Words from the Chair

Last month I touched on the idea of a virtual competition, apparently this is not as daft as it sounds. Kyle is looking into the feasibility of the suggestion and we will see how this develops. Meanwhile the monthly project should keep us at our lathes as well as toy-making for the children who will be in Broomfield Hospital over Christmas. Hopefully we have all been inspired to produce something.

It has been a frustrating time for us and others who normally enjoy regular visits to their clubs and the glimmer of hope that we might possibly have resumed normal meetings in January has been squashed. The recent new restrictions now mean April is likely to be the very soonest we might meet but even that is doubtful. We can only pray that we get on top of this wretched Covid virus sooner rather than later.

The committee will shortly meet to discuss the future and what, if anything, we can do. Whatever transpires, we should all try to remain positive and keep looking ahead.

I am pleased to report that Olive is back home with Brian and the most recent news is that she is progressing in leaps and bounds. That is metaphorically speaking!

Stay well everybody, keep turning.

Newsletter

Club Competition

This year, as per Barry’s note we will be hosting a club competition as usual. However, this year it would be delivered as an online competition. I will share the voting mechanism in next months newsletter; viewing of the pieces will be on this website. A link will be shared to the entries in December’s newsletter.

A couple of rules and information

• Please send in three photos of your pictures minimum, there are no restrictions on how many photos you can submit. You may wish to photograph particular details or grain

• You are welcome to add a small description of the piece to aid your submission

• There must be three entries in the category for the class for it is be judged

• The deadline for entries will be the 11th December 2020

• The voting will be by an online system

• The voting will only available to members of our club (this will be checked!)

• Voting will be opened on the 14th December.

• Voting will take place over the festive period and will close on 8th January 2021.

• Winners will be announced in January’s newsletter on 18th January 2021

• Entries must be sent to Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com - Please make it clear that it is an entry for the club competition

If you’ve any questions, you’ve just to ask! Either email us, or contact Kyle on 07593431179.

We look forward to seeing what you ‘bring to the table’!

AWGB Renewals for 2021

Ted Higgs will be sending out the renewal forms in early November by e-mail where possible and post otherwise. For those of you who do internet banking he will include bank transfer details otherwise a cheque to Ted will be OK. Please do not send any money at the moment, wait until you get the form.

A time of loss and memory

Mark Baker

It is with great sadness that we have to inform club members that Mark Baker passed away peacefully in his sleep during the night of 2nd October 2020 with his wife Sarah and daughter Eleanor by his side. His funeral took place on Monday 12th October.

For those who read the woodturning magazine Mark’s last editorial in issue 345 made public to the woodturning world that he had been fighting cancer since August 2018 and that all treatments had failed. His remaining time was spent with his family and closest friends.

He started as editor in issue 174 and between his commitments for work he demonstrated and taught across this country and the world. In 2014, ’15 and ’16 we were lucky enough to run three more Masterclasses for the club with Mark, his costs paid for by generous donations made by a club member.

His has demonstrated for us every year since 2012 and was only too happy to come along and impart his knowledge even though, on most occasions, it led to him driving a 177 mile round trip.

With his background in communication, his exceptional skill as a woodturner and his 30 years plus of knowledge and expertise Mark delivered clear and concise demonstrations which were both exciting and inspiring. These are a few photographs of Mark turning at our club nights and a few illustrations of his work.

He will be greatly missed by the woodturning world and by Chelmer Valley Woodturners and our thoughts are with his wife Sarah and his daughters Eleanor and Hannah at this sad and difficult time.

Thank you to Louise who has written in the AWGB’s book of condolence on our behalf.

‘Our club has enjoyed many evenings with Mark over the years and the evenings were always informative, inspiring and full of chatter and laughter. He was always happy to talk to members and help them sort out there woodturning problems. He will be greatly missed by the members of Chelmer Valley, RIP Mark. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time’

You can find the full book here - https://www.awgb.co.uk/mark-baker/

Photographs of Mark demonstrating courtesy of Brian Partridge.

