I was born in London and grew up in Aylesbury, Bucks.  I now live in Bridport. 

In 1987 I graduated from Goldsmith's College, London University, with a  B.A. (Hons) in History. I studied for a P.G.C.E. at Durham University, then worked as a class teacher in the South West and Bucks, before taking a TEFL qualification and working in Brazil, near my grandfather's birthplace. 

1999-2001: I returned to Britain and attended Weymouth College, qualifying with an H.N.D. in Applied Architectural Stonework and Conservation. Since then, I have been self-employed as a memorial mason, letter-cutter and stone carver. 

In 2002  I received the Weymouth Civic Society Artistry Award for my 'Jurassic Roundel' at Weymouth College. In 2003 I became a member of the National Association of Master Letter-Carvers (affiliated to N.A.M.M.)  Between 2009 and 2012, I taught Architectural History, Carving and Letter-Cutting to Bournemouth University foundation students, at Weymouth College (Poundbury campus).  In 2016, I completed an M.A. in History with the Open University. Since 2019, I have worked part-time with Dorset Skills and Learning, teaching English as a second language, mainly to refugees fleeing war-torn Syria and Ukraine. During lockdown (3/21), I received the 2020 Natural Stone Federation Award for my contribution to the renovation of Cromer War Memorial, as part of the Cliveden Conservation team.  In 2023, I launched this website, under the name RFHandmade.  (formerly 'Abbotsbury Stonework').