WSWT Newsletter - September 2006

Meeting Report- Sunday 3 rd September

Although both Jim Young and Charlie Martyn expressed some disappointment at the number of entries in the segmented turning competition (nine pieces across the three classes) quality was high and the very experienced judges, Peter Coxall and Alan Fielding were given plenty to think about!

While they were deliberating, Secretary Tony Matthews updated us on the Surrey Association's 'Woodturning Day':
Sunday October 29th at the Mytchett Centre, 11.00 - 16.00. Entry £2.00 Stands: Alternative Ivory, Axminster, Crown, Hegner and Meantime and Woodsales Demo?s by professional Dave Reeks and Surrey members.
Mytchett is on the Eastern edge of Farnborough. Leave the A331 dual carriageway signed Mytchett along Coleford road and at a pair of mini roundabouts turn right. The centre is on your right and can be accessed by turning right in front of the garage.

Jim Young reported that the Wakehurst weekend had been a great success albeit frantic on the Sunday. The clubs display had been very well received and ca. ?3,000 had been taken. The committee had discussed insurance renewal with particular regard to our shop stock holdings. Bulk purchasing is a major factor in the good prices the shop can offer. However, stocks of abrasive need reducing for financial reasons and for safety reasons holdings of inflammables must be run down. Future bulk purchases of the latter will not be possible. The AGM is to be held next month and the secretary was delighted to report that we had received nominations for committee vacancies including that of chairman. This should not put off additional proposals!

Competition Results
First Second Third
Beginners Mike Spence Jim Read Bob Eastabrook
Intermediates Frank Mallam Don Pollard Ron Wicks
Advanced Dave Dean Charlie Martyn

Congratulations and thanks are due to Peter C and Alan F for their judging and advice. Their high marks and comments reflected the great quality of the entries; interestingly (beginners) positions 3rd and 4th (one mark between them) were 'reversed' by the floors vote but the judges had pointed out that their choice for third had taken into account its superior finish and the extra challenge of working with pine.
(Whilst converting this newsletter into a web page the webmaster noticed that the winners of the Beginners & Intermediates classes both came third in the June competition and that the two entrants in the Advanced class achieved the same positions as they did in June.)

Future Events

September 15/16/17 sees the big wood fair held at the Bentley Wildlife Trust (near Halland). Always a great occasion but take wellies if it is very wet!

AGM on Sunday 1st October. Please note that trophies need returning! Dave Dean will demonstrate wood and metal turning after the formalities.

Turner of the Year event will be held at our monthly home on Friday evening, 20th October, 7.00-7.30. There are two classes. For beginners, members of less than three years may enter 1 piece for the Bill Hughes Cup. This entry can be one from a previous competition. ALL MEMBERS can enter the Open and may submit up to 4 items. Three awards will be granted by Judges with no turning background. They are asked to choose pieces they find most pleasing and would like to own. The winner receives the Richard Pay Cup. Additional details at the AGM.

Another mention, just for Ron W, of the Surrey WT's event! 29th October, 11-4.00 at Mytchett.

November meeting (Sunday 5th) is an all day demo by Jimmy Clewes. Bound to be better than fireworks!

Bargains For Sale. Ken Payne still has quite a lot of wood for disposal. He can be contacted on 01903 234846