Another RAFL amenity: the woodworking center Published Oct. 29, 2009 By Kim Smith 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Lakenheath offers a wide variety of amenities for base personnel and the military community, and one such place that many people don't know about is the woodworking center here. The Lakenheath woodworking center, which was established here 14 years ago and is currently located behind the auto hobby shop, offers a wide variety of services from big projects to small ones and even some classes. "We often get people, who say that they have been here for years and never knew we were here, said Jim Grieve, manager of the Lakenheath woodworking shop. "We offer such a wide variety of woodworking services. We can make just about anything - if you bring a picture or have an idea we can make it," he went on to say. The woodworking shop and its staff offer woodworking services that range from basic repairs and designs to unique restoration of antiques. The staff of trained professionals are well equipped to make just about anything the public could ask for - from china cabinets, dining room tables, and chest cabinets, to computer desks and flag boxes, just to name a few. The center also hosts several classes for those who would like to learn to make items for themselves. The basic beginners' classes are for those who have no prior knowledge or experience with woodworking and would like to familiarize themselves with using woodworking equipment. A person enrolled in this class could build small items, such as a wooden shelf. The advanced classes are for those who are more familiar with woodworking equipment and would like to learn to make more complex items, like a shelf with drawers or a dresser. The center also offers woodcarving classes, in which individuals can lean how to sculpt wood and build furniture and other items. The woodworking center not only offers classes to the public and builds furniture; the staff also offers antique repair services, and can even teach individuals to repair the antiques themselves. "There is no place on the economy that does what we do," said Terry Payne, assistant manager of the woodworking center. "We offer such unique services that if people were to find a place similar it would cost them a lot of money." In addition to a good deal, anyone who visits the woodworking center for classes or other services can expect a customer friendly atmosphere, as the staff thoroughly enjoys their craft and assisting others. "I love working with customers and teaching them how to do what I love; it's good fun," said Mr. Grieve. "I love what I do and couldn't imagine doing anything else." "I love working with customers and teaching them how to do what I love; it's good fun," said Mr. Grieve. "I love what I do and couldn't imagine doing anything else." For more information about classes of services offered, contact the woodworking center at 226-3367, Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.