Calderstones 2004

   The Association held the 2004 summer woodturning display, demonstration and sale in the Coach House at Calderstones Park, Liverpool from 9th to 15th August.
   Despite poor weather for much of the week, good local publicity and signage in the park, combined with a nearby plant sale by the Parks Department, on the Saturday brought many visitors to the event.

Photo 1

   Photo 1. shows the Association's publicity officer and founder MWA member George Hughes deep in conversation with a visitor - possibly softening him up for the hard sell!!

   Over 500 articles were on display, as shown in photos 2 to 5, some were for sale and some purely as exhibits to illustrate the many differing aspects of woodturning. Items shown included vases, boxes, goblets, plant stands, light pulls, pens, candlesticks, platters, a babys' high chair and even a spinning wheel.
   The woods used were both domestic and exotic species, some articles incorporated modern plastics to show how natural and synthetic materials can be combined to produce pleasing effects.

   A small lathe was in operation with members demonstrating simple turning techniques including the making of mushrooms, boxes, dibbers and spinning tops for visiting children. By making small, quickly turned items interest was held around the lathe and demonstrators were able to chat to and answer questions from the public.

Photo 6

   Special thanks must go to Eric Simons, the event organiser, who along with his able helper Derick Leeming, was in attendance every day. Thanks must also go to the Liverpool City Council Parks Department, for their kind assistance without which the event could not have taken place.    Photo 6. is of MWA members, Eric Simons, Derick Leeming and Dave Irving either discussing the lack of visitors due to the inclement weather or trying to decide who will make the next pot of tea!!

Photo 7

   Photo 7. has four MWA stalwarts, Joe Jones, Alex Green, Glynn Roberts and Ray 'Chuck' Dagnall winding down in the Coach House courtyard on the final afternoon following a busy day - mainly spent talking shop as usual!!
   Overall the event was a great success and enabled the MWA to promote woodturning and foster good relations with the public at large. All the members involved are looking forward to putting on a similar three day show at the same venue in December, which will also run concurrent with a Christmas plant sale.

Article by Roy Swift to Members Input.