We all know that through the year the club runs its members competition found in the small room at the end of the main hall with two resident judges Eric and Pete. They spend a lot of time looking over the month's set piece which has been decided and well published in our magazine, on the web site and in the chairman's newsletter. So we all know what has to be made, the sad thing is that most of the time it is not always as well entered into as could be. A lot of work goes into putting it together, more than most will ever know, so this year I decided that I would give it a go and see how it works.
The first item for the year was a flexible toy so off I go with many thoughts in mind. Lots of shavings and chippings later I have a skipping rope duly turned polished and assembled, I'm even pleased about having a pair of turnings that look like a pair (we all know the first one is easy) good effort I think to myself. So on to the table with all the others and I wait in trepidation for Don to read out the results, 2nd place, not bad.
Now for the worst part or rather what I thought was going to be the worst part, asking our gurus who spend a lot of time out of the meeting looking at the pieces were I went wrong. How wrong could I have been, both Eric and Pete were only to happy to point out my errors, not only to me but others as well on what they were looking for which affects the marks of coarse. Not only that but even suggestions and ideas for change and improvements which can be used in other projects.
(Thanks guys a couple have gone into Christmas presents already!)
The moral of the story is, don't be shy. This club of ours has amongst us some very talented craftsmen. Some regularly show their skills at shows and our competition TRUE, But even more are in hiding and I say to you, don't be scared off by others work, Show your own. Ask were you can alter things or were you went wrong and you will improve even more, Eric and Pete aren't Ogres, they can give you a lot of help and advice so don't be afraid to ask them. It is easy to walk away and mutter, I know that as well as anyone So come on, give it a go, I am sure you wont be sorry, and those who work very hard to set it up will be grateful.
Remember even Richard Branson must have said this many times and he's not done to badly has he.
Never be afraid of the competition
Dave Hayword - December 2005