John Davis has moved

As the heading suggests, John Davis has moved. It's not what you would call a profoundly sensational heading, but it does the job and it's here to stay. I heard through the grapevine that John was about to move, I contacted him as promised and offered to help if he was in need. The reply was yes, his shop fitter had vanished and he needed this work completed as soon as possible so he could re open.

I started working within a couple of hours of John getting the keys, the idea being to get as much done as I could before the space was taken up with his stock. That was my best plan to date, it seemed that the piles of blanks, round, long and square and not forgetting the burrs just kept getting higher. I have visited Johns old shop a number of times and had checked out the timber in the building next door but I didn't appreciate he had so much of it, it just kept coming, then the lathes and the bandsaw and so it went on. I managed to get my materials used and off the floor just in time leaving just enough space around to complete it. Then I was asked to move into the end section through the door for some more bits and pieces.

What I haven't told you yet is that there is a first floor to this building and Julie from Threadbear next to John at his old address has moved with him into the first floor space. So all the time I'm working there are people going backwards and forwards and up and down the stairs carrying loads of this and that. What stood out most to me was how well they all got on. Did I mention Paul; no I don't think I did. Paul is John's son and this move is a joint venture between Julie, Paul and John. And as I said they all got on very well, nothing was too much trouble. It didn't matter whose furniture or box it was, they just got on with it. There where some other people there, I remember Cindy, and Les Thorne helped move the big lathe but the other names I'm sorry I forget.

Every now and then there would be a bit of chatting going on, this was to decide on how best to do something, be it racking, position of lathes, lights, stock, counter and sometimes this chatting was accompanied by either chocolate brownies, chocolate cake, chocolates and or tea and coffee. I was forced on a couple of occasions to join in and I have to admit, I felt very privileged to be a part of their new venture. They casually discuss how best things will be and then get on with it.

So how do I follow that last paragraph? Well let's try this. The setting is nice, upstairs there is a lovely old window just right for sitting in front of with a nice cup of something looking out over the orchard. The birds are singing all day long, every day or so herds of sheep run along down the side of the building to the farm and there is plenty of shade under the trees just outside the door for sitting with that cuppa and perhaps another piece of cake. The address is Chilbolten Farm but I'm thinking The Chocolate Factory would suit it better.

So what has John got planned for us people that need our regular fix of woodturning stuff. There are the four lathes to start with and a workshop that will take a master class of 20 or so. All the big names for tools and associated bits like Terry Smart's products, which we all know as Chestnut Products will be there. John has also indicated to me that he may be running regular Saturday demos, some by him and some by other well know turners. That has to be a good idea because instead of just going over to make the purchase of a couple of bowl blanks or something, you will get to watch a demo so you learn something to. I can't wait till it's all up and running. Looks like every Saturday I may just have to go out that way to look at a job if you see what I mean. Don't mention that bit to her indoors though.

Upstairs Julie has set up shop in a beautiful setting of old timbers and creaking floorboards, a perfect setting for her spinning wheel and beads and trinkets. This is where I fall apart slightly, Sorry Julie I didn't look to closely at the things you where selling. I do remember lace work and that you did classes on spinning and weaving so for those of you that know about these things, Julie sells associated items to these. How did I do? Not very well me thinks.

The new building used to be an old stable block and has plenty of room, just as well because there is a lot of stock. The good thing is that with all that room you can wonder round gathering all your purchases without bumping into people like the old shop. I believe he is going to sell lathes as well so the skies the limit, just think, if you put your birthday and Christmas money together what you could buy?

John will have an impressive gallery of turned work upstairs which will be worth the visit on its own, he is arranging for pieces to display from other turners and I expect it will change from time to time. And then finally you have John himself; I don't need to tell you about John, but I'm going to anyway. Very friendly guy, nothing is too much trouble even if he's busy with batch turning. Knows all there is to know and wont sell you anything you don't need. Familiar with all the timbers and its funny little habits of twisting warping or cracking if not treated right, sounds a bit like John's knee? Sorry, you had to be there for that one. Just a genuinely nice guy that's worth travelling up to say hello too once in a while.

Cake to celibrate the new venture John doing what he loves best

Shop into wood store Part of wood store

Boots - June 2006