This section contains the following information

Aims - Meetings - Fees - Membership - Management - Committee 2008

Aims

The aims of the Association are simply to promote an interest in and the development of the art of woodturning and associated disciplines. Due to limitations imposed by the capacity, of the hall membership is limited to 80. At present membership lies between 60 and 70, with an average turnout of between 40 and 50 so at present we are happy and able to welcome both new members and visitors who may wish to come along and see what it is all about. Membership is open to anyone interested in woodturning irrespective of previous experience.

Members are invited to bring along friends or colleagues who may be interested in joining, initially as a visitor.

Meetings

From July 2008 the Association will meet at

TradeMark, Oaklands Park, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2FD

This venue is in the centre of Wokingham, off Molly Millers Lane that joins the Barkham Road close to the station. The link below takes you to the contact page of the Trademark website, scroll down to find a map that provides more detail.

location map

The day of the month and time of meetings (from 7pm to 10pm) remains as previously.

At most meetings we try to enlist the expertise of a nationally known woodturner and have been privileged with visits from most of the top turners in the country and some from overseas as well. They are too numerous to mention individually and we would be embarrassed by an omission. However, you will find details of this years experts under Calender and further information under Tips and Links.

To enable all members to get maximum benefit from the demonstrator’s expertise proceedings are shown in close-up on two VDUs.

The Association has a number of books and videos covering various aspects of wood-turning and other wood-craft that may be loaned to members.

In addition to the demonstration, alternative activities on club nights may include an auction of tools, wood, books and other related articles; the AGM; a Christmas Party; or ‘hands-on’ evening. Each month from January to November, the club night includes the monthly competition, resulting in the Turner of the Year award. In addition there is raffle with prizes of various tools, woodturning items, wood blocks, etc.

Tea and biscuits are thrown in free as part of the evening’s entertainment.

Periodically, ‘hands-on’ events may be held at the weekend. The aim is to bring together those with less experience as well experienced turners to give guidence on aspects of turning, choice of tools, tool sharpening, sanding, finishing and similar skills.

A typical evening’s events are:

Assembly with payment of monthly fee, setting up the hall, purchase of raffletickets, setting out the competition pieces, etc.

The chairman makes any announcements and introduces the guest demonstrator
Around 8.30 a refreshment break is followed by the raffle and draw, while the monthly competition entries are judged. This is normally followed by a critique of the items by the judge.

The demonstration then continues to around 9.45, with a round-up by the chairman.

Finally, it is requested that members of the Association help clear up the hall at the end of the evening around 10.00.

Fees

There is an annual membership fee – currently £15.00. In addition their is an attendance fee of £2, £3 or more, per session depending on the nights events and/or the demonstrator booked.

Membership

The Association welcomes new members of all abilities. If you are interested in turning, feel free to come to a meeting on the third Wednesday of any month or contact us.

There are application forms available at the reception desk as you enter the hall. Committee members (yellow name badges), or indeed and club member (white name badges), will be happy to answer any questions a visitor may have.

If you are an established woodturner new to the area, or starting up again and looking for a friendly and informative club, you can download an application form, fill it in and bring it along when you make your first visit.

We understand the natural reticence of many people when joining a new group and not liking to approach a stranger and ask their name. To overcome this members are issued with a membership card showing their Christian name. To encourage members to wear these in a prominent position, each month there is a ‘draw’ and if the selected member has their badge displayed, they receive a small token of appreciation.

Management

The organisation of the BWA is semi-democratic in that there is an elected committee by the floor at the AGM. The committee, which meets periodically, then make most of the decisions concerning the operation of the Association. However, members are welcome to approach any committee member at the monthly meeting with any suggestions, questions or comments. Alternatively, these can be made on-line through contact.

Committee

There is a permanent post of President – currently held by Brian Attewell.

The Committee for 2008 is

Chairman: Brian Attewell
Treasurer: Chris Gillham
Secretary: Allan Gill
Events secretary: Nigel Griffiths
Audio-Visual: Mick Pither
Raffle: Eric Jones
Books & Videos: Bill Riley
Catering: Steve Cox
Without Portfolio: Errol Page & Tony Parker
Press/website: Jim Coombs

The committee has the power to co-opt other members as the need arises.