WSWT Newsletter – December 2007
Meeting Report Sunday December 2nd
By popular vote, chairman Ted Hickford called a full house to order without a joke!
Isn’t it great living in such a fine democracy …
Ted reported that two of our longstanding members are not renewing their memberships in 2008
(34/5 years between them!). Ken Payne, in recent years our provider of smocks, sweaters
and sweat shirts, is no longer turning (in his sleep?) and feels that with a waiting list he
should stand down, while health concerns have led John Dowsett to resign. John has written to us
recalling Bill Hughes, Peter Coxall, Keith Faulkner and Peter Parker as other early members and
singles out Peter Coxall for thanks – ‘I learnt a great deal from him’.
He is also pleased that he was able to pass on his wood turning assets to ‘our youngest
member Tom Streeter who in a few years will be a real asset to the club’.
Member Terry Hooper is a qualified First Aider with an up to date ticket and is prepared to act on our behalf if required. Thank you Terry. In addition, a show of hands demonstrated that several more of us have had past training. One suspects that a few more of us couldn’t remember if we had been trained or not.
Looking ahead to West’s (2nd & 3rd May 2008) show, Keith Greenfield is seeking bodies to help exhibit, sell and demonstrate over the weekend.
Following Ken P?s retirement, Keith will also coordinate the provision of personalised clothing although he has yet to find a smock provider. Contact KG on 01403 791115 or email him.
Tom Bradbury is also looking ahead; Amberley museum is opening it’s gates on 16th February and the first volunteers roster has been published.
The Saxon Stickmakers annual bash is in Ashington Community Centre on Jan. 19th at 10.30 and members are invited to attend. The Buffet lunch costs £5, but those requiring refreshment must contact top stick Charles Hutcheon by Dec 31st 01903 205015 or email him
Heart (and stomach) felt thanks go the procurement and kitchen teams, Joyce & Valerie and Paul & Marion Edwards for the feast of sausage rolls & mince pies.
Gil&srquo;s Birds We had been promised a surprise ‘non woodturning’exhibition and that is what we got. Apart from being a tree feller and timber merchant, Gil Kenward has a big time hobby – keeping owls. He brought us two eagle owls, a snowy owl and two barn owls that kept us well occupied while the competition judges were at work. The larger eagle owl, Annie, ruled supreme, checking out the audience from time to time, but showing more interest in the competition entries and the judging. Certainly gave the impression that she was wise enough to help Ray and Ted. How convenient it must be to look behind without moving one’ back or feet! Many thanks Gil for sharing them with us and taking all the questions.
Annual Presentations
Charlie Martyn (Turner of the Year) received the Pay cup and Jim Reed the Bill
Hughes Cup.
| First | Second | Third | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Stan Coombs | Bob Eastabrook | Judy Reed | |
| Intermediates | Mike Spence |
Equal second place
Bob Fielding and John Woolgar |
||
| Advanced | Charlie Martin | Don Pollard | Colin Willets |
| First | Second | Third | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | David Newson | Caroline Dorling | Roger Dinnis | |
| Intermediates | Bob Fielding | Bob Eastabrook | Peter Stokes | |
| Advanced | Mike Spence | Charlie Longhurst | Colin Willets |
Thanks are due to all the entrants for the range and quality of their work, to judges Ray
Jackson and Ted Hickford for their deliberations and helpful comments and, of course,
to the judges’inscrutable scrutineer, Annie.
Interestingly the members changed the order of the beginners group and gave first place to
Caroline’s sycamore bowl/dish/platter!
Next Meeting (6th January 2008)
Peter Coxall will be showing us how to turn a cup and saucer (which is the subject of the March competition).
February Meeting
Basic technique training will be on offer to beginners. Members are also invited to bring tools for sharpening instruction. Involvement of the shop team in this initiative means that only abrasives will be on sale. Tony Short’s Tool Shop open as usual.
For Sale / Wanted
A microwave ‘only suitable for wood drying‘ is yours if you offer anything half reasonable to Ken Payne – 01903 234846.
A Geoff Roffe (01243 584381) wants 24 spindles turned &ndas; ca. 1m. length. Wood provided and delivered.
David Newson has Record BS350 bandsaw for sale. Bought (over £600) in 2005 it is under guarantee to April 2010! Higher spec than the current 350 model with a metal cupboard built into the base, upgraded fence / slide and mobile wheel base. David will accept £200 and may be able to deliver for fuel costs. But it is heavy and he would need help with loading. Telephone (Dorking) 01306 883578
P.S. The editor (who doesn’t believe in miracles) won a very nice prize in the raffle and after careful thought decided it was related to the purchasing of tickets!