Neon Creations visited by David and Jay's Touring Toolshed

Great Lever based Neon Creations featured on the second episode of David and Jay's Touring Toolshed.

The programme follows Sir David - famous for his role as 'Del Boy' and Jay Blades MBE of The Repair Shop fame meeting talented crafters and hobbyists.

Sir David and Jay Blades

Local sign maker Tony Spink, also known as 'Neon Tony', and his colleague Samantha Beresford were both featured on the BBC 2 programme, which is now available on BBC iPlayer.

The company on Higher Swan Lane was set up in 2005 by Tony and his wife Catherine.

Tony said:“In Spring 2023, we were approached by Hungry Jay Media to see if they would be interested in being part of a new TV show called the Touring Toolshed to be aired on the BBC. It took me about a millisecond to say yes!”

The presenters travel the UK meeting master crafters and passionate hobbyists to showcase traditional talents, some of which are endangered and at risk of becoming extinct.

Tony said:“We are so proud to be asked to appear on such a prestigious show. It was nice that when the filming paused, they carried on asking questions, which showed a genuine interest in what we were doing.”

In the episode both David and Jay have a go at making a neon sign for their van.

Sir David, Jay, Sam and Tony

It does not go quite to plan for the pair but luckily, Tony comes along to save the day with a sign that he had already prepared for them.

Tony said:“They were both absolute gentlemen and treated us with so much respect. We were all nervous at first, but they put us all at ease. I was excited to show them what we do.”

There are only around 50 shops within the UK who make authentic neon signs.

Tony said: “People think that LED is neon. It’s not, LED is bulbs inside plastic. Neon is a gas and there is a skill which involves bending and blowing the glass. It takes years of practice.”

According to the Heritage Crafts Association (HCA), neon making is on the Red List 2023 of endangered crafts and could eventually die out if the necessary steps are not taken to preserve it. Tony and his team are doing their bit to preserve the craft by running regular workshops and courses.