WSWT Newsletter, December 2006
John Marshall
We have just been told that John, who attended the December meeting, died yesterday, December 7th. He was a long standing member who was very active in our Amberley group where he frequently demonstrated the pole lathe. A friend and neighbour, he introduced me to turning several years ago now. I will not be the only club member to miss him. Mark H.
Meeting Report, Sunday 3rd December
Ted H. opened the meeting by congratulating David Unsted on his rapid return after his 'hip plus' operation and probably mentioned that thoughts of free sausage rolls and mince pies had speeded his recovery. Other snippets of news, not necessarily in the right order, were that Tim Godsmark, having moved to Devon sometime ago, is living in Torrington and in good health. He hopes to get to a meeting or so and would be pleased to receive WSWT itinerants. Ted also reported that Ron Wicks had brought a barrow load of the latest issue of 'Wheel Barrow', the Amberley Museum magazine. Why? One possibility is that Ron himself is pictured on the front cover; another that it contains features of interest to us, including one on their annual 'Wood from the Trees' event in which several of our members, including Ron, play an active part.
Events organiser Don Pollard then introduced local member of the British Stickmakers Guild, Charles Hutcheon, who took us through the various stages of his craft. On the way he demonstrated stick straightening, rams horn bending and compression, buffalo horn bending, and selection and fashioning of the very different deer antler (bone not keratin). He had a range of finished sticks and for good measure sorted out Alan Fielding?s walking stick by removing an inch or so and fitting a posh ferrule! His most interesting and informative presentation was followed by an invitation to a demo of horn bending given by one of the Guild's experts on Sat. 27th January (Ashington community centre). This starts at 10.30, but anyone wishing to attend must contact Charles (01903 205015) in advance to ensure appropriate catering. Cost is £5.00, including buffet lunch.
Annual Presentation
After an extended coffee break which, thanks to Marion Edwards,
Valerie Newson and Joyce Kenward included plenty of sausage rolls
and mince pies, Ted Hickford presented the annual trophies;
Turner of the year award (1st and 2nd!) went to
Robert Brady with Charlie Martyn as runner up.
A recount of the cumulative figures recorded last month saw a change in the
beginners group with Judy Read moving ahead of Bob Eastabrook into
third place. Awards were therefore presented as follows:-
| First | Second | Third | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Mike Spence | Glenn Jones | Judy Reed | |
| Intermediates | Don Pollard | Frank Mallam | David Peffers | |
| Advanced | Dave Dean | Charlie Martyn | Tom Bradbury |
December Competition
| First | Second | Third | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners |
Judy Reed (Segmented Bowl) |
Tom Streeter* (Paper Weight) |
Jim Reed (bowl) |
|
| Intermediates |
Ron Wicks (Dish) |
Bob Fielding (Vase) |
Robert Brady (Platter) |
|
| Advanced |
Charlie Martyn (Column) |
Colin Willetts (Bowl) |
Frank Mallam (Segmented Bowl) |
*Tom must surely be our youngest ever certificate winner?
Our thanks go to Paul Edwards and Peter Brown for taking on the
especially difficult task of judging the 'open' competition.
Miscellany
Caroline Dorling is in need of a 'small lathe' - any one able to help?
A Viv Lai of 26, Beach Rd Littlehampton (01903 713077) or
mob. 07753637956 has a few turning jobs he would like done. Any takers?
During this season of goodwill, Tony Twine is still collecting turned
items for 4 different charities including St Richards. Members are thanked for
their contributions; more are still welcome.
Jimmy Clewes videos are available at big discounts via a collective order.
Money must be placed with order to Treasurer David Parfoot.
Does anyone subscribe to the Which Magazine? Contact Don Pollard
on 01903 529619; he wants help on camera selection for the club.
Next meeting is on Jan 7th when Elizabeth Greenfield a
first aid / resuscitation expert will talk about her role in the community.
In view of the way the NHS review is going this is very topical!
Erratum: In the November report on Jimmy Clewes' demonstration it was stated that 'nothing was actually launched'. Humble apologies for this error of fact. Terry Rowell points out that a piece of Jimmy's winged box lived up to its provenance and actually flew – landing at the back of the hall beside Dave Dean's left foot. Treasurer David Parfoot wonders where it now is .... and whether it was signed ....