Photographs of Mark’s work courtesy of Mark Baker/GMC Publications

Clive Deeming

It is with great sadness that we have to inform club members that Clive passed away quite suddenly on the 25th September 2020 from cancer.

We were informed by his daughter Joanne who wrote;

“Our family are all very shocked by his quick and unexpected death. Woodworking was a hobby and a joy to my Dad, I thank you all for the many years you shared that hobby with him and for your friendships.”

Clive was a founder member of Chelmer Valley Woodturners who always attended and was vocal at our AGM’s. He spent many years contributing to the gallery table and photographing our works on club nights, as well as the Open Days and Masterclasses. He was also the first member to produce a batch of toys for our Christmas project to give a toy to the children in hospital at Broomfield each year.

He will be greatly missed by all at the club and our thoughts are with his wife Teresa and his children Joanne, Amanda and Peter at this sad and difficult time.

Committee members

John Andrews

It is with great sadness that we have to inform members that John passed away in towards the end of January beginning of February.

John was a regular attendee at the club especially after he took up the position of Events Secretary where he was charged with booking the year’s demonstrator programme. He stood down from the committee and the position in 2012 while he awaited a major heart operation. Sadly after this John did not return to the club but kept up his membership and always looked forward to the newsletters to keep him informed about the club.

Committee Members

Harry Osborne

It is with great sadness that we have to inform members the Harry passed away in February.

In the early days Harry was a regular attendee at the club with his wife Judith. Eventually driving in the dark restricted Harry from attending Chelmer Valley but for those members that attend Sandon Woodturners Harry continued to be an active member.

Committee Members

Free resources

Chestnut Products

Chestnut products have recently started hosting online live sessions on Youtube, followed by a Q&A hosted by the AWGB. You can find out more on their Facebook page -

https://www.facebook.com/chestnutproducts/?fref=ts

Richard Findley’s demo was fantastic and can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_fAkMwZ_rI

The next demo will be by Paul Hannaby in early November.

Using Colour - Stewart Furini

I’m sure you’ve all heard of Stewart Furini. Stewart is well known for his application of colour and interesting use of colour to either enhance or hide the grain of wood. His latest creations are some stained colour blocks which look like stained glass. His ribbon effect is also incredibly effective and it’s highly recommended to have a look.

https://www.youtube.com/user/stewartfurini

Members work

This month has been rather quiet for work to share. So this month, have a look back through some of the work that has been submitted earlier this year. Such as the fantastic three tiered jewellery box sent in by Norman Christensen in May, or Denis Carter’s Lighthouse he sent in for June’s project?

Don’t forget, the email address to send in your work in to is Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com - We’d love to see what you’ve been up to!

October’s Project - Toys for Phoenix ward

Earlier this year, Ted mentioned in his newsletter that we would be making toys for our local children's ward (Phoenix ward, Broomfield Hospital), as we did last year. 

We're sure that you have all made something at some stage for a child and seen the joy that it brings. Whether that be a baby rattle, a toy car, a skittles set - the list goes on! If you've ever been in a position where your child or young relative has been in hospital, you know that these wards are fantastic, and make a real difference to the children in their care. We are sure you'll agree that using our woodturning (and general woodworking) skills for the purpose of making toys and gifts for the ward is really valuable. If you are able to make something for our children's ward, please do so. It makes a real difference to these children. 

A few notes;

• Consider the sensory aspect of the toys - can you add texture to the wood and/or colour? Could you add some felt or other material? The ward has a special sensory unit, so these objects would be invaluable.

• Consider the toxicity of the wood - please avoid 'exotics' and certainly no yew! Maple, beech or oak are good alternatives. Most of the fruitwoods are as well. 

• Try to use hardwood that will not splinter easily. 

• Consider the finish - Chestnut Products have a food safe finish which is suitable. 

If you are able to get this to Barry at his workshop in East Hanningfield, or to Ted in Chelmsford that would be great. If you cannot get this to us, Kyle has offered to come and collect from you so that you can contribute - call him on 0759 343 1179 or email him at chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com

We look forward to sharing what our club has made in an upcoming newsletter.