Hugh is a retired anaesthetist with a life-time interest in woodworking. His professional career, spanning some 40 years, was spent mostly in a major teaching hospital, involved in the anaesthesia and management of trauma, and the teaching of anaesthesia trainees, medical students and nurses.

Working with wood has proven to be a rewarding pastime, providing a welcome break from the long hours and intensity of anaesthesia practice. A few courses over the years improved his skills in furniture making, box making and wood turning, as did a subscription to Fine Woodworking. In planning for retirement, he participated in a number of courses at MGFW to extend his woodworking skills and knowledge.

In retirement, he has continued his participation in MGFW classes, especially Windsor chair making. The October 2012 edition of Popular Woodworking had an article on the Roorkee chair written by Christopher Schwarz. This was the inspiration to make his first Roorkee chair in 2012, and he has continued to make the chairs since (about 30 at last count), either for personal use, for family and friends, and on commission when requested. He also instructs friends how to make their own Roorkee chairs in his workshop.