Motts Mill Groombridge Kent Saturday 21^st January

The occasion was a get together to reminisce on the all the good times we shared with Nick Bertenshaw who passed away recently. A big bodgers meet really.

I have happy memories of fun weekends at their old laundry building drinking Nick’s home made beer, I would sometimes bring a curry or two.

There was a feeling amongst the Kent group to do something at the next Ball to remember him, so we can look forward to entering into the spirit of that when it happens.

One of the many budding bodgers, a  young Harvey Pumphrey a really happy, well behaved baby.

Lincoln Cathedral – Heritage Skills Festival (23/4^th June) meeting at Glaziers Hall

Although I live in East London and the city is not far away, you could never forget just how busy the Thames is and just how much the skyline changes.I can see Canary Wharf Tower (in the middle at the the back) from my house.

This 1746 map of London was one of the many interesting bits of our heritage on their walls – the river was filled with square riggers.

Could not resist this chair.   

It was only after I saw all the stained glass work did I realise the true significance of the glaziers craft.

.  

The meeting – For the first time ever the Livery Companies of London and Lincoln are coming together to celebrate and showcase the best in traditional crafts. Hopefully the APTGW will be represented at this event by Mike Ashton, me and perhaps a few others

Bradfield Woods Suffolk January

Simon Lamb and Sue Holden making treen, Simon with Lilac and Sue with a lucky dip from the trailer?

The Spencer family overseeing dinner (Charlie at the washing machine).

 

As per usual an array of home cooked everything.

Another great setup at this National trust site. I think they meet every month, contact Sue for details.

January 2017

Visit to Slough House Woods with Katie Abbott, Will Wall and Sue Holden, Olvin and Nic Smith. 

 

We were coppicing as you do at this time of year, this is a fine example of what to avoid – a Sycamore hung up. The winch even could not free it.

 

The setup at the woods is very comfortable and been built up over twenty or more years. The retort kiln was burning away making charcoal. This is home-made pre James Hookway version.

Olvin was no slouch on the chainsaw. Never seen vertical logging before.

This was the first time I had actually done anything for Katie at her wood, normally I am playing with all her resources. Hopefully next year I will go for longer. Thanks Katie – see you at the Ball.

Livery Dinner for the Worshipful Company of Turners at Skinner’s Hall

Monday 19^th December.

I was the guest of David Batchelor the Renter Warden of the company; he was the main organiser for the Wizardry in Wood Exhibition in October and the chair (until very recently) of the Howe committee on which I sit.

David is holding the Renter Warden’s ceremonial drinking cup.

Before the dinner we had a carpet Guard of Honour swords and all and a trumpeter!

  

The Skinners Hall is an impressive place and was rebuilt after the great fire around 1670 although it has been remodelled since.

Parts of the cellar pre-date the fire.

  

A very good evening, living in London made it very easy journey for me. As is always the case on these occasions it was a time to discuss various woody issues and forthcoming events.

Thank you Renter Warden!

Sunday 18^th December at Wimpole Hall Cambs.

 

Simon had been busy converting some Black Walnut into beautiful things. Apparently this is a West African game (looks a bit like backgammon), it is called Mancala and there are many variants such as Oware

 

The latest piece of kit for Simon's workshop – a wood fuelled space heater. Electric fan on the end blasts the heat out of the end. We were not cold! It worked out quite well as a BBQ as well.

 

 Alistair had been baking again – homemade chocolates with ginger and brandy.

I was most disappointed that he had not brought the latest design of fire with him.

Once again the Wimpole group has managed to spawn another creative mind!

This fold up shave-horse was inspired by Gavin Phillip’s wall mounted version seen last year. This folds into a very small box. Mike Vilhauer is working on a pole lathe as we speak and we may be lucky to see it at the Ball!

  

Some of the group were just happy to drink and be merry (and warm).

Thanks for the hospitality Simon (and the chunk of Black Walnut).

Fairlop Woodturners November Challenge – anything decorated Monday 28^th

 

As usual we had three classes of entry – the winner of the beginners class was Graham Pook – his Mahogany (I think) dish was inlaid with epoxy putty

 

 

  

This was an interesting entry – a child’s toy, the head and arms were held on with magnets.

 

The Intermeadiate class was won by John Houghton – this was his first attempt at colouring using Jesso first and them wood stain.

 

  

 

This Ash dish was pyrographed and treated with liming wax.

 

Not sure what the wood was but this bowl was burnt and stained 

 

  

The top class was won by John Brotherton with this amazing piece of carved, painted, routed and air brushed vase.

 

This Tulip wood plate was pyrographed.

 

This wet turned end grain Ash chalice was carved with a small micro-plane. The stem was bored out and the pith superglued to prevent splitting.

Not a huge turnout but a successful evening and once again a good range of entries and techniques. The weekly meeting are to continue through December.