Woodbury Woodturners Club
Encouraging, developing and promoting the art and science of woodturning
Learn MoreSaturday 11th January Training Session Monday 13th January 2020
The session was enjoyed by all and worth the time and effort put in by students and trainers alike.
Liz Cherrett and Rosemary Walsh, with the help of John Rockey and John Haxell, each turned a large spalted beech platter. The results were first class.
Mike Gall, helped by Tony Bennett, turned a couple of bowls, including one from walnut and was very pleased with the outcome.
Trevor Druett made a spalted beech bowl, assisted by Peter Johnson who showed him how to get an excellent finish.
Richard Pegler instructed Graham Steele on making two handles for his leatherwork augers.
Thank you to all who made Saturday the success it was.
L to R: Mike Gall, Liz Cherrett, Rosemary Walsh, Trevor Druett, Graham Steele
(Text by Stephen Long, Photo from Tony Bennett)
The next session on 1st of February will be spindle work for beginners. Please book your place as soon as possible by email to Stephen Long or by seeing Stephen at the club night on 16th January.
AWGB International Woodturning Biennial Seminar 2020 Monday 6th January 2020
This is a 'heads up'!
At the December 2019 Club Night our Chairman, Stephen Long, said
'I attended the 2018 event and found it extremely interesting and instructive. I would recommend any of our members to go. You don't have to be a member of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain to attend. Check out the costs listed below and try to make it there in October.' How about sharing transport?
Just look at the names of the top ten demonstrators, including our own Colwin Way and Richard Raffan. (Richard is worth the ticket price on his own!)
Further updates will be posted here nearer the date.
December Club Night Report Thursday 26th December 2019
A very pleasant and entertaining evening was enjoyed by some forty members on Thursday 19th December. The atrocious weather during the day clearly put off many from attending but those who did scoffed mince pies and consumed quantities of highly quaffable mulled wine with gusto.
Thanks go to John Guilfoyle, Graham Drury, Tony Bennett and the others who organised the kitchen work.
The main competition of the evening for a Wee Willie Winky candle holder attracted a surprisingly large number of entrants and showed a range of skills and ingenuity in all three classes.
The Beginners class was won by Stewart Leach with Roger Upchurch and Jim Bailey coming 2nd and 3rd respectively.
In the Intermediates, John Lacey was triumphant, followed by Ray Shaw and Trevor Yates at 2 and 3.
The Advanced section demonstrated an interestingly wide range of competence. The deserved winner was Peter Johnson with runner-up, Roger Hutton and Richard Pegler in 3rd.
The fun event of the evening involved various bodies attempting to turn a natural edged snowman in a limited time of ten minutes.
There were ten entrants - the first three who braved the contest were Peter Gradon, Roger Hutton and Peter Johnson followed by Jim Bailey, Bruce Crisp and Tony Bennett. After the tea break Susan Vincent, Chris Pomeroy and, last but not least, John Haxell and Stephen Long turned their version of a snowman - materials supplied by Peter Banks. All entries were judged by our President, Cyril Rowsell.
Thanks go to Stephen Long for overseeing the mayhem!
The winner was Tony Bennett, who was presented with a bottle of wine, 2nd place was taken by John Haxell, 3rd place Stephen Long
Graham Drury's photos of the evening may be found in the Club Galleries
Here's a note for your diary:
Club Subscriptions for 2020 are due now, payable by cheque or cash. The Club Night in January (16th) is the usual time to pay up but if you're not able to attend that, please send your subs to our Treasurer, Richard Pegler, as soon as you like. If you do not intend to renew for 2020, please let Richard know so that someone from the waiting list may take your place. Thank you.
£25.00 single membership £30.00 joint membership
Richard's address is: 1 Longmeadow Cottages, Oil Mill Lane, Clyst St Mary EX5 1AE
2020 Competitions Friday 6th December 2019
The following is a list of all 8 competitions in 2020. Those of you who have already seen the list on our website will notice some changes in the final programme below.
Thursday 20th February 2020 - FEBRUARY CLUB NIGHT:
Open
Anything you have turned, recently or in the past.
