I learned in part from the last maker, Mike Turnock, who practised before the craft's initial extinction. He gave me the benefit of his knowledge about things that I could not possibly have researched elsewhere as there was just no other information out there.

Historically, sieves and riddles were used in the countryside and towns. Somerset is a land of farms, large gardens, and nurseries. All of them would have used such objects in the past and the local sievewrights were the ones to produce their tools.

Historic links, standing at the workbench with the radio on and a cup of tea by my side. Making something that is tough and crafted with longevity in mind. I hope that every tool I make prevents a similar plastic one from being made.

I once had to make my first riddle for a TV programme but had wood not suitable for the job. This wrong type of wood resulted in the snapping of over 30 hoops in the steambending process. I will never forget the pile of snapped hoops and the snapping sound. Such moments keep you sharp.