Demonstration Evenings
The usual format of the evening is that the Chairman starts the meeting at 7.00pm with a few announcements and then introduces the demonstrator who describes the particular topic he will be covering.
During the demonstration a description of methods used is given, often responding to questions from the audience. About 8.30pm we have a break for a cup of coffee at which time the demonstrator is usually surrounded by members wanting to ask questions or have a closer look at his tools etc.
After a 15 minute break, the demonstration continues and normally finishes at
about 10.00pm
The club has just received a substantial lottery grant and this has been spent on updating our audio and visual equipment. Demonstrations are now recorded by state of the art cameras and projected onto a very large screen, enabling members to clearly see and hear the presentation.
Members Evenings
Three meetings per year are dedicated to helping beginners. These evenings are run by the more experienced club members, offering advice and hands on tuition on most aspects of woodturning. The club has two lathes and some members bring mini-lathes on the night so that there are adequate facilities. Novices are encouraged to bring their own tools but some can be provided by the Club.
Club Competitions
The Club monthly competitions are divided into Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Levels and all members are encouraged to enter.
Novices are set a specific task by the Competition Secretary. Two wins in this section qualifies for promotion to the Intermediary level. A member can also be promoted by submitting three pieces of work to the Committee for their approval.
Intermediates can enter any item they have turned. Points are awarded for first, second and third and at the end of the year the person with the highest numbers of points is awarded the ′Turner of the Year′ Shield and is promoted to the Advanced class.
Advanced members compete in the same way as the Intermediates and at the year end the member with the highest numbers of points with the ′Advanced′ Trophy.
There is an open class for ′Spindle Turning′ with a silver tray awarded annually.
Northern Federation of Woodturning Groups
The Club is affiliated to the above Federation and this provides insurance cover for all the Club activities.
Equally importantly, it provides the Club members with the opportunity to compete with members of other clubs in the annual Federation Woodturning Competition.
What Does All this Cost?
The annual membership fee is £25. This is due in August following the Annual General Meeting in July. Payment can be spread over several months but must be complete by Christmas. The fee for new members is pro rata for the remaining months of the year.
Thinking of Joining Us?
Why not come along and see what we do? You are most welcome to just turn up on an evening or you can contact one of the Officers listed on the contacts page.
Visitors and non-members are charged £5 which is deducted from their annual fee if you decide to join.