The only proviso is that it must not have been entered into any WWTC Competition before.
Thursday 16th April 2020 - APRIL CLUB NIGHT:
A Bud Vase
Defined as a relatively tall, slender vase, often footed, for holding a single, stemmed flower.
Here are some design pointers:
Saturday 29th August 2020 - ANNUAL SHOW:
Open (O)
Usual Rules Apply: Anything you have turned, provided it has never before been entered into a WWTC Annual Show competition.
Saturday 29th August 2020 - ANNUAL SHOW:
A Box (X)
A box is a box is a box, Well, no, not really!
The possibilities are actually endless. Round, three cornered, square, offset; pop, loose or screw fitting lid; pagoda, finial or no. Decoration to suit - the world is your oyster.
You might find inspiration in the GMC book helpfully entitled ‘Turned Boxes, 40 inspiring boxes by expert makers’. Or perhaps Richard Raffan’s video ‘Turning Boxes’
The Club Library also holds 2 copies of the book 'Turned boxes, 50 designs' by Chris Scott, 2 of 'Turned boxes' by Richard Raffan and 2 copies of the DVD 'Making and decorating boxes' by Mick Hanbury.
There have also been some 27 articles on box making in WTM since 2007! No excuses about lack of encouragement there, then.
From the Sublime to the Gorblimey!
Saturday 29th August 2020 - ANNUAL SHOW:
A Bowl or Platter (B)
Well, it's a bowl, innit? Or a platter!
Maximum diameter in any direction to be 305mm (= 1 ft)
Saturday 29th August 2020 - ANNUAL SHOW:
Two Pieces of Jewellery - A Two-Piece Set (J)
(Perm any 2 from 5: 1. Necklace, 2. Brooch, 3. Pendant, 4. Ring, 5. Pair of Earrings)
A ‘Set’ usually implies some sort of match between the constituent parts - e.g. shape, wood, decoration and so on.
Another subject overflowing with options. What about lamination or segmentation? (What about them, indeed. I hear you cry.) Offset turning again a possibility.
Haven’t seen a wood-turned necklace for a while! Why not have a go?
The GMC book ‘Woodturning Jewellery’ by Hilary Bowen contains a host of ideas and examples. The Club Library holds a copy for you to browse through.
Note: Since they were a separate subject in 2019, Bracelets or Bangles will not be accepted.
Thursday 15th October 2020 - OCTOBER CLUB NIGHT:
A Rice Bowl with Lid
The classic shape for a Japanese Rice Bowl is ‘an upside-down bell’ that fits comfortably in the hand, with the lid sitting inside the rim. Dimensions of the bowl itself are usually 100 to 150 mm diameter by 75 to 100 mm high. The finish may be natural wood or decorated. You choose.
Try these for inspiration:
Thursday 17th December 2020 - DECEMBER CLUB NIGHT:
A Party Popper Cannon
This is a fun item but it will require some thought in the making.
Design it to fit the small individual poppers, not the giant ones used for wedding confetti.
See Colwin Way's article in Wood Turning Magazine Issue 332 of July 2019 for ideas.
Colwin's version
Be aware, when using the cannon, that these popper things can cause serious injury to eyes, for example, and should never be pointed at close range directly at people or pets.
Late News Wednesday 27th November 2019
It is with considerable sadness that the committee has learned of the death of Jack Major at the end of October. His funeral was held on Friday 8th November 2019 in East Devon.
Jack was a charming gentleman and lived in Knowle Village, Budleigh Salterton for many years. A keen beekeeper, he regularly sold his honey at our annual shows.
He was a longstanding club member and only resigned his membership in January this year, citing health reasons.
Jack leaves a widow, Ros, and family in the area. We wish them all well at this distressing time.
Congratulations on promotion Monday 4th November 2019
Following a delay occasioned by a combination of Competition Officer illness and the changeover in April from pencil to computer in recording competition entries and results, it has become apparent that Roger Hutton has rightfully earned 'Advanced' status and is hereby promoted accordingly.
Congratulations Roger. It is a very well earned promotion and our best wishes go to you to succeed in the new Class and to continue to enjoy your turning
Well Done!
