The club took up the option of taking a trip out to the Botanical Gardens who we are hoping to develop a relationship with, so that we can acquire any cut down trees and be able to turn some items in return for them to sell.

We were there on Sunday 10th November 2024, to represent the club at the Tremendous Trees Event, to display the works and also sell items from our charity table and other pieces members had for sale.  The event ran from 11.00 till 15.00, but we needed to be there by 9.30 to unload and get all areas of the demonstration and selling areas set up and ready for the public to arrive.

The area that we had been given for use during the day was undercover and out of the elements.  It was also a large area, this area was about 30 feet square.

They also made sure that we had enough tables and chairs for us to use, of which we ended up using eight tables for the three areas that we had taken with us.

Three tables were used for the turned items that were for the gallery and were looked after by Mike and Georgie, Steve’s wife, whilst on the table they were having a good many questions about how the various shapes were produced and the techniques that were needed to produce them.  This was ongoing throughout the day, and it was good to know that the public wanted additional information.

We also had three tables for all the charity items that were donated by club members, who we would like to thank again for their effort in producing them.  On the remaining two tables, we had members selling their own items to the public.

Once again, we had Steve taking his lathe to the event along with the required tools and required wood blanks for the day.  Steve was set up in the corner of the room with plenty of room for the public and kids to see what was being done and also to ask questions during the day.  Steve was producing a number of spinning tops and Christmas trees throughout the day.

The club’s thanks go out to all members who took part in the event.

When the gardens opened we had a steady footfall throughout the day looking, buying and asking questions of everyone.

Having spoken with the people of the botanical gardens, they are hoping that this can turn into an ongoing event for both of us.  We must also take this opportunity to thank the garden staff for the hospitality that we had from them during the day and also keeping us supplied with tea and coffee along with the biscuits  and the additional hot water during the day.

The feedback that we have received was that it went down well with the public, and they enjoyed the additional aspect of having a wood turning club within the confines of the gardens as it gave an additional aspect for the visitors.

Report by Barrie Fisher & edited by Steve Hackett