OK, the rest of my impressions at first draft were rather negative but having given them a second thought I have calmed my personal comments down to relate just a couple of incidents that on reflection were more amusing than anything else, (there by the grace of you know who, go we all)
Negative:
Several professional turning demonstrators had collected small audiences and several club members were demonstrating their skills but we saw two turners have items come spectacularly adrift from the chuck through tool catches and I saw one sporting name emblazoned protective wear get his tool thrown back at him from an encounter with the chuck from inattention to what he was doing. I know the show had only been open less than an hour and people had not settled down but even so…..
Also in this category, Jumping ahead to Show Leaving time, we drove round to the exhibitors vehicle park to collect a purchase only to find that the distributor of purchases had locked all his keys in the back of the box van, an amusing hour ensued whilst we watched him try to butcher, the for once good padlock, off the shutter and then I joined in to help the attending RAC Van Man, to disassemble the said lock with his limited tools. Much to the relief of the company sales guys inside who were having to temper their sales technique with the knowledge that they could not actually get at their stock.
Positive:
As said before craft, predominantly turning exhibits and marquetry was more in abundance than at many shows.
The standard in the young person’s woodwork competition was good, when I think back to my school age woodwork efforts I probable was there by 15 but at 7-8 years no way.
Did purchase some “with character” wood blanks (Surprise Surprise) from a couple of sellers both of which were very accommodating and helpful.
One in particular by the name of Chris Barker (sharing Charnwood stand) was all that one would wish in a young entrepreneur and hopefully we have talked him into making himself known at UKW after the show finishes.
Not a wasted day as we had to drive past the entrance this morning and a small show discount caused the plastic to exercise itself in the name of bandsaw / thicknesser waste control, next year? I think we will just stick to Yandles et-al.
, I would like to put a face to some of the names