Musings Wednesday 30th October 2019
Firstly, because of the way the system works, you may not have seen the correction to my posting of 22nd October entitled 'For the Avoidance of Doubt' in which I stated that the December Club Night was to be on 10th of the month. WRONG! It is, and always has been, Thursday 19th December.
Tuesday 10th is the Club Christmas Dinner.
The title should obviously have been 'For the Creation of Doubt'!
Next, a very interesting and thoughtful discussion is developing on the Forum regarding club competitions, particularly their purpose and ways to encourage members to take part.
So far, six people have aired their thoughts and suggestions, many of which make a lot of sense.
If you hesitate to put an item into a competition, for whatever reason, or if you have any thoughts on the subject, now is the time to come out and say so, and why. We can't improve things for you or make it easier for you to take part and learn unless you tell us ways in which we can change things for the better.
It would be most helpful if you were to do it via the forum, but if you'd rather, you can email Bob Merrifield direct.
Richard Findley Weekend Demonstration Sunday 20th October 2019
By Aubrey Dean
A few weeks ago, we were fortunate enough to have professional turner, Richard Findley demonstrate at our club for a full weekend. Richard is a well respected turner and a regular contributor to Woodturning Magazine and was selected by the committee as an ideal candidate for Bill Bolt's legacy. I think I speak for everyone who attended when I say that Richard was an excellent choice, providing informative and entertaining presentations both days.
Saturday started with Richard making a barley twist leg. This began with basic spindle turning techniques, moving on to methods and tools employed for creating duplicates. Richard explained about different types of twist and the importance of marking out such that the ends of the twist line up.
He covered a number of tools and techniques for creating the beads and it was impressive just how rapidly he managed to produce the finished leg. This was followed by a quick apple, made with careful attention to shape and form.
Many thanks to Jim Bailey for helping to keep the dust down.
In the afternoon, Richard turned a round bottom bowl; an aesthetic, tactile object, but highly dangerous for hot soup!
Sunday comprised a different set of projects, starting with a pewter inlay box. Richard started by making a crude mould from a piece of pine into which he poured pewter that he'd melted using a camping stove.
Setting the pewter to one side, he proceeded to make a box from black walnut, including a small recess in the lid to accept the pewter. After sanding and oiling the walnut, Richard started shaping the pewter, using normal woodturning tools (beading/parting tool and a spindle gouge). It is important not to be greedy here; Richard took small, careful cuts with swarf dropping into a strategically placed saucepan.
Shaping with a parting tool and catching falling pewter for next time.
After parting off and some final buffing, the pewter was fitted into the lid's recess.
Next was the Magic Cup project which facilitated the vanishing and reappearance of a small, red ball. I cannot give you any more detail for fear of Richard being thrown out of the magic circle; the secret will remain with those who attended on Sunday!
Finally, Richard turned a Puzzle Bowl, which might be described as a shallow dish containing a squashed volcano. The idea being that you have to move the bowl in such a manner that a marble ends up in the central hollow.
You can see more photos from the weekend in the gallery.
Thanks to all those who helped with the event, setting up cleaning up, with special thanks to George Webb and Suzanne Parsons for dealing with the tea/coffee/pasties, and John Rockey for stepping in at the last minute to operate the cameras.
Arranging demonstrations like this is becoming increasingly awkward, with many turners booked up for many months (or even years) in advance. As such, it is inevitable that unforeseen clashes with other events may occur on occasion, so it was unfortunate and unavoidable that the Creative Craft Show ran concurrently with Richard's demonstration. No doubt, this contributed to an attendance level lower than anticipated, as several members were prevented from attending whilst they helped promote the club at Westpoint. However, those who did manage to attend Richard's demonstration were most appreciative and thoroughly enjoyed it, with the majority attending both days.
Top Turners Under Attack from Monstrous Regiment Friday 18th October 2019
The ducks and ducklings, after some initial squabbling, took flight in the Competition at Thursday evening's Club Night. As a result, two of our keenest members have gained promotion in the 'Class' system, dubbed ‘the School of Hard Knox’.
