11 Apr 2023 – Hands on Night

On a rather wet and windy evening, a few hardy soles braved it and headed for the Village Hall for our April’s Hands on Night.  Although the numbers were down on previous months we still had a good turnout.

We were pleased to welcome a few new faces through the door and some old ones who have now re-joined.  We try where possible to get the guests onto a lathe to have a go, to hopefully encourage them to join the Club and start their journey in learning the craft or expanding upon their knowledge they already have.

Our resident instructors for the evening on the lathes were Mike Close, Chris Fisher, Darren Brown and John Mitchell plus joined by Dai Crawford showing how to use the Pro-Edge sharpening system.  A big thank you to them all for their continued support and making these nights work.  Likewise, thank you to the Humpers ‘n’ Dumpers for their work in helping setting up and putting it all away every month, that without them and the other members staying on at the end to help, we would still be there now!  It has made such a difference in the way we operate, so thank you.

We had a some great items being shown on the exhibition table, but it would be fantastic to see more of what you are making, so don’t be shy bring them along even if you intend to send in photos for the Show n tell on the Workshop Night.  Unfortunately photos do not always do the items justice.

John, Paul, Mel and Dave were kept busy out in the shop with customers all evening or it was because the heater was working well and Paul kept them supplied with Tea and Coffee plus biscuits!  In addition, they have the daunting task of trying to get all the items held in stock into an electronic format to assist in the smooth running and so we know what we have or don’t as the case might be.  This will in time, enable a basic Point of Sale system to be introduced so keep track of what has sold etc.  We do have a large amount of projects kits, pens, clocks etc which next time you are struggling to think what to make, how about having a go at making letter openers, pens, key rings or a nice clock for you or a family.

You are now able to book an hour session one to one with an instructor for next months Hands on Night.  The online booking system will automatically open a week after the last Hands on Night (which is the 3rd Tuesday Workshop Night). This is to enable any bookings made on the paper version in the Hall to be transferred to the online system to remove any booked slots.  The system will then remain open until a week before.  This is to enable any arrangements to be made with the instructors.  You are required to enter what you are wanting to do specifically.  If you have a project you need help with please bring it.  Don’t forget its only for an hour so bear that in mind when deciding what you want to do.  These sessions are to help you so that you can then go home and practice what you have learnt and not necessarily go home with a finished item. To book, please go to the relevant date on the Calendar which for the May’s meeting here is a LINK.

I am pleased to say the Training Day on the 17 Jun 2023 is now fully booked.  If you did not manage to get onto that one, please contact me (Martin) as the next one is on the 16 Sept and despite the booking system not going live yet, slots are starting to get filled up by individuals registering an interest.

For more photos of the evening please check out the Gallery.