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CloseCloudsong is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist, playing the hang pan, African drums and the Native American style flute.
In his own words he has “always been drawn to the Native American culture from a young boy, due to its aspects of Nature, and how living with it you become to have an understanding with it and become part of it.
Having a natural instinct in the making of all items from their way of life and sold worldwide, the Flute was a continuation of a path for me to follow, and teach myself how to play. By way of thinking from the heart and being a visionary I have become a conduit in feeling the emotions that appear before me. Now I pass on the knowledge to all, and it’s my purpose to teach as many as I can. Getting in touch with our inner self and expressing through sound our deep calling that so many are drawn to.”
Cloudsong has been in the RKF family now for a decade, supporting Phil almost from the beginning and continues to join us at many shows throughout the year with his musical talents.
If you would like to work with him then please get in contact via his Instagram page.
Mike Cawthorne of MAC Timbers started working with wood at the tender age of 15. Whilst working for Peak Displays, Mike attended college gaining a City and Guilds in Carpentry and Joinery. After 11 years Mike left Peak Displays to hone his skills and become a cabinet maker and turner.
In this period Mike’s confidence grew, and through word of mouth his reputation for high quality and reliability in his craft proceeded him, bringing new opportunities and work to him.
After 30 years’ experience, and a passion for seeing quality trees being saved from the fate of firewood, in 2000 Mike decided that he would purchase a Saw Mill and started to collect his own trees and mill them into planks for use in cabinet work. Along with his partner Rene, they realised that not all of the timber he was producing was suitable for cabinet work and therefore began supplying local turners and carvers with quality blanks.
Over time having built a substantial list of land owners with trees that need maintenance or removal, Mike has been able to ensure that the majority of his timber comes from the local area within a radius of 50 miles. This culminated in 2008 with the formation of MAC Timbers, whose reputation amongst fine craftspeople such as quality tool makers and artists both individually and professionally is held in the highest regard.
Mark is a Director at RKF. Mark’s professional career started studying Law, taking this learning forward to establish himself as a tax consultant and one of top tax lecturers in the UK today.
Having known Phil and Louise for many years, Mark considered Phil to be his very best friend, supporting him to pursue his talent for flute making by attending shows and sharing great times with a glass of port.
Mark, a father of three, is also Sam’s Dad, and in the wake of Phil’s passing could think of no one better to help RKF continue and honour his best friend’s memory.
Outside of his professional life, Mark enjoys music (both playing and watching live), as well as being outdoors, travelling, watching rugby, and spending time with his sons, friends and family.
Louise is both a Maker and the lead Director at RKF. After studying an apprenticeship in electrical and electronic engineering, Louise held several significant roles in large scale companies building a reputation that is unmatched in problem solving and attention to detail in the IT sector.
As Phil’s wife Louise was the integral part of both Phil’s life and in his formation of Red Kite Flutes, helping Phil to rethink how the flutes were crafted, to produce heirloom quality instruments with a clear and distinct sound. Louise continues this journey of innovation in Phil’s absence, and with Sam seeks to carry the essence of Phil’s sound and philosophy forward for future generations.
Sam is the main Craftsperson and a Director at RKF. Sam originally studied Criminology at University alongside volunteering for the Metropolitan Police as a Constable, later going on to try a couple of other job roles. Sam has a close family tie to Phil and Louise, and even designed and made some personal woodwork projects with them in the workshop. Using his keen attention to detail from his past, and a lifelong passion for creativity and crafts of all kinds, Sam decided to join the family on a full-time basis in order to pursue his passion and continue Phil’s legacy.
Other than flutes, Sam has a healthy obsession with woodworking and other skilled crafts, reading about and watching others in order to widen his skills. He enjoys watching motor sports and rugby, being outdoors and travelling, but most of all spending time with his wife, Zoe and their friends and family.