Vicki Prouse, following a win in the Annual Show's Tazza category and a triumph with her ducks the other evening, is now promoted from Intermediate to Advanced status.
Pleasingly, Liz Cherrett's turning skills have come a long way in the short time since she joined the club, and following her wins at the Annual Show with her Tazza and success on the duck front on Thursday, she now moves from Beginner to Intermediate standard.
A quick chorus of 'Ducks and Tazzas come away . . .' would not go amiss here.
Many congratulations to both these winners. It just shows what you can achieve if you're willing to read a bit, learn from others and put some effort into your turning.
Have fun both of you in your new Classes.
Photos of the evening demonstrations and competition entries may be seen here.
Competition Class Promotions Sunday 22nd September 2019
Following the results from the Annual Show Competitions 2019, congratulations go to the following members who have won two club competitions within the last twelve months:
Ray Shaw is promoted from Beginner to Intermediate
Wins in Oct 2018 (Goblet) & at the 2019 Show (Pestle & Mortar)
John Guilfoyle moves from Intermediate to Advanced
Wins in Feb 2019 (Open) & at the 2019 Show (Pestle & Mortar)
Well done to both, and here's wishing you lots of success and enjoyment in your new Class!
Diary Dates 2019 Wednesday 4th September 2019
List of Events still to come in 2019
As supplied by Peter Banks, Events Organiser:
(All at Woodbury Village Hall unless stated otherwise)
Thursday 19th September - Club Night (19.00 - 22.00)
This is a come and try evening with expert help
Why not make an egg cup or at least part of it with Tony
Make some interesting things with Barry
Come and try your hand with our Guest Turner
Thursday 26th (09.30 - 16.30), Friday 27th (09.30 - 16.30), Saturday 28th (09.30 - 17.00)
& Sunday 29th September (9.30 - 16.00)
Woodbury Woodturners are proud to be demonstrating at Westpoint for 4 days
We will have a wide range of our Club demonstrators making some very interesting things
Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th September (08.00 - 17.00 Each Day)
A full weekend of demonstrations from internationally respected professional turner, Richard Findley.
Thursday 17th October - Club Night (19.00 - 22.00)
In-House Demonstrations: TBD
Competition: A Duck and Duckling: This is a Nicos Siragas speciality.
Scroll through his small items gallery to spot the duck.
Of course, you could always go off-piste and design your own!
Saturday 2nd November
WWTC Christmas Fair at Woodbury Village Hall (10.00 - 16.00)
More details to follow
Thursday 21st November - Annual General Meeting (19.00 - 22.00)
Our club's AGM is when you get the chance to have your say on the running of the club, and elect your committee. We need your views on demonstrations and events and everything else
After the meeting we can all enjoy an interesting wood identification quiz with some great pieces of wood as prizes. So sort out your teams of two!
Tuesday 10th December - Christmas Dinner
In the White Horse, Sidmouth Road (Meet 19.00)
More details to follow.
Thursday 19th December - Christmas Club Night (19.00 - 22.00)
Mince Pies and Mulled Wine.
Christmas Challenge - "10 Minute Turn":
Create a branchwood, natural edged Snowman (See WTM 326, Winter 2018)
Competition: A Chamber Stick
Last competition of the year and a final opportunity to gain any last minute TOY or COY points!
Think 'A Christmas Carol' and Dickensian England with no electricity, and try finding the bedroom without the help of one of these!
Regrettably the editor has no dates yet for 2020. They will be published here as soon as they are available.
Annual Show Report 2019 Wednesday 4th September 2019
The Setting Up and Running of the Show
(Words & Photos by Graham Drury)
The usual band of suspects, combined with some newer members, helped to set up the show on the Friday afternoon, John Rockey & Co. erected the gallery and Michael Merrett organised the raffle table. Stephen Long took charge of putting up the road signs, Aubrey Dean turned up to accept competition entries and Suzanne Parsons and George Webb organised the competition tables with great precision and care. The hall was made ready very quickly with all the helpers.
