Words from the Chair

I think we are now all getting used to the stop start arrangements being imposed on us by the Covid virus. I am obliged to shut my business workshop down again. The fact that this is annoying, it is better than running the unnecessary risk of infection. There is however, a silver lining to the cloud; it will allow me to spend more time at the lathe! The run-up to Christmas has as usual been somewhat manic but at least I was able to complete the “needed for Christmas” orders.

Have you been looking at the competition entries?

Although the committee accepted the on-line competition, there were still suspicions that it might be a disaster. Happily there was no disaster; on the contrary, there are more entries this year than there have been for a number of years. For those of us that missed the entry date (myself included) we must pay more attention! I hope you will all make time to vote for your selection.

Unfortunately it still some time before we can all meet again. There have been several suggestions for the committee to consider that include some kind of virtual activity to bring members together. Hopefully something will result from them.

Well done to members who managed to put toys in the box for the Phoenix Ward children who will be spending Christmas in hospital.

There is little else to say other than to wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2021.

Newsletter

Club Competition

The club competition is now live, we have 15 entries across the three categories. Have a look and submit your vote!

https://www.chelmerwood.co.uk/competition-entries

Don’t forget to vote - Voting will take place over the festive period and will close on 8th January 2021.

Phoenix Ward - Community Project 2020 – Toys for Phoenix Ward, Broomfield Hospital

A very big thank you to those who contributed this year. The toys were delivered to Sue the play co-ordinator on Thursday 17th December and she was really delighted and said although there a number of donations, the wooden toys are very special particularly as they are home made.

We have had a difficult year as a club but we can all do our little bit to bring a smile to a child’s face especially when they are sick. Can I ask each and every one of you to make just one toy for next year. I know personal circumstances sometimes get in the way but don’t put it off until next December, start now and set it aside for next year. You all have a lot of skill on the lathe so get turning. Have a look at the club Pinterest page if you are looking for inspiration or simply type in wooden toys into Google or any other search engine and explore.

Ted Higgs

December 2020

Member’s work

You may have noticed that the members work area of the website is currently disabled, don’t worry, that has been done whilst the competition is live. In the meantime, enjoy some work that was recently sent in from Den Carter.

Den says;

All wood, which is air dried, comes from Essex woodlands apart from the pitched pine of course!

Woodland floor - Two mice are from hawthorn, the third is English walnut. Decoration by my wife, Sue. Pitch pine.

Part of a beam that was removed from a gin distillery in Shoreditch which was converted into apartments a few years ago. Documentation shows that building was erected in 1820 and extended in 1870. Not sure which of these dates apply to this 12 x 12 beam. Smells of pine not gin!

Sweet Chestnut Vases. Coloured with Chestnut stains.

Sample of crackers that I sell for charity and of course finished by Sue.

The bottle stoppers are only useful if you cannot finish the second bottle.
Stoppers are oak, walnut and cherry, bottle opener in walnut and coaster in oak.

Thank you for sending these in Den.

Free resources

With compliments of Paul Howard, he has shared with us for our membership some plans to keep you busy over the coming months. They will be attached in the email that has been sent. If you need another copy, send us an email and we will get this sent out to you.

This month is a lovely little train (Don’t forget to send us in your photos of it!)

Ben’s Worx

What can be said about Ben? Have you ever wanted to use resin with model to encapsulate them? How about melting crayons in your turning?

His latest video us using a wasp’s nest and encapsulating that in resin. Enjoy!

Ben’s Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/BensWorx/featured

Wasp’s nest video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z_ppwsEH8A&t=5s

December’s Project - Boxes

I know a lot of you have a certain proclivity towards wood turned boxes, and this month, we want to see one that you’ve made. We’ve made a board for something to get the creative juices flowing so please do have a look and have a go at making one.