You 'Wooden' Believe It

If you had suggested to Jack Darrinton a few years ago, that he would be speaking at the local Rotary Club about his new-found hobby, Jack 'wooden' have believed it!  

Jack was a little nervous as he’d never addressed a group before. Club President Kevin Rostance had seen Jack’s handiwork and had invited him along to show his work to members.

Jack had spent most of his working life as a miner and had played local football in his younger days until the age of 31 playing for Newstead Colliery, Hucknall Town, Heanor Town and Stamford Town.  At one time he was even on the books of Nottingham Forest.  Jack’s position was either Right-half or Centre forward.  When Jack retired at the age of 63 ( 15 years ago) he joined Newstead Carving Club and began wood carving.  Members were shown his intricate handiwork which included carved walking sticks, carved birds and perhaps, his best work which were a pair of full sized 9 football boots .  The boots that Jack wore over 60 years ago were made with over 290 nails in each boot and these were represented in the carvings.  The boots took 10 weeks each to make and were carved out of limewood.  One was signed by 3 members of the 1966 World Cup winning squad, Alan Ball, Nobby Styles, and Jimmy Greaves.  The other boot was signed by various Nottingham Forest players.

President Kevin Rostance commented, " Jack is a real example of what can be done with hard work and application developing new skills which have proved to be very beneficial."