Working on a roof construction in Loughton Essex with my old business partner.

 

When he phoned me I said no but after a site visit my curiosity was tickled and it has not been too cold – it has a metal cover and is wrapped in plastic, when its sunny it’s very pleasant. 

I had a very enjoyable working relationship with Bill for a long time before returning to teaching in 1992. It was only the boom and bust Thatcher economy that forced us apart.  

Wimpole Lathers Sunday 25^th February

I cannot remember the last time I visited the group other than the Christmas BBQ.

It was a cold day but Simon was keeping himself busy cutting up wood for everyone including me. He has an Alaskan chainsaw milling attachment – he makes it look very easy!

Alistaire – my chocolate merchant was giving away samples of his latest range – going upmarket with flavour marking.

The Wimpole Lathers and myself are going to the Framlingham Country ShowSuffolk on 7&8^th April. If you wish to join us then get in touch with me.

Monday 15^th January at Steve Wright’s funeral in Kent.

This was my last picture of Steve at the Autumn Countryside show at the Weald and Downland Museum last year.

 

It was fitting that his last journey was in a Land Rover.

There was a beautiful woodland scene sitting on top. He would have appreciated that!

Bit of a crowd!

Sadly it’s not until an event like this that you really begin to understand the man.

One has to fell sorrow for all the people he has left behind, his friends, his family, his apprentices, his fellow coppice workers and of course his fellow bodgers.

Howe Committee Meeting (WCT) Wednesday 10^th January – No.9 Dowgate EC4R

As you may know I sit on this committee, all manner of things associated with the promotion of turning are discussed. 

The Qest scholarships were mentioned by Joey Richardson who was a recipient of a Qest award. 

Not only did the award give her funding to improve her skills but it also opened so many doors and gave her access to many exclusive events. 

If you want to do the same then apply  - but get your skates on the deadline is in about three weeks. If you want help or more information then contact Joey.

Sunday 17^th December Wimpole Lathers Christmas Barbeque

It has been some time - February I think since I last visited this group. However I have been to David Owen's house where they have a bodgers workshop for midweek meetings.

 

The range of food was interesting as usual even though some of the key providers were absent.

This was my baked Camembert with onion chutney.

Home made brownies from a very brave lady making deliveries by bike!

 

The built in hot air stove in the main workshop made a great cooking range.

It turned out to be a cold drizzle of a day in Cambridgeshire but this did not detract from the enjoyment of this social gathering.

Lots of old faces absent this time so I will say my seasons greetings here to Simon, David, Tom, Alistair and anyone else I have missed (or forgotten the name of – which is more likely).

Friday 8^th December Temple Avenue Allotments Dagenham

Our woodturning club is relocating from its school base that it has enjoyed the benefits from since 2004. We have just placed a 20' shipping container in a very convenient place next to the club room and kitchen. Next week we are collecting all our lathes and equipment to put in this secure store.

 

The delivery lorry was fitted with a long reach Hiab crane.

All very hi tech these days – the driver controls the whole operation with a remote control. 

The front stabilizers were massive.

Our chairman was making a video; hopefully he will put it on our website -

Fairlopwoodturners.org.uk

 

Finally in place with great precision. This was the relatively  easy bit – the organisation for it took some time and had its moments. 

We had planned on a 40’ container but we could not get it placed. Controlling the parking was testing – the police are not interested and the local authority have a 10 day response time. We canvassed the local residents and put notices on the lamp stands as well as patrolling the pinch points for the hours preceding delivery.

Next week tool pickup from our old venue.

Stock acquisition trip to Sussex Sunday 03-12-17

Playster’s Farm Hertmoncaux

A social call to Richard Bingham. Amongst many hand made things in his house and workshop was this pretty wooden grinding jig for wood turning gouges caught my eye.

He also showed me a drawknife that someone had made him – I don’t know why I never took a picture.

I had a tour of the garden area – there were many interesting thing to see but I was surprised to see a golden eagle!

He gives a home to a birds of prey display company.

I then visited my antlerman on the south coast to pick up some tips for necklaces. Apparently antler is getting much more difficult to source and the price is being forced up by dog chew companies.

Swan Inn Dalington TN21 9LB

 

Top of my pub list to date!

Stayed over in their car park which has just ben upgraded.

Great food and Harvey’s.

Monday 4^th Sissinghurst Estate

Called in to pick up a Robina that Dave Dunk took down to make way for a fence. Also some dry Iroko that was part of a grain drying floor. Waste not want...