Woodturner, toy maker, storyteller (author of Beatrix the Bad Fairy and Haggis Hunting, a short history) and maker of Haggis Hunting Horns.
I own a very small woodland where I grow my own timber and talk to the birds.
I trade under the name of Created Woodcrafts.
AWGB Accredited Woodturning Tutor.
Selling on behalf of a friend and ex member a Delta variable speed lathe and stand. Almost identicle to the SIP 01938 12″ x 36″ Swivel Head Wood Lathe.
I have been informed that one of our members has tested positive for Covid-19 very recently. We are now in the ‘flu and Covid season so the risk of both is higher. As most folks have been vaccinated several times I think the risk is low, especially if we all take precautions, as such the AGM will go ahead this evening, however, if you are feeling unwell, or have not been vaccinated then please stay at home, if you are coming then consider all the ‘old’ precautions of handwashing and wearing of masks (over mouth AND nose), keep a distance from others and take extra care at coffee time. The risk is much lower than in the past but COvid and flu will never go away so lets be carefull tonight.
Welcome, and a heartfelt ‘well done’ to our four Beginner’s Course particiants Dave D, Eric, Brian Chris and David H.
Especial praise should be heaped on Dave H who missed the first day but came in early today and still achieved everything required at the end of the day (that was a lot to take in and your mind must be buzzing tonight). I was genuinely impressed that everyone managed to make a spindle turned item and also a bowl – and every bowl was really good with pleasing aesthetics, well finished and nobody went through the bottom.
As with every course the real learning comes with confidence, which comes with practice, and I ask that if you see any of these new members then you please give them all assistance and support at this early stage of their woodturning journey, just as you have in the past.
It is with great sadness that I must inform members that one of our members, Ian Spencer, died on Friday evening in Dalbeattie, doing what he loved, driving an HGV. Ian had been one of our longest standing members, always keen, always wanting to learn and was a very regular attender at monthly meetings weekly meetings, professional demonstrators and their masterclasses (whenever his driving duties permitted).
Ian’s health had not been good in the last few years, especially his heart, and he had been advised not to drive HGVs for a while, but had returned to driving after treatment and the doctor’s blessing quite some time ago. It seems that on Friday he had been returning his lorry to Palnackie, where his wife Jan was waiting for him, when he had a massive heart attack and died at the wheel.
I will miss Ian and his enthusiasm, his different way of looking at things and his dedication to the club.
Our sympathies go out to Jan and the family.
Ian Bendall, Funeral directors announce the following:
Very suddenly on 15th September 2023, Ian Spencer (Joe), Marle Terrace, Castle Douglas. Beloved husband of Janet, loved stepfather of the late Emma, loving grandpa of Kyle and a much loved brother in law and uncle E. Funeral service will take place in Castle Douglas Parish Church on Saturday 7th October at 10.00am followed by interment in Castle Douglas Cemetery. All friends are respectfully invited to attend. Family flowers only please, If so desired, donations to The British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support may be given at the service.
I will be holding the next Beginner’s Woodturning Course on the two Saturdays 16 and 23 September at the Castle Douglas Workshop. If you, or anyone you know wishes to attend get in touch, there are two spaces left.
The majority of the information is on our web site.
Sorry, Due to high winds overnight, which blew some tents over, and damaged others, plus strong winds forecast for today and tomorrow, the event has been cancelled.
Galloway Woodturners will be present at the Kirkcudbright Country Fair, with a lathe and demonstrator or two. Saturday 15th July and Sunday 16th July, Gates open 10am and close 4pm.
This Saturday, 25th March, is another workshop day, with the subject being ‘Spindles and Pens’.
By taking part in this workshop you will become more comfortable turning spindles and or pens, learn new tips and tricks, or confirm that you are doing things right. There is no ‘tutor’ at this workshop, everyone will bring something to the lathe and hopefully come away a slightly better turner. David and Judith will be there for a good part of the time as they have great experience in making pens and also quality spindle items.
There are five workshops of this type in the first half of 2023, all being workshops rather than training days. Each one gives us the opportunity to do some familiar turning in the company of members who have something to share and something to learn.
The next workshops are:
Saturday 29th April – Involuted turning Saturday 27th May – Stools Saturday 24th June – Demonstrating
Chris Parker’s demonstration today, Saturday 18th March, was excellent and very different to any previous demonstrators. His use of shape, texture and colour has inspired us to step up and try something new and adventurous. Although he used several tools we are familiar with there were several which were new to us, especially his negative rake scrapers and bespoke tenon cutter.
During his demo he also used a couple of sanding arbours which gave more precision and can be purchased from Chris via his web site shopping page.
I would encourage you to give these a try, and it would not be right to say they are better than other makes, some of which are very familiar to us, but they can perform in a way that is very controllable and less likely to damage previously cut sharp edges.
Saturday 18th March sees Chris Parker, a professional woodturner sometimes known as ‘The Bald Woodturner’ will come to our workshop and show his skills. Tickets are £15, which will include tea and coffee AND LUNCH. We normally charge £20 but are treating you all to lunch this time.
The demo starts at 10 am and runs to 4pm so will be a full day of excellent woodturning plus catering for a mere £15 so please get your tickets as soon as possible from Jimmy Brown or Sarah Burns. We can accommodate a few last minute ‘walk-ins’ but prefer numbers for the catering.
The following day, Sunday 19th March, Chris will be back for a ‘Masterclass’ , where you will be taught by a master, you don’t need to be a master yourself, just have turned for at least a year and be ready to take your turning a step further. Tickets are £50 (but you have to bring your own sandwiches) tea/coffee and biscuits are provided. This day also runs 10am to 4pm. This type of training often costs £200 and upwards so this is your chance to have a fun day, learning and making something special under Chris’ guidance.
Chris does top quality turning and texturing, plus a little bit of colour. You can see some of his work at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013117201598