A woodworker has taken inspiration from South America as he makes use of waste products to bring rhythm to the Fine City.

Stephen Watson, of Norwich-based Watson Woodworks, is a keen musician who has begun designing and making custom cajons - a traditional Peruvian percussion instrument - from ‘single-use’ wood products. 

Stephen is committed to upcycling wood products that would otherwise be sent to landfill and giving them a new and brighter purpose. 

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According to the Wood Recyclers' Association, the UK wastes four and a half million tonnes of wood every year. 

Norwich Evening News: Stephen Watson's cajons can be found at Cookes in St Benedicts Street Stephen Watson's cajons can be found at Cookes in St Benedicts Street (Image: Watson Woodworks)

While there has been a move to recycle as much wood waste into panel board and livestock bedding as possible, landfill is more often than not the destination. 

The wood used by Stephen is usually taken from building sites, taken from old donated furniture and even the occasional skip. 

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It isn’t just instruments that Stephen creates, in the past he has also created chopping boards, coffee tables, bookshelves and toy boxes. 

Stephen said: “As a keen recycler and craftsman, it’s a joy to know that good quality woods used in timber frames and door supports have found new life.”

Norwich Evening News: Stephen Watson, of Norwich-based Watson Woodworks Stephen Watson, of Norwich-based Watson Woodworks (Image: Watson Woodworks)

As well as reflecting traditional designs, the instruments have been designed to be practical too, implementing adaptable snares in the cajon, allowing the user to change the tone, from a jazzy beat to a more original sound. 

Stephen found inspiration in playing the cajon in a church band and, as a professional drummer, he wondered what sound would be made if he changed the design.

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“I’ve designed this instrument with the needs of the drumming community in mind, " Stephen added.

Norwich Evening News: Stephen Watson, of Norwich-based Watson Woodworks, has begun designing and making custom cajons Stephen Watson, of Norwich-based Watson Woodworks, has begun designing and making custom cajons (Image: Watson Woodworks)

“Made with mostly hardwood, I believe this design resonates much better than the standard plywood version.”

The custom designs can be found on the shop floor of the Cookes music store in St Benedicts Street.