Owner Francis Dalton and Mr Hewer met at the 2012 TTJ Awards in London in September, where Mr Hewer was host and guest speaker. When Mr Dalton heard of Mr Hewer’s African venture he offered to provide support.
The Wadkin circular sawbench and generator is for aspiring woodworkers trying to establish businesses in Sierra Leone, but Mr Hewer was unsure about how to get it working properly in Africa.
Daltons Wadkin, which has contracts in Kenya, is sending technical director Steve Balchin to Freetown on December 14 to ensure the equipment is installed for safe use and provide operating instruction.
“He will be equipped with a trusty tool kit, a supply of Wadkin hats and a significant supply of US dollars,” said Mr Dalton.
“If anyone can pull this off then Steve can.” The project is for the UK charity Hope and Homes for Children and will be featured in a forthcoming Channel 4 documentary.
