A Woodturning get together in Wales?

[henton49er]

What do people think of going abroad (Forest of Dean) for the welsh get together?

Too far for me I'm afraid, sorry,

regards

Brian

I agree, Brian. I'm afraid it might be too far for people from SW Wales as well. Hopefully they will let me know. The problem is that I am not getting much feedback or suggestions as to other possible venues.

So far we have Ockenden Timber in Mid-Wales (which about three people are happy with) or Paul's (which no-one has yet confirmed is OK by them). I am still waiting for Orchard to confirm a possible venue in Abergavenny (which is likely to be too far for those from the north end of the country. I have also suggested Erwood (between Builth and Brecon but had very limited feedback on this location.

At the moment it looks as though apathy rules and a location that suits the majority is unlikely to be agreed.

I am still happy to co-ordinate, but cannot move this forward without people letting me know their views!!

 

[EnErY]

as I said mike Ill go North South Or mid wales I'm Not Bothered where we have it As Long as its a day Out.
Regards
Bill

 

[=Adam=]

I am not meaning to come across as antagonistic but if we are going to go to mid Wales for this meet then what was the point of the vote as the vote has clearly stated that the majority want to go to the south east?

This is not me being biased either as I voted for South West!

Could someone also run by me what is the proposed purpose of this meet? Are we just supposed to be meeting up like a standard woodturning club and having a chat/critique on peoples work or are we going to be having some members demo?

And also what did everyone think about the idea of having a trade stand there such as Ockenden Timber or isca woodcrafts?

 

[tekno.mage]

I thought the point of this event was to have meet-up of forum members such has happened in past years in other parts of the UK. From the posts I've read about these events, they were usually informal events held in a member's large(ish) workshop (such as a double garage) in a mutually convenient place. Some attendees brought additional small lathes (if there was going to be room at the workshop), others demonstrated various techniques and/or tools, and some people just went along to meet up and chat about turning. Some meet-ups had a professional turner there as well - but attending as a forum member, not as a professional paid demonstrator. At some meet-ups, the wife of the host supplied tea/coffee and sandwiches. These events were free of charge, informal, and did not have trade stands!

I think the problem we may have in Wales is finding someone with a large enough workshop who is willing to host the event in a suitably convenient location - as I recall the planning of the meet ups in the UK often started by someone offering their own workshop as a suitable meeting place in the first instance - then gathering a list of those who wished to attend (ie were close enough) and then fixing the date.

 

[brianhabby]

Well said Kym,

I think the problem we have here in Wales is that there are not enough of us and we are spread too far apart, a simple fact of life.

A shame if we can't arrange a meet but inevitable I fear.

regards

Brian

 

[henton49er]

I am not meaning to come across as antagonistic but if we are going to go to mid Wales for this meet then what was the point of the vote as the vote has clearly stated that the majority want to go to the south east?

This is not me being biased either as I voted for South West!

Could someone also run by me what is the proposed purpose of this meet? Are we just supposed to be meeting up like a standard woodturning club and having a chat/critique on peoples work or are we going to be having some members demo?

And also what did everyone think about the idea of having a trade stand there such as Ockenden Timber or isca woodcrafts?

I don't think you are being antagonistic at all - I have asked people who voted for SE or SW Wales to put forward possible venues - the only reply so far is from Orchard who may be able to set something up in Abergavenny. Where could we meet if we came to SW Wales? If people who live in SE or SW Wales voted for their areas, I hope that they did so in the knowledge of somewhere suitable to meet up, rather than to minimise their own travel (perhaps I am being too naïve). I have no personal knowledge of possible venues in south Wales.

Ockenden Timber has been suggested as a venue by brianhabby from North Wales as being about the furthest south he would be happy to travel. I have suggested that there is a professional turner at Erwood (between Builth and Brecon) who might be able to accommodate us. The problem for me is that I am getting very little feedback from people as to possible locations.

The purpose is whatever people want to make of it. If we are in someone's workshop, it might become a bit of a "hands-on" session; if we are with a professional, then there might be a bit of a demo. Until we know where we are meeting and what the facilities are, I don't see how we can agree what will happen. Certainly I hope that we would all take along samples of our work for critique. I don't mind if people take along things for sale (timber, unwanted or duplicate tools, for example).

Personally, I doubt that any trade organisation would be prepared to set up a stand when there will only be (at most) a dozen of us meeting up; however, once we have firmed up venue and numbers, it may be worth asking the question.

 

[henton49er]

A shame if we can't arrange a meet but inevitable I fear.

I too am beginning to think it unlikely to happen, Brian. The majority voted for south Wales (East or West) but there have been no venues put forward for a possible meet (other than Orchard who was trying to see what could be done in Abergavenny). Unless we find a venue in the south acceptable to the majority, I suspect we may as well abandon the idea for a "global" Wales get together.

Kym - I agree with everything you said in your post.

