It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Charley Brentnall. From 2013–18, Charley represented the ‘Make’ in the AA’s Design and Make programme at Hooke Park, teaching as well as overseeing the construction of structures including the Big Shed and the Woodchip Barn.

Charley brought a wealth of experience in traditional timber frame construction to Hooke. His knowledge and teaching abilities were instrumental in enabling Design and Make’s pioneering experimentation. In 2018, Charley established the advanced timber consultancy Xylotek with former Hooke Park Director Martin Self, providing solutions at the forefront of engineered timber. The company’s LinkedIn page remembers Charley as ‘a uniquely generous and caring character. He will leave an immeasurable legacy in the people whose lives he has influenced through his practice and teaching, and in the many projects he has been part of. He died at home following a period of illness.’ We extend our deepest sympathies to Charley's family, friends and all who knew him.