Angela Lovegrove says the woodwork lessons at Five Islands Woodtek were creative, fun and supportive. Photo: Supplied.
Woonona’s Angela Lovegrove spent more than a decade as a high flyer in the corporate world, leading business teams focused on improving customer service.
However, when it came to DIY on the home front, she admits she was clueless.
That all changed three years ago when Angela retired at 57 and moved from Sydney to the South Coast with her husband, Andy.
“The house we bought was 20 years old and needed a few things done. I wanted to have a go at doing it myself, but one trip to Bunnings staring at tools and products I had no hope of using, made me realise I needed professional help,” said Angela with a laugh.
She signed up for woodwork classes at Port Kembla’s Five Islands Woodtec, run by master craftsman Dave Wilson.
Two years later she is now proudly preparing with other artisans to showcase her skills and workmanship at the annual Celebration of Urban Timber open day at Corrimal this weekend (9 August 2025).
“Having supervision by a truly gifted woodworker and patient teacher like Dave made all the difference,” Angela said.
“Our first term was how to make a trinket box which was terrific because we got to use and learn about lots of tools including the electric drill, sander and jigsaw.
“We also learned to recognise the wonderful selection of timbers we have in Australia and how to bring out the best of their characteristics.”
In the beginning Angela was nervous about using the machinery, but Dave’s meticulous preliminary routine of running through safety checks at each lesson put her at ease.
“Projects became increasingly complex each term but lessons were structured so that our skills improved along the way,” said Angela.
“One of my favourite projects was a chopping board that we now use for platters when guests come over.
“It is a beautiful piece which comprises several layers of different timbers glued together.
“My husband loves bringing it out when we have guests and he seems more proud of it than me.”
Angela’s favourite project was her multi-timbered chopping board. Photo: Supplied.
Angela, 60, is what you might call a late bloomer.
She grew up in the UK and it wasn’t until she turned 50 she learned to swim freestyle.
“Two years earlier I learned to surf and I get out there nearly every day now with a group of female surfers,” she said.
Angela’s business career included a 20-year stint as managing director for small to medium software companies.
Her last decade before retiring focused on heading up teams to improve customer service with large national companies such as Telstra and the NBN.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my career, but when you lead multiple teams with the need to attend endless meetings and to meet endless deadlines, you are left with very little time or energy for creative outlets, which is why I’m revelling in my retirement,” Angela said.
“What I love about the woodwork classes is they opened up a slower, more relaxed world that allows creativity to bubble to the surface.”
Angela is now at a stage where she is confident enough to use her skills at home, often making items like cupboards and shelving and even a stand for her surfboards.
Angela has decided to stay on at Five Islands Woodtec even though the structured lessons have finished.
“Once you complete the three terms successfully, you can still attend and work on your own projects. I’ve seen people making all sorts of amazing items afterwards,” she said.
“I’ve chosen to stay on because I love the creative, fun and supportive atmosphere.
“And I don’t think you are ever too old to stop learning.”
The Celebration of Urban Salvaged Timber open day is on Saturday 9 August, from 9 am to 4 pm. It will be held at Corrimal Hobby Timber, Unit 5, 11-19 Ruddock Street, Corrimal. For further details call 0404 991 917.
