We are a friendly group of people who are all enthusiastic about woodturning. We are of mixed ability, age and gender, we range from beginners to experts, and we’re all agreed there are many benefits to be gained from belonging to a club. Advice, help and friendship are freely given.
We meet on the second Thursday of every month when we have a woodturning demonstration by a professional turner. We have audio-visual equipment (thanks to the Big Lottery Fund) which allows everybody to get a very good view. Also, wood, wood finishes, abrasives and tools are available to buy. Two weeks (usually, please check programme) after that we meet for a “hands-on” woodturning session. We generally have two or three lathes on the go, and members have the opportunity to use tools that may be unfamiliar to them, or to try a new technique. Any shyness soon disappears, and with tea, coffee and banter flowing freely a good time is had by all.
We meet at the Wood Lane Countryside Centre, (view map) Wood Lane Stannington, Sheffield (for those of you with SATNAV the postcode is S6 5HE). This is an old farm that has been extensively refurbished – it’s a wonderful venue for us - and it has excellent facilities for the disabled. On “Demo Nights” members of the committee are usually around from 6 p.m. The demo starts at 7 p.m. and finishes just before 10 p.m. On “Hands-on” nights we are there from 6 p.m. and we finish around 9 p.m. at the latest.
Yes and yes. We are keen to recruit new members and everyone is welcome – although our insurance does not cover us for children under the age of 11. A “taster” visit is free – thereafter, if you wish to join, there is an annual subscription to pay of £22. On demo nights there is a £4 charge for members that goes towards hire of the hall and the demonstrator's fee. On hands-on nights everyone pays just £1 to cover the cost of hire of venue.