Back to the bench

In September 2017, after almost 30 years of advocacy, campaigning and education on forestry/timber matters, the Irish registered 'charity' I founded in 1989, Irish Woodworkers for Africa Ltd, (T/A Just Forests) ceased trading. Years of advocacy, campaigning and writing funding applications took its toll. Burnout and lack of funds helped make the decision to close. Since then I have set up a private company named Just Forests Ltd. I have decided to return to my passion for furniture making/restoration as a means of 'renewing' my spirit (and supplementing my meagre OAP). I am very proud of my woodworking background. And over the coming months/years I hope you will come and join me here in my workshop in Rhode to learn the skills and joys of hand work through the medium of WOOD.

Back to the bench & a renewal of spirit

Connecting  HEAD + HEART + HANDS

What makes my courses/approach different from all others?

I am an activist craftsman committed to economic, social, ecological  and environmental justice and sustainability for all. I adopt a 'multi-sided' approach to learning and craftsmanship by combining expert knowledge and experience and connecting that to present-day furniture making that takes into account the social, economic, political and environmental synergies that control natural resources but in particular WOOD and the FORESTS it comes from.

Commencing in July 2018, I will be providing training workshops in the following skills:

Basic woodwork

Furniture making

Furniture restoration

Furniture up-cycling

The courses are open to all age groups.

More details will be available on my new website www.tomroche.ie which is currently under development.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by phone at: 086 8049389.