Advice for complete novice

Hi guys,
I only started in Sept 2023 and don’t have a lathe at home nor any tools or other equipment. Can somebody suggest a beginners’ list of essentials to get started at home? And costs? And from where I should (and shouldn’t buy). And any other advice gratefully received…
Thanks,
Dave.

Wednesday Afternoon Workshop Openings

I will be opening the workshop for members on Wednesday afternoons from 1-3.00pm starting on Wednesday of this week, (1st November 2023).  If we have enough attendees I would hope to continue with these sessions until March 2024, (given a break for the Christmas/New Year festivities).

This is especially intended for, but not restricted to those who do not like driving in the dark.

I have a dental appointment on Wednesday 15th November and hope that someone else will offer to open the workshop on that afternoon.

AGM tonight 10/10/23

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.

Chairmans Annual Report 2023

Beginner’s Course September 2023

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. 

Death of a Member

Ian Spence at Simon Hope Masterclass

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:

Ian Spencer (Joe)

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. 

Rolf Buwert  (Chairman)

Club Competition September 2023

September’s competition item was a trophy. There were four entries in Mature and one in Novice. The points situation to date:

Mature category:

Ken Power (37), Phil Jones (23), Arthur Young (18), Mick Schofield (17), Colin Marshall (13), Rolf Buwert (11), Stephen Eccles (5), Bryan Jardine (4), David Simpson & Tom Florey (1).

Novice category:

Finlay Mitchell (42), Bill Dryden (5), Andrew Ratnam (4).

The scoring system awards 6 points for 1st position, 5 for 2nd, 4 for 3rd. All other entries, including those with no votes, receive 1 point.