Ad Astra in 1994 published an affectionate interview with 'Rob' upon his retirement: Rob Wells and Catherine Gray, daughter
of the late Austin Gray, watch Wes Cordingley
cut cloth for a chair at the Austin Gray Centre.
Rob Wells with his passion for fine wood, excellent craftsmanship and gentle manner, came to the College in February 1975.
He came from the State Technical system where he was a Trade Instructor and qualified in Building Construction Grade 1, 2 and 3.
Rob says his teaching methods have not really changed over the years. Woodwork is a 'doing' subject and while he demonstrates the skills and techniques, he says the important part is to let the students 'have a go'.
At College, students always start with good quality, dressed wood and have to develop their own design. They choose which technique and tool they want to use to achieve the result they want. One of the high points of Rob's time here has been to see students walking out of the room with a professionally completed piece. He commented that most Year 11 students go out with furniture that most tradesmen could not do as well. He builds on their skills developed in years 9 and 10, and asks them to design their own project. Rob has especially enjoyed working with the girls who he feels want to learn, persevere and aim
for higher standards.
Rob has a philosophy that neither lack of suitable material nor money should deprive a student of doing a challenging project. If they can manage it within the constraints of the workshop, they should have the opportunity to have a go. As the teacher, he would help in difficult projects but he never does the students ' work for them. The facilities at the College encourage good craftmanship. Rob has taught adult classes as well and because he has experience in all areas of building, many members of the community pop in and ask him for advice on small jobs they are doing.
He has many memories of the place and in particular remembers being invited to have dinner one night at the table and chair Dr Roebuck made in his classes! He is also proud that timber salesmen tell him the quality and complexity of work they see here is better than in most places.
He leaves us to travel, do small jobs and have time to talk to people. His generous and caring teaching will be missed by us all.’