A RETIRED joiner who put his skills to good use making bird tables and nesting boxes has raised more than £1,000 for charity.
Ken Jordan (pictured left) has been dubbed the Birdman of Barney after his efforts proved hugely popular.
He said: “My friend had lots of materials laid around at the time and he told me to help myself.
“I thought I could make a couple of bird boxes and it’s just gone from there.”
The 73-year-old used the money from the first boxes he made to buy more materials and has made about 60-70 nesting boxes and “quite a few” bird tables since last summer, raising £1,020 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
He added: “I tend to make about seven at a time and I had hoped I might be able to reach £1,000 so I’m really over the moon.
“I’m trying to come up with different ideas at the moment.”
His charity efforts have been helped by John Moore, a Freemason, who arranged a £50 starter grant from the Strathmore Freemasons. A mitre saw was also delivered to Mr Jordan, in November, thanks to a Crowdfunding appeal by Mr Moore to help speed up the wood cutting process.
Mr Jordon, who has lived in the town for 30 years, added: “I’ve been very lucky the Masons gave me £50 to buy more materials. Since then they have sent me another £100.
“Then I got £200 off the Teesdale Lions before Christmas to get more wood as well. It’s great as it’s keeping me going and busy.”
He charges a minimum of £5 for the smaller boxes, although buyers can choose how much to give for them. Bird tables cost £40. They are being sold from his home in Watson Court, This ‘n’ That and the Hayloft, in the town centre.
He said: “I would just like to say thank you to everybody in Teesdale for all their support. I’ve had bird tables bought as presents sent to Darlington, Peterlee and Bradford.”
