There is something so deeply satisfying about making stuff.

Years ago, my Dad was stationed at the RAF’s base (Headley Court) where injured troops of all types went for recuperation and rehabilitation. They looked after the needs of people who had both physical and psychological injuries, often gained in battle somewhere on the planet.

They offered troops a range of both physical and emotional support systems, including “occupational therapy”, which included woodworking and basket making. At the time, I knew my Dad, although he was not a patient but a member of staff, benefited from the occupational therapy unit and until very recently (my ex-husband took it in my divorce settlement) I owned a bookcase made by my Dad in free evenings at the unit. All of my adult life has been spent in awe of those who can make things of beauty from simple materials and I’ve always held a small amount of envy for my Dad being able to use the wonderful facilities that Headley Court had to offer. Don’t get me wrong, we kids got to share in the place where he worked too – we used the swimming pool on Saturday mornings, although I’ve just looked at Headley Court’s website and see the pool in their photos is certainly not the one we used…..oh to have had a beauty like that one at our disposal!

Anyway, I did not appreciate the value to the soul of occupational therapy until much more recently. I have been involved with a lady who makes such beautiful things from willow and rush that you want to weep when you see them.

I have now had the privilege of spending a couple of weekends with her making things myself under her guidance. Last year, I made a willow platter for myself, along with a couple of small baskets for our Mums for Christmas. This year, I’ve made two hats – a his and hers…..cheesy I know it will seem to many. You might have already seen his complete and on my beloved’s bonce, so here it is in the making……yes, they’re my hands and that’s my lovely shiny wedding ring. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the hats I’ve made or the shiny wedding ring for that matter.

While I was working on my two latest masterpieces, I realised something really fundamental. I was completely happy and content. The very act of making something was making me full of a calm happiness that is hard to describe. When I finished, I was imbued with such an amazing sense of well-being. You know what? I now get the meaning of occupational therapy. I’m told it’s gone out of fashion in recent years. Knowing what I know now, I think that’s a really BAD thing. I intend to do more of this when I’m troubled. I just know it’ll help.