Another Good Club Night - September 2004

All set up and ready by 1900hrs, Nice warm summer evening and a good crowd is starting to appear. While chatting, the guys move around looking to see if any exciting things have been laid out to view or things to buy or sell. On the gallery table was a Red Fruit Marlee double bowl, beautifully turned and a good design, I may have to copy that design, my burr has been sitting looking at me in my workshop since January this year, inspiration eluding me. This being the change from one year to the next is our AGM and uppermost on my mind is the competition. I was a novice last year and sadly the only entry for most months; well I like a challenge, so assuming that I might get promoted to intermediates I put a plan together to encourage other novices to have a go. I won't go into detail because I don't want to tempt fait but its looking very good so far. Watch this space as they say. The response will be reported in each club night report so you can track the progress, hopefully with interest. If it's successful then I will happily give details to anyone who asks. It's all designed to tempt you back month after month. A great big thank you to committee members who backed the idea with enthusiasm. The meeting started and John the chairman gave his report, it's three years now and with no previous experience it must have been a very daunting experience. Despite this he has held the post admirably, although it has to be said, he was bound to succeed as he's bursting with enthusiasm and is surrounded by a hard working committee. Until you get involved your self you will never have a clue what goes on behind the scenes, these guys aren't going to tell us, they just get on and do it, and all credit to them for that. Phew, that was a bit heavy wasn't it, lets lighten things up a bit.

Well there where various matters discussed and the fist's where flying, broken furniture all around and it all came to a sudden halt when somebody shout "teas up" Well it took your mind of the heavy bit didn't it.

To continue, Next on the agenda was the competition results, Don had collated the facts and figures and as usual did a grand job of announcing names with the chairman presenting awards. Ken gave us a forward look at next years diary, very impressive as usual, this guy has a lot of experience and contacts, a valuable club asset, well done Ken. I explained my idea to encourage the novice's and Eric our club judge said a few words to support my efforts, thanks again Eric. And while I'm here thanks go to Derek who does the magazine, Ray who takes the pictures the secretary and treasurer, and not forgetting all those who fill in with bits and pieces.

John was elected back in the chair again for possibly his last term, and sadly the vice chair remains open as Ken has other commitments. Lots of appreciation shown from the members, he will be a hard act to follow. He thanked the committee for their help and to finish he told us he'd seen our club badge being worn by a number of professional turners, I'd like to think that reflects the quality of our club. Pity I can't get the web address printed on it!

Tea time thanks to Don and somebody was next with all the chat and competition scores to check out, I got the details of a dust extractor for sale which is now quietly waiting for me in my workshop, good call that one, thanks John.

After tea Bill Thorne gave us a very informative chat about tree felling throughout his working life concluding with questions and answers. There is a brilliant article to be had here, however when I asked Bill to put pen to paper in true character he replied light heartedly, "I can't write, can't spell and can't sit still for long enough. Well as I said at the beginning of this article "I like a challenge so once again, watch this space.

In conclusion there was the usual raffle prizes and clearing away of chairs and things, last minute chat and lights out and there goes another good club night.

Sorry to see you go Ken.

Boots - September 2004