Billy Arthur Walden is an award winning carpenter. At 15 years old he was the youngest person to complete a full camper-van conversion completely by himself with no assistance. It was furnished to the highest standard and the quality of workmanship was so outstanding and unique it even impressed Mr George Clarke so much that it featured on his programme Amazing Spaces. George called Billy ‘a talented but humble craftsman’ and stated that Billy’s work ‘took his breath away’. At 16 years old he then went on to prove the quality of his carpentry skills by winning the SkillBuild award; the largest multi-trade competition in the UK.
At 17 yrs old he fully rebuilt a 1965 narrow boat by himself, this was shown as an A build on George Clarkes Amazing Spaces and Billy became the youngest project manager on the programme and the first to have two builds shown on the same episode.
Billy has now been accepted into the Institute of Carpenters (LIOC) at the grade of Licentiate in recognition of his achievements at Lancaster and Morecambe College where he studied Carpentry and also gained first place in the Regional SkillBuild Competition. The Institute also recognised the high regard for Billy expressed by his college lecturers and his referees.
In 2018 Billy then went on to be placed second in the Institute of Carpenters Competition. It was noted by the Judges that Billy had been at a disadvantage as he was the only child without tutor support or access to College facilities, this did not hinder Billy who still managed a prestigious second place with his hand made piece which he made solely. In 2019 Billy again entered the competition again without tutor support or college facility’s and this time he won the regional Award
Billy’s first camper-van build, an amazing conversion from an old horsebox to superb camper-van, as seen on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
Please can everyone take a look at Matilda’s new website, all about Gardening, Home Education and cooking, Thanks.
