Several good things have happened, and are going to happen, at Galloway Woodturners.
In no particular order, but firstly it was excellent to have another Beginner’s Woodturning course last week, Sarah and Antoinette had recently done a Taster course, were enthused enough to immediately join Galloway Woodturners and a few weeks later came back to do the Beginner’s course. Both were lovely to teach and had a good time, going home with beautiful little bowls. Welcome to you both.
After many weeks of sorting through our (sadly deceased) friend Ian‘s tons of tools and equipment (“He who dies with the most stuff wins!” Ian, you were a winner) The team of sorters labellers and pricers managed to sell the vast majority of the stuff, and recycle the rest. A heroic effort folks, thank you.
The weekend of 23rd and 24th March will see THE TINY TURNER Emma Cook return to us for an All Day Demonstration on the Saturday, and a Masterclass on the Sunday. I will resist singing her praises too much here but all of you who have bought tickets for the weekend will be certain of a great day’s entertainment, teaching and encouragement. Some of you will have met her before at Galloway Woodturners, or at Harrogate, where she always attracts big crowds. Some of you may also have seen her many video demos where her approachable and articulate personality puts people at their ease. A most excellent turner visiting us – we are indeed blessed.
David Simpson has been extremely generous with his time and support in his Wednesday afternoon workshop sessions over the winter (Thanks Judith for letting David out to play). They will come to an end shortly while he and Judith tend to their garden, David tells me that at the end of the gardening season he is prepared to do it again. Thanks David, and thanks to those members who came along for his sessions.
Another ‘good thing’ has been this month’s competition. Who would have thought that ‘A Platter’ would have drawn so many entries, or that such an apparently simple item would have produced so many variations, every one of which was to a very high standard of design and workmanship. Congratulations to all entrants. Well done to everyone.
And lastly, we have two more professional demonstrators Mick Hanbury and Margaret Garrard to look forward to in our programme this year, as well as Brian Conchie RPT, John Brown, Sarah Burns and Mick Schofield from our own membership.
Yes, lots of good things at Galloway Woodturners in 2024.