Llandudno 2002

Photo 1

   This year's Llandudno show was held on a beautiful sunny weekend in July. Photo 1 shows the view outside the Llandudno centre looking across the bay. It's a lovely venue, to be able to step out of the show and onto the beach makes a great addition to the day, as most shows are held in large fields surrounded by car parks, with no place to find a few quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle of the main events.

Photo 2

   Merseyside woodturners, photo 2, were invited to display their work along with the Gwynedd woodturners. Taylor Bros. were presented with two nice looking displays, showing their lathes being used. Our part of the bargain was the opportunity to talk to people who are interested in woodturning and to have the chance of finding a new member.

Photo 3

   Albert Harrison, who we all know from club demo's, was the only member of his club to turn up for their display, see photo 3. He worked hard all weekend with setup, demo and strip down.
   We had more club members at our stand than Albert, but I feel that occasionally it would be nice if our membership who came to the show would ask if they could assist or stand in for a lunch break, to help relieve a long day.

Photo 4

   Joe Jones came down for the day with his new wife, she walked straight into a baptism of fire, turning on the stand for the first time.
   Joe stayed by her side offering encouragement and advice, see photo 4.

Photo 5

   This did not seem enough interference by woodturning club standards, so then Al joined in with the moral support, see photo 5.
   I'd like to know what part of the male instinct surfaces when a woman starts to use a lathe and every male within a 100m radius turns into a teacher.

   Finally advice came from all directions, see photo 6. Joe's wife did a great job and ignored all of it. Talk about too many chiefs.
   I hope to see you at another show soon, us girls have got to stick together.

Photo 6

   Bob Neill, the wood burner, put on a good demonstration, see photo 7. He has the added bonus, when demonstrating, of being able to let the public try pyrography as a hands on experience. We unfortunately can't let the public try turning for themselves because of insurance red tape. It must be a nice feeling to be able to include children, which Bob and his wife do at every chance.

Photo 7

   The show included demonstration theatres from Bob Neill and Ray Jones. These two nationally respected craftsmen showed us just how it should be done. There were the usual stands full of tools from all Taylor Bros suppliers, these included Robert Sorby, Record, Makita and Crown and many others. Although the choice of products is restricted to only those who supply the business, most people still found something to spend their money on and of course some just enjoyed looking.
   I have not included photo's of the show layout, because this was covered in the report for 2001, so if you wish to see them go to Llandudno 2001.

      Karen Dolman