From building homes, running a greetings card company and even making model dinosaur fossils for the BBC – retired Jim Francis has had much in his life to keep him busy.
Now the keen and talented sculptor is poised to embark on a new chapter, along with wife Grace.
The couple have made their new home at Linden Homes Midlands’ Goodwin Place development in Great Barford, having spent the past 27 years living in nearby Willington.
A former builder with an eye for detail, Jim has constructed four properties of his own – so by his own admission, was really looking for high spec and excellent quality in his search for a new home.
He said: “We were very impressed with what Linden Homes had to offer, both in terms of the development and its location and the quality of the homes and their design.”
As well as a background in building homes, Jim also has a passion for model making, and has donated one of his beloved bronze sculptures of a hare to Linden Homes, which has pride of place in the sales and marketing suite.
Jim, who leads the Artist Network Bedfordshire, is planning to use his brand new shed as a base for his model making – much of which he does in bronze and pewter.
While wildlife, like frogs, hedgehogs and hares form most of his repertoire, a number of years ago Jim was commissioned by the BBC to model some dinosaur fossils for a feature on the Horizon programme.
Jim said: “Model making is a passion of mine, and I am delighted that Linden Homes is displaying one of my bronze hare sculptures in the sales suite – very fitting as I will be moving to Hare Meadow.
“Grace and I are looking forward to settling into our new home, and I’m very much looking forward to spending time in my brand new shed-cum-workshop and making more models,” added Jim, who has been invited by the Bedfordshire Arts Association to give a couple of demonstrations to members.
Goodwin Place boasts 39 properties, built in a range of semi-detached and detached styles. However, time is running out for buyers looking to move to the popular development, with the final new homes left to sell.
The sales and marketing suite is open daily from 10.30am until 5pm, alternatively contact the sales team on 01234 430259.
The village of Great Barford is perfectly positioned on the outskirts of Bedford, making it ideal for commuters – with London just 40 minutes away by train.
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For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
