BWF launches joinery award

An award for UK joinery manufacturers has been launched by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) in memory of its late technical director John Hedgecock.

The John Hedgecock Memorial Award will recognise exceptional technical excellence, achievement or innovation in joinery manufacture and will be presented to the winner by Mr Hedgecock’s family at the BWF’s annual dinner.

A panel of judges comprising Ian Purkis, BWF president and Jeld-Wen technical director Ian Purkis; Kevin Underwood, BWF technical manager Kevin Underwood; and BWF senior vice-president and life honorary member Roy Wakeman will select the winner.

“John Hedgecock was recognised as one of the leading authorities on woodworking and joinery manufacturing, and was widely respected in the UK and across Europe for his significant contribution to the development of British and European Standards,” said BWF chief executive Richard Lambert.

“His breadth of knowledge, his depth of understanding, and above all his ability to explain is missed almost as much as his personal warmth and humour. The BWF is inaugurating the John Hedgecock Memorial Award as a fitting commemoration of his contribution to the industry.”

Former carpenter Mr Hedgecock was the BWF’s principal technical adviser for 16 years and was an acknowledged expert in timber frame housing and qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Wood Science. He served on more than 30 British and European standards committees, many as either chairman or lead draftsman.

Companies and individuals can enter for the prize. The entry deadline is October 22. To download an entry form visit www.bwf.org.uk/awards2010.