WSWT Newsletter, Christmas Issue

David Blythe sends in the four phases of Father Christmas: 1.You believe in F.C
2.You do not believe in F.C.
3. You are F.C and …
4. You look like Father Christmas!

Meeting Report, 7th Dec, 2008

Chairman Ted Hickford opened the meeting with a good joke(!) and then reported on the Turner of the Year evening. It had been a well supported occasion with a great display of quality work. He thanked all who attended and brought lots of good food, and also Joyce and Gil K. for funding and running the raffle which made us £94! He was also well taken by the irresistible (lady) ticket vendor who charmed money out of many of us! Congratulations go to Charlie Martyn (winner) and runners up Don Pollard and Peter Brown whose work was picked out by Judge Jenny Read (sister of Robin) for special attention. He then quickly handed on to the source of his joke, Jim Young who reported that although rebuffed by Wakehurst again, he has not yet given up – quite! Jim also passes on that Public Liability Ins (for shows etc) can be obtained from Ian Wallace Ins for 7pound;60 - 80 per year.

While the competition judges (Denys Dollin and John Walker) were at work, Don Pollard acted as MC, introducing his program for the day.

Peter Brown kicked off with an excellent presentation, taking us through his production of large scale butterflies. He obtained the idea, and some practical hints, from an Australian turner. Careful planning, and no little patience is required to build up the intricate wing patterns which make the end result so dramatic!

Peter Stokes (with help from projectionist Bill Whittaker) then gave us an impressive demonstration of off-centre turning. Photos and diagrams (on big screen) with commentary revealed the secrets of how turn a vase with twists and facets! Pythagoras would also have been impressed.

Bob and Allan Fielding, Charlie Martyn and Jim Young had kindly put examples of their work on display and for discussion. Our thanks are due to all of those who helped make the morning a good one!

2008 Prize Winners

Ted Hickford then did a Terry Wogan and presented the annual awards based on the regular competitions – in reverse order!

Annual awards
Third Second First
Beginners Terry Hooper Jim Harding Dave Newson
Intermediates Stan Coombes Garry Parkinson Peter Stokes
Advanced Colin Willets Charlie Longhurst Mike Spence

The judges then returned to the scene with their assessments of the Open competition. Comparing apples and pears is never straight forward, and they did have a wide range of items!

Results were as follows
First Second Third
Beginners Dave Deadman Terry Hooper
Intermediates David Newson Bob Easterbrook Tom Streeter
Advanced Colin Willetts Frank Mallam Mike Spence

Thank You

Roger Boniface has asked the editor to pass on his grateful thanks to the many members who have helped him during his first year of membership. From a wheel chair, the setting up his workshop after moving to Shoreham was a particular challenge, and he wishes to publicly acknowledge the exceptional help from Bill Whittaker and Ted Hickford.

And Finally…

Club stalwart **** **** (who probably wishes to remain anonymous) duly turned up to the November meeting. He wasn’t too happy about the lack of other members, but did put a positive slant on things in his exclusive (and confidential) interview with WSWT Newsletter. ‘The parking was bloody marvellous’!