 

[brianhabby]

I would be more than willing to offer my workshop in Colwyn Bay as a venue but it would be hopeless as it's just too small. I suspect that is probably the case with most people - happy to host but no real facilities.

regards

Brian

 

[henton49er]

Brian - people could come to my workshop just outside Newtown. However it is approximately 8ft by 8ft and has a lathe, bandsaw, pillar drill, Sorby sharpening system, shelving and a workbench in it. It is crowded when there is just me in there, let alone any visitors!!

 

[=Adam=]

The idea of going to an individuals personal (home) workshop is a great idea however I can imagine that most hobbyists have relatively modest working areas (myself included). The ideal solution would be to hire a community hall for the morning/day and see if we could set up a couple of lathes there, however I am not too sure on how that would be viewed by the proprietors.

I am not sure if you guys are aware but Isca woodcrafts is running a show in may (unsure of the date) but would this be of any interest to anyone? The shop is based in tredegar house grounds, there is a cafe in the grounds and you can go for a walk around the house if you fancy it. The show is meant to be taking place in one of the large barns so it would all be under cover and there are going to be demos etc.

I know it may seem like it but I can promise you that I have no personal or financial link with isca woodcrafts, I am just a very satisfied customer who could not comprehend how much exotic wood he had in stock!

What would you guys say to meeting there?

Edit: here is a link to their site.... http://www.iscawoodcrafts.co.uk/

 

[spinks]

That looks like a good place....plenty of wood stuff for us and a nice house for her ladyship to wander round and photograph! Sorry I can't be of any use suggesting a venue in south west wales as I am a total newbie to woodturning and have only recently discovered the pleasures of a wander round "timberman" in carmarthen!

I would be prepared to offer my workshop for a get together but my set up sounds exactly like hentons....and I dont have a bandsaw yet!!

 

[brianhabby]

Isca Woodcrafts looks like a good place and well worth a visit at some time. If the meet is held there I would just have to hope everyone has a good day but unfortunately I will not be there to enjoy it with you.

regards

Brian

 

[henton49er]

Isca Woodcrafts looks like a good place and well worth a visit at some time. If the meet is held there I would just have to hope everyone has a good day but unfortunately I will not be there to enjoy it with you.

regards

Brian

Brian,

I can understand that you would not wish to drive the full length of the country. However, there is no reason why we can't have a meeting in mid- or north Wales as well as one in Newport. It might make it easier to organise if there were fewer people involved, all of whom were prepared to travel a bit to a suitable venue.
What do you/others think?

 

[brianhabby]

Fair comment Mike. so -

To any woodturners in North Wales - how many are there of us?

Does anyone have any ideas for a venue or can offer their place?

regards

Brian

 

[Paul Hannaby]

I went to the Daventry meeting a few weeks back. The format was some time in the morning and at lunch time for a bit of socialising and three demonstrations over the day. That one was held in the community centre so space wasn't a problem. Depending on what those attending want, the format can be anything you want it to be.

No matter which venue you choose, it is unlikely to be suitable for everyone so I think it makes sense to explore the option of having more than one event in different locations (possibly even on different days so anyone in the middle can go to both if they so wish!).

I'm happy to attend any event within a reasonable distance of where I live, which I guess means the south-eastern quarter of Wales and Ockenden, Abergavenny and Isca all fall within my range.

The offer is still there of my workshop if needed.

 

[CHJ]

To give you an idea of how things have gone at previous UKW meets.

First UKW Turning Bash in the Cotswolds 2007 Double Garage space and Lathe shed

Brummie Bash at Paul.J's 2008 Double garage

Brummie Bash at Paul.J's 2009 Double garage

Miles Hot Lambourn Bash 2010

Worcestershire Bash 2011 Peter Seftons Training workshops

 

[henton49er]

To any woodturners in North Wales - how many are there of us?

Does anyone have any ideas for a venue or can offer their place?

regards

Brian

Given that Newport and Rhyl are each about a 90 mile drive from me, I am happy to travel to most venues in north Wales. Ruthin/Wrexham preferred and Anglesey is a bit far, but lets sort out a venue first.

 

[=Adam=]

Sorry but when you say abergavenny, are you saying that there is a decent woodturning supplier there?

I went to the Daventry meeting a few weeks back. The format was some time in the morning and at lunch time for a bit of socialising and three demonstrations over the day. That one was held in the community centre so space wasn't a problem. Depending on what those attending want, the format can be anything you want it to be.

No matter which venue you choose, it is unlikely to be suitable for everyone so I think it makes sense to explore the option of having more than one event in different locations (possibly even on different days so anyone in the middle can go to both if they so wish!).

I'm happy to attend any event within a reasonable distance of where I live, which I guess means the south-eastern quarter of Wales and Ockenden, Abergavenny and Isca all fall within my range.

The offer is still there of my workshop if needed.

 

[henton49er]

Sorry but when you say abergavenny, are you saying that there is a decent woodturning supplier there?

We are looking at all sorts of venues, not just at timber suppliers. Orchard has a contact in Abergavenny who is a tree surgeon. He may be able to help, but we will not know until we hear back from Orchard.

 

[=Adam=]

Oooooooh now that would be a good one