The Sales Area
On Saturday the early birds, Suzanne, George and myself, turned up at eight o'clock to place winning certificates next to appropriate entries. We then went on to photograph the winning and placed entries which took quite a time to complete.
Some of the Beginners' Competition Entries
John Guilfoyle, Susan Vincent, Pam and helpers arranged the kitchen ready for the day and a final few members brought along their items for sale.
By ten o'clock visitors where waiting at the door and the first demonstrators donned their smocks to do their bit: Tony Bennett, John Haxell, John Rockey, Roger Hutton, Peter Johnson, Peter Gradon, Barry Westaway and Graham Drury were our demonstrators throughout the show, most items were then given away to the patient public who watched the demonstrations.
The sales area was kept busy with a flow of buyers throughout the day and some interested visitors asked questions and showed an interest in taking up our chosen hobby.
The day closed a little after 4 o'clock and the putting away and tidying up went ahead with the help of members who stayed on to the bitter end.
The competition results are now on the website as are some pictures of the days proceedings, a good moment to congratulate Peter Johnson for his incredible achievement in winning all four categories that he entered and the best in show trophy, for his tazza. Very well done!
Many thanks to all who took part to make this a successful 2019 annual show.
The Competitions
(Words & Judges Photo by Aubrey Dean)
Peter Johnson's Winning Entries: a magnificent achievement
Aubrey writes:
The biggest problem by far was actually getting to the hall on Friday, due to several incidents on the M5 backing up the A38 to Haldon Hill. It took us over 2 hours and this affected other members and judges too!
Fortunately, George and Suzanne had set up a table and with a four person team, we were accepting entries within five minutes of arrival. Processing went smoothly and relatively quickly. Most members had pre-registered, with only a few registering there and then. One entry required a minor description correction, but otherwise, practically all the entries had been processed by about 5:15 and were displayed ready for judging. A final set of submissions from Peter Johnson at 5:45 completed the entries, and with that, the automatically generated tent cards were printed and folded ready for post-judging display.
The Judging
The judges (Roger Gubbin, Sandra Adams and Aziz Kahn) arrived between 6:40 and 7:10. Roger and Aziz had suffered terrible journeys and each had a cup of coffee; regrettably, we had nothing stronger to offer them. After I explained their duties, they were led to the Du Buisson room where they were left alone to assess the entries. By this time, everyone else had left apart from Richard Pegler and Jacquie who stayed for moral support and to help lock up.
The judges took a little over an hour in their deliberations, emerging to state that they had each chosen the same three items they would take home given the chance, so I don't think there was much/any disagreement between them; not that they found it easy, but that they were all on the same wavelength. After the judges left, we updated the website with their choices and printed out the certificates which were left with the tent cards ready for arrangement by George and Suzanne in the morning. I think we left the hall about 9:30 p.m.
The new computer entry system had never been used in anger with the Annual Show, where positions are recorded directly rather than through votes, so I was slightly apprehensive, but everything seems to have gone OK, with the results visible on the website on Saturday morning.
Aubrey and Son, Oscar, receiving Competition Entries
Some Show Stats:
(Full details will be available at the September Club Night)
Wood Sales £37.70 Cafe Takings £253.00 Raffle Takings £141.00
Paying Visitors: 265 Competition Entrants 28
Shop Takings £1,493.70 Total Income £873.52
July Club Night Report Tuesday 6th August 2019
18th July 2019 Demonstrations by Adrian Jacobs and Roger Hutton
(Photos by Graham Drury)
Up the front, Adrian demonstrated his new ornamental lathe made from an old bed and parts made using a 3D printer, and showed how it can be used to carve ornamental patterns on turned work.
He had made several significant improvements and added to its capabilities since we last saw the beast in action.
He also demonstrated laser engraving using a spirograph attachment and a universal cutting frame for carving rose shaped patterns.
The machine has been constructed for very little money and is based on the three articles he wrote in Woodturning which were published earlier this year.
See WTM Issues 327, 328 & 329 - January to March 2019.
You can see the machine at work on his YouTube channel at
Down the back, Roger applied his threading techniques and using home-made tools, cut threads for box lids:
