A man of generosity and creativity

NINETY-four-year-old Ron Miles likes to carefully think his woodworking projects through before he starts them.

The home where he lives with daughter Jackie is filled with items he has made from small wooden boxes to large wall units.

“I like making things,” he said. “I like to keep busy.

“Before I start, I plan which machine I will use and go through it, often drawing up a plan.

“And if I need any help, I look it up on YouTube.”

Mr Miles was born in London and emigrated to Australia with his wife Audrey and children Jackie and Tony 35 years ago.

 

“I was born right across the river from Big Ben,” he said.

“I always wanted to work with wood and become a cabinet maker, but when I left school at 13, it was right at the end of World War Two, and the men were returning home.

“There were no jobs in that field, so I became a tool maker instead.

“It was a good move because it taught me so much about skilfully thinking everything out before I start on a project.”

Mr Miles retired at 70 and was able to devote more time to woodworking.

Seven years ago, he moved with his wife from Wallan to Heathcote to be with his daughter. Sadly, his wife died the following year.

 

Mr Miles takes custom orders for his woodwork and has donated some of his work to Heathcote Library.

“Last year, Ron donated a puppet stand for the kids, a puzzle board and a seed library display box to the library,” library services officer Emily Alexandra said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ron for his generous donations.

“Although the puzzle board is not in use due to limited space in our present location, patrons have enjoyed contributing to a community puzzle and always commented on how good the puzzle board is.

“We look forward to using it again when the new library is completed.

“When we started the seed library, we asked Ron to help, and he whipped up a beautiful seed storage box in a couple of days.

 

“Ron hasn’t just given beautifully crafted pieces; he’s given his time, skill, and materials with genuine care for our community.

“Contributions like this remind us that when we support one another, we strengthen the whole community.

“Ron’s work will be enjoyed by library users of all ages for years to come, and we thank Ron for his spirit of generosity and creativity.”

In his spare time, Ron enjoys spending time with his daughter, son, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“We are very close,” he said.

Anyone who would like to contact Mr Miles for sales or orders can call 0405 854 707.