WSWT Newsletter, September 2009

Meeting Report Sunday September 6th, 2009

Announcements

Chairman Ted Hickford called us to order with some club notices.
Former member David Marchant’s widow has donated his wood working books to the club, and they are now available in the library. Ted has written a letter of thanks.

The next meeting will be the AGM and Ted pointed out that we are in serious need of a successor to Events organiser Don Pollard. His pleadings were very impressive and, had he been confident of getting up again, he would surely have gone down on his knees. Don will happily assist his replacement during the coming club year. Your club needs someone* to step forward!

*Post meeting note – That someone has come forward: member John Stepney is prepared to help. Thank you, John!

Newsletter editor is a role that is also available to anyone that would like to do it! The current editor has not been available to fulfil his role regularly this last year, and Jim Reed and Ted have had to stand in on a number of occasions. How nice it would be if someone volunteered to take on half the role this coming year and taking it on full time next!

Secretary Jim Reed is coordinating orders for Les Thorne’s DVD; price comes down by a fiver if we order 10 – Jim currently has 6 signed up.

Don pointed out that the Bentley Wood Fair is in September (18th– 20th), not August as noted in the last newsletter. Consequentally Frank Mallam took with daughter and grandchildren in August; they had a great time he and bears no grudges!

Our shopkeepers and some other members were at the weekend event at Amberley Museum where “Crafts” - woodturning, anyway - have been added to the Food and Wine festival. Those who have already attended were very impressed by the WSWT contribution - the exhibits and demos are excellent. Two unlikely outcomes would be stalwarts David Unsted gaining weight over the weekend and Keith Greenfield losing some…

Demonstration and Competion

While Denys Dollin and Ray Shelton were assessing the array of boxes (6 entries in each class) on show Peter Brown and Peter Coxall entertained! Although a lathe short, which did restrict vantage points, we did see two experts at work. P.B. turned a couple of earring holders – one in yew and one in false acacia (Robinia). It required some delicate touches, and (hand drilling) a lot of 1mm holes. P.C., turning chair legs in ash, made all things look very easy and as usual showed how versatile the skew is, when used properly. Both turners use the left thumb on top of the business end of the tool, very close to the wood face. Must try it!

Competition Results
First Second Third
Beginners Terry Hooper Chris Grace Dave Deadman
Intermediates Dave Newson Judy Reed Tom Streeter
Advanced Frank Mallam Don Pollard Mike Spence

Denys presented the judges deliberations and praised the general standards and pointed out that scores in all sections were very close together. In some instances, though, a little more care with the finishing would have made it even more difficult for the judges. Many thanks to all the competitors, judges Denys and Ray, and the two Peters for demonstrating.

October Meeting

Will be the AGM. However, if the chairman has his way, the formalities will be be completed in minutes, and to help matters along, no seating will be set out! The shop will be back, and two lathes – with Peter Brown on one, and Dave Dean and Tom Streeter turning finials on the other.

Caroline Dorling requests that all cups and trophies are returned at the October meeting in time for their redistribution at the Turner of the Year bash! She is also looking to purchase a small lathe – even very small! Any one who can help please contact her on 01273 473388