experience from boatbuilding, steam bending, shuttering, joinery, cabinet & furniture making, carving and much more with timber. I want to work with others and have the satisfaction of making a difference. I have taught basic green woodworking to youngsters excluded from school to architectural students that has been very rewarding.

Apart from timber; I have worked a little with animals in a few farm jobs but not lately, can cook a little and have common sense enough to have a go at most things or speak up before getting too out of my depth. I don't feel the need to use my timber skills all the time and am not shy of learning new things from others.
Age
66
What else ...
Interests include; massage that I have been learning for a while, good food and wine, mountain biking and art in many forms. Always want to learn more of these and many other things.

The places I have suggested I may go may well change and I am very open to propositions. I would prefer longer stays of a few weeks or more but happy to have a shorter agreement to start with to make sure we all get on.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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2 Oct 2024

Left by host (We would love to share house, ...) for Workawayer ()

The time with Nick was totally harmonious inspite of all the chaos around us. He was totally patient with us and our situation and was always ready to take care about Mala (1 month) or our boys (5,3 years).
His britain waves calmed mala directly down ;)
His cooking skills were so delicious!
Because of his awesome building skills we were able to… read more

(Excellent )

20 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (We would love to share house, ...)

I'm so grateful to this lovely and generous family for their care. Pia with Mala at only 6 weeks old when I arrived still cooked delicious food and made time to make me feel a part of the family including trips out and speaking English when my poor German escaped me. Kornelious at the most intense time in the house renovation took care to give me… read more

(Excellent )

15 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with some home problems ...)

Asia was so lovely, starting with taking me after only a few hours notice when another host nearby let me down. Her family were great too so I see where she has her great taste in food and hospitality from. Communication was fantastic about the work and always fun and interesting. It was only a few days and I can't wait to go back and get stuck… read more

(Excellent )

11 Jun 2024

Left by host (Help with some home problems ...) for Workawayer ()

Nick was a great Workawayer! He came to my place for a few days and helped me a lot with all the woodwork in the house. He repaired an old wooden door, made beautiful little steps for the shed and helped with the floor renovation. His woodwork and design knowledge goes way beyond little repairs.
I highly recommend him for doing anything with wood… read more

(Excellent )

20 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and help with our studio ...)

Only a few days to try things out this time but a lovely stay with Emily and Rose and hope we can tackle a larger project next year. Very comfortable with some lovely discussions and sharing of experience. Lots to explore in that part of the world with helpful suggestions from Emily.
Very trusting and flexible with the work and looking forward to… read more

(Excellent )

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2 Oct 2024

Left by host (We would love to share house, ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

20 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (We would love to share house, ...)

(Excellent)

15 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with some home problems ...)

(Excellent)

11 Jun 2024

Left by host (Help with some home problems ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

20 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and help with our studio ...)

(Excellent)

3 Oct 2022

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Nick is an incredibly interesting, caring, honest, skilled and experienced man. If you are lucky enough to have him stay and help you, make use of his extensive knowledge of wood and design...saying that, he was ever willing to muck-in, is pretty adaptable and can turn his hand to most things I'm sure :-)
He helped me start the renovations of a… read more

(Excellent)

20 Jul 2022

Left by host (Help around the house and ...) for Workawayer ()

Ich kann Nick nur jedem empfehlen.
Seine Arbeit ist einfach klasse.
Er hat mir aus Holz eine Abdeckung gebaut und viel im Garten gearbeitet.
Er ist so freundlich, hat immer ein Lachen auf seinen Lippen und ist ein echter ehrlicher Herzensmensch.
Meine Kinder waren auch voll begeistert von ihm. Und das ist die größte Auszeichnung :=)

Lieber Nick,… read more

(Excellent)

19 Jun 2022

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about French history in ...)

This for me had to be the best type of Workaway. Jocelyne and Jean-Claude were so very lovely, caring and great fun, a lesson in keeping your mind for ever young! Dinners were very special with great food and always a lively conversation. The work was satisfying with great communication. I do hope I can go back for more very soon. An unreserved… read more

(Excellent)

17 Jun 2022

Left by host (Learn about French history in ...) for Workawayer ()

Nick a une personnalité très attachante, il est poli , organisé , très propre , clair et amical .Il a eu un parcours personnel très intéressant ce qui a permis de bonnes conversations sur bien des sujets pendant les soirées . Mais c'est aussi un grand professionnel et un expert du bois . En plus de taches très variées autour de la maison ( bravo… read more

(Excellent)

11 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with some light home DIY ...)

Imma was a fantastic host and made all the tasks fun and satisfying. Lots of helping advice about the lovely area too. I had a self contained space and was able to prepare my own meals and have privacy. The balcony and the position in the middle of town made it very attractive.
Do start a new list Imma so I can return again!
Nick

(Excellent)

7 Mar 2021

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Nick is the kind of volunteer you will love to have! He is fun, friendly, skilful, clean, communicative, and with a good working attitude. He helped us a lot with carpentry work and now our ancient stair is repaired, the doors have new locks and we will be able to eat al fresco this summer without having to care about mosquitoes!

Thanks a lot… read more

(Excellent)

9 Feb 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us at our non-profit ...)

Matthieu and the lovely folks were fab! So welcoming and hospitable being very generous with their time. The beautiful Ariège is such a special area and so clever to choose it for some deep thinking and serious academic study. This makes dinner table discussion both fun and stimulating on pretty much any topic.
Very keen to return for more… read more

(Excellent)

30 Jan 2021

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Nick was a fantastic help, a one-man army that solved more problems in a few days than we managed in a while! He has a wide ranging expertise in everything wood- and construction-related, and many interesting ideas. He is also very kind and adaptable, with plenty funny stories to tell. We really hope that his next travels will be fruitful, and… read more

(Excellent)

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