Ryedale Woodturners
This website is being updated from August 2022. This is an archive page.
Woodturning News 2015
For non-members reading this, there will not be any woodturning demonstrations at the Saturday Open Day - the demos are of machinery and tools by Record Power and others, although there will be some carving demonstrated by Peter Berry. For a woodturning demo you need to come to Sue Harker's event on 5 November 2015, 7.30 pm.
Malton Gazette and Herald did a photo session about the Club on Wednesday (23 September) with the intention of running a double page feature article about us in the next couple of weeks. I will let people know if and when it appears.
The list of demonstrators for the 2015-2106 season has been added to the Calendar page, along with a few details on the demonstrators who will be visiting.
The minutes of the August AGM are available.
More on the AWGB (The Association of Woodturners of Great Britain)
John Whiteley spoke before the meeting. It looks like we are having a club exhibition and sale at Thornton Dale village hall on Saturday and Sunday 28-29 November 2015. Expressions of support for the weekend were invited.
At the evening, John Whiteley proposed a club sale/exhibition to be held at Thornton Dale Village Hall. More details are available here.
Woodcraft at Snainton Opening
During the tea-break Dave Lowe opened up his new workshop and studio to members: tucked away at the end of the wood store, Dave has set out an impressive woodturning haven. It is always fascinating to look at other people's workshops - a few photos are on Dave's profile page. Perhaps members should take some photos of their own workshops and send them in for sharing on the website? I think I would have to tidy mine up a little before attempting this.
Next time you are in the shop, why not go and have a nosy around Woodcraft - say hello to Dave, and gain some inspiration from the workshop and the gallery.
Club Membership Survey
Chairman Philip Greenwood put out a short notice to all members, which he asked me to repeat here. Numbers attending this particular demonstration were actually pretty good, but other evenings through the year have been on the low side, and Philip is looking for explanations, and for ideas of how to increase turnout, and how to move the club forward and maintain its viability. Are there changes you would like to see? An earlier start and finish time? Different types of demo? Or if you have comments on anything regarding attendance and events, or if you have any suggestions for attracting new members, please contact Phil by email at Philip@greenwoodcrafts.co.uk or by phone 01751 417089.
Changes to the committee were announced. Philip Greenwood is taking over as chairman. Bob Ingram is taking over as Treasurer. Thanks were given to Graham Harker and Steve Etherington for their work in these posts over the last couple of years.
Woodturning Gallery 2015
War memorial by Steve Fearnley
The war memorial I showed members back at the August AGM has now been installed. A small ceremony was held at Malton School on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday.
It was unveiled by Shaun Brosnan, a former Malton Grammar School student who is currently secretary of the local British Legion. More about this war memorial
Spindle steady by Dave Lowe
Dave's workshop at Snainton is a treasure trove of ideas. He showed me this steady that he had made recently, used for giving some support to longer spindle work to limit the vibration in the centre of the work.
The steady ring is made from MDF, with three hardwood struts fixed on by simple wingnut bolts. The wheels are from a roller blade picked up for a couple of pounds, and give perfect bearing running as well as cushioning.
Lighthouse by Albert Kitching
Another creation by Albert Kitching, brought in for viewing at the Wednesday evening session. All who know Albert's work will not be surprised to know that the lid and light sections are both screw threaded, one of Albert's trademarks. The light does of course work, though others looking on commented that they expected it to flash and rotate as well!
Large bowl by Rob Thompson
One of Rob Thompson's latest creations. I think it was a local show winner. A beautiful piece of elm burr, this one is about two feet in diameter. Ever searching for perfection, Rob commented that he just wished that the burr colouring had been lighter towards the rim.
Yo yo by Peter Emmerson
Club member Peter Emmerson brought along a yo-yo he had created. As with the spinning top, it was demonstrated to be in working order by Gordon trying to re-live his youth. The yo-yo was made from two different timbers. I cannot remember what Peter told me they were.
Humming top by Peter Emmerson
Club member Peter Emmerson brought along a humming top he had created. A similar top was in the woodturning magazine this month. The top has a small square hole which creates the hum. It was demonstrated to work.
Coffee pot by Peter Emmerson
Club member Peter Emmerson had a go at a coffee pot following the demonstration by Peter Osborn in May. He brought it along to the show and tell at the Annual General Meeting in August, and let other club members have a look at his creation. Peter has only been turning intermittently for a couple of years, but enjoyed the challenge of this form.
Thanks Peter - hopefully more members will share their work with others at club meetings.
Wheelwright's lathe in Hackett's Barn collection, Alford
Hackett's Barn is a museum stacked with items from bygone days either made or used in Alford, Lincolnshire. Amidst the clutter is an old man-driven wheelwright's lathe. Its bed must be 8 foot long, with a cogged track for the tailstock to roll on.
Square trenchers at Gainsborough Old Hall
On a recent visit to Gainsborough Old Hall, I spotted wooden trenchers laid out as if for a medieval feast. Notice the small circle in the corner for salt. I have been told before that this is the origin of the phrase "a square meal", but research suggests this is not the case, with the earliest recorded use of this phrase being the mid 1800s, and probably of American derivation. I found an interesting article about wooden plates from Robin Wood, who tells me there is a more up to date version in his recent book.
Joe Laird
Gordon Malan sent a brief report of a full day demonstration by Irish turner Joe Laird at the Jorvik club. He is pictured here with a Celtic bowl. A couple more photographs are in the demonstrators' gallery.
Driffield Show exhibits
Gordon Malan sent in a handful of photographs and a brief description of the woodturning section of Driffield Show 2015. This picture is of Carol Knott's pierced bowl, which took second prize. More photos are in the main gallery.
Malton Show Winner
Gordon Malan's walnut winged bowl, which was awarded Best in Handicrafts section at Malton Show. Brian Wirgglesworth took 2nd and 3rd prize with a gavel and block and a carved spherical turning - in the main gallery.
Photo frame bowl idea.
Albert Kitching brought along his picture frame bowl to the last demonstration night. It is turned with a separate bead, which holds a piece of glass (cut to a circle by Calvert's in Malton), which in turn holds a photo.