The company built a large modern mill in Winkleigh, North Devon which he was asked to to go and install and run. The mill was subsequently sold to JP Williams of Monmouth Sawmills and Holme Lacey Sawmills. Stayed on as manager until sold to Ashton Sawmills (subsiduary of Ashton Paper Mill, Sudbrook - parent company Imperial Tobacco Ltd) who bought all 3 sawmills in 1970. Stayed on as manager again and in the 10 years at Winkleigh full charge of all purchases of timber, machinery, spares etc also the sales of sawn goods and full responsibility for all staff employed. The sawmills were closed by Ashton papermill in 76/77 and when known received job offers from: 1. Family firm of furniture manufacturers in High Wycombe 2. London firm of business consultants, S May & Co offering post as manager leading to directorship with Darlington Sawmills. 3. Adam Wilson & Son of Scotland 4. R Minto of Sparkford Sawmills phoned with a job package 5. Mr Kesztenbauma North East of England sawmill phoned with a job offer 6. Mr Gould of Wellington Sawmills at Greenham visited and offered Managers job Whilst working at Winkleigh the family were settled in Abbotsham Road, Bideford. Provided timber for the replica Golden Hind and Nonsuch built at Hincks boatyard, Appledore