About Us
History
West Sussex Woodturners was formed in 1988 by five Woodturners who met in each others workshops initially to view and discuss their work and to share ideas and working practices.
Inevitably more people wanted to join and the original PulboroughVillage hall venue became too small.
We moved first to Storrington and then as numbers increased, to our present home at Sullington Parish hall.
We are a non-profit making club, and rely on members to maintain and service equipment
The 25th Anniversary of the club, was held on 2nd December 2012, for more history and recollections of the Founders etc, see the 25th Programme.
About Us
We come from all walks and disciplines of life but all have a love of wood and woodturning.
The 'Hobby' mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced turners all contribute to make the club the success that it is.
Woodturning being essentially an individual craft, but having said that, it is also constantly evolving with tools and finishes, thus the aim of the club is to bring together like-minded people in order to share their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Some members are also happy to accept commissions for all aspects of woodturning.
Meetings
Club meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month (except New Years Day) usually starting at 9:30 am.
Morning only meetings are generally membership led, but full day demonstrations and lectures by a professional are featured at least three times a year.
It is worth noting that attendance at these average 75% of the full membership.
At professional demonstrations a large screen video with audio is provided to help everyone get a good view and hear the proceedings.
Each meeting is different, with demonstrations on all aspects of turning and finishing; or talks and discussions on problems encountered and their solutions.
A balance is usually sought between demonstrations by club members, invited guests and trade representatives.
There is plenty of time to socialise before the meeting, at refreshment breaks and at lunch time when we have an all day meeting. Tea and Coffee are supplied.
Competitions are held four times a year and in addition during our annual 'Awards Evening' evening we also have a competition, where we invite a non-turner to come along and act as a judge and pick the item they would most like to take home. It may not be the best turning but it gives everyone a chance to win.
Shop
Our small but extensively stocked shop carries abrasive from 80 grit through to 1200 grit, super glue, and various other commodities that are used in woodturning. There is also a selection of small tools and lubricants for sale.
Library
Our free reference library contains a collection of books, DVDs and magazines to loan to members as a source of information and inspiration.
Loan equipment
We have lathes and tools, which can be loaned to new members who have yet to buy their own.
Amberley
We are the resident turners at Amberley Museum, where one of our members is usually manning the Woodturner’s workshop demonstrating woodturning on a modern electric lathe, or talking about woodturning.
Our Amberley workshop is easily accessible to any club member who wishes to join the group to demonstrate their skills to the public.
This workshop with its 5 individual tuition cubicles has proved its worth in the time and effort spent building it.
We have now helped countless children transform a small block of wood into either an animal or Christmas tree decoration on the event days the museum organises.
Additionally we have helped many Scouts, Guides or Brownies turn a 'woggle' on their visit.
Beginner's Tuition
A small group of the Amberley Section are proficient in offering tutoring, they are developing the course structure aiming at first time starters with no knowledge, and those who have the basic knowledge but are experiencing difficulties. These sessions will be held in the new workshop at Amberley Museum. To register an interest in these sessions please leave details on the 'Contact Us' tab above, or speak to any committee member at club.
Promotion of our hobby
As a club we are keen to promote our hobby to the general public and we attend a number of venues including village fetes and fairs around Sussex to both demonstrate our craft and enable the public to acquire some of our wares.
Club Officers:
Chairman - Ian Rudge
Secretary - Steve Savage
Treasurer - Malcolm Hunt
Committee Members:
Membership/Webmaster - Colin Willetts
Training - Ray Burton
Events/Program - Ray Thompson
Dave Burton
Ex-officio:
Competitions - Andy Heath/Colin Smith
Shop - Jim Harris
Librarian - Peter Corcoran
Newsletter Editor - Martin Shepheard