Handy-Dan

I’ve always had a passion for knowing how things work and taking stuff apart from an early age. Like many of us I started with Lego and Airfix, which turned into a love of planes, cars, trucks, diggers, basically anything with an engine. I went on to study Aerospace Engineering and I still hope to build my own plane one day, so I can get back to my love of flying.

A man standing next to a small white and blue airplane in front of a hangar with 'T G AVIATION' written on it.

U Turn

After swearing at age 18 to never work in an office after just 2 weeks work experience, I graduated and went straight into the same office job!! After a 20 year career in IT systems, I took a left turn around 2021 and tried a few different things, including building campervans. Setting up Rocket and Rose Campers was a welcome return to using my hands for physical rather than virtual creation.

A young boy with short light brown hair sitting at a table, looking at a laptop with a finger pressed to his lips, in a room with floral wallpaper and a floral curtain.

A Family Affair

DIY has always been in my family, my Dad and Grandad were always fixing or improving the home or working on a car project. My son Jasper and Daughter Aurielle both liked to get involved in the projects and see what Daddy is up to.

Children and an adult working together on a woodworking project outdoors, using power tools and saws to cut and assemble wood.

Spaceships

Room with a projection of Earth from space on the ceiling and walls, showing continents and clouds, creating a space-themed atmosphere. There are people relaxing with their feet visible, a table with bottles and cups, and monitors mounted on the walls.

My second van Luna was a process of creation based on earth, astronomy and the universe. While sitting and pondering the interior space of our rental van ‘Zela’, I thought ‘How can I add more Space into the van?’ and the idea of a portal came to me with elements of the solar system becoming part of the van design.

Portals

The interior is divided into 2 sections, the front being earthy and green, the rear space with a raised bed has the feel of a space pod with light walls and stylised handles. Between the two sections is a portal which represents both the Lunar surface with its cratered surface, but is also a model of the Solar System. Each of the hole represents one of the planets, planetessimals, moons and the Sun. One day this will be a full AR experience, truly bringing more space into the campervan.

Interior view of a tiny house or caravan under construction, seen through a large circular opening with decorative holes. Inside, there are green cabinets, a window, and various construction tools and supplies.

Lift Off Rocket Repairs

3D digital rendering of a blue and wood-colored entertainment center with shelves, cabinets, and a flat-screen TV, placed against a beige wall with dimensions marked in millimeters.

Over the years I have worked on my own properties and built up skills, tools and experience. I’ve fitted kitchens, plumbed bathrooms, created patio spaces, blocked in doors, reworked electrics. I’m now offering my services as a handyman.

My new venture to build imagination and practical touches into domestic spaces is called ‘Rocket Repairs’. The first projects include a loft ladder, followed by a ‘Cool Wall’ bedroom furniture and entertainment unit installation for a disabled client. I look forward to many more interesting projects to add my inspiration to in future.

Empty wooden loft ladder with safety labels and instructions at the bottom
Contact Us

Rocket and Rose

None of this would have been possible without my love Lisa by my side, we met over 5 years ago and have been intwined ever since. When the frequencies match you just know. Northern, spirited and adventurous, she’s my Rose and I’m her Rocket-man.

A smiling man with a gray beard, wearing a dark cap and a floral shirt, taking a close-up selfie with a woman with reddish-brown hair, smiling. They are standing in front of a yellow background.