FEBRUARY 2021 CHAIRMAN'S CHAT - Trafford Woodcraft Club
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Club Website: www.traffordwoodcraft.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2021
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
With the weather as it is I have not been in my shed other than to get the saw to cut firewood.
I bought some kiln dried birch at great expense and have now turned the crate into kindling
wood with the help of the chainsaw.
Today my thoughts turned to IT after a run in with Amazon. I had three calls from them, the first
two of which I treated as any cold call from someone with a weird accent who couldn’t
pronounce my name, i.e. put the phone down or get abusive. The third told me that my Amazon
Prime account was up for renewal but I don’t have one. An inspection of my accounts confirmed
I hadn't joined unwittingly, so I guess it was yet another scam.
The other thing I have been exercised on is Social Media. I do use Facebook a bit and did find
out how to unfriend a particularly annoying correspondent. We also still have an Instagram
account for Daphne, the Great Dane (Daphodog2010 if you are interested). I used Linkedin
when working and Twitter I thought was for twits or worse (since proved ?). I haven't tried
Snapchat, Vimeo, Pinterest, Tumblr or even Gab where Donald Trump is taking refuge (I had a
look at it and can understand why).
You would think that social media addicts would have better things to do with their time.....like
woodturning.
Robin Walling
FROM THE SECRETARY’S BOX
You will recall the email I sent out asking for people to let me know their views regarding paying
subs so we can arrange Zoom Demonstrations. Unfortunately out of our membership, I received
18 responses out of the membership of 38 plus the 4 Life Members, and this would not have
provided us enough to arrange demonstrations on our own. We also contacted three other clubs
in the district and they were very luke warm about joining in with us. The comments were that it
is possible to find video programmes on You Tube that are free and that there are no
opportunities to ask questions of the Demonstrators. The idea was therefore dropped.
You know that Record Power run meetings from Australia on Zoom which are very good. You
are able to access them at miked@recordpower.co.uk (and put RSVP in the subject line of
your email). You will then receive a response from Mike Davies giving you details and
instructions of how to get on board with these demonstrations.
You will have just missed the latest demo as it was this week and repeated the next day. They
are done each week so you won’t miss many. On the last meet there were over 900 people to
see the demo. The previous meet showed the making of a wooden hat. Very good.
Anybody who wants to know more contact me.
Martin Nield
A NOTE FROM ANDY
A television programme is due to be screened in the Spring entitled ‘ GOOD With WOOD ‘ - on
Channel 4. It is hosted by Mel Giedroyc and is basically a carpentry competition. I don’t know
what other aspects of Woodworking will be involved but it could be interesting.
We certainly have lots of good turners, etc. but not many members who are any good at basic
Woodworking, so it might be a learning opportunity for some of us !
(Ed: Thanks, Andy, we await publication of the dates) Andy Wilkins
FROM THE TREASURER
In Henry’s obituary last month, I omitted to mention a lasting way in which Henry still influences
the way by which the outside world sees our club. Namely the club logo that we use on our
letter head, outdoor event banner and shirts featuring a beaver. Twenty years ago Henry knew
the family that owned Monkhouse Ltd. a well-known stockist of school uniforms and sportswear
located in the Edgeley district of Stockport. Henry provided the idea for the beaver and the
technical staff tweaked it into what was "possible" and made a matrix so that the design could
be stitched directly onto sweatshirts or polo shirts. We still use that design except the early
version shows a pile of wood chippings at the beavers feet. When reduced in size the chippings
can look like droppings. This Newsletter may be read by children or your mother but you can
guess what I mean.
When I first joined the club Ron Virgin kept a stock of shirts and a few loose badges in our
cupboard. The club had bought a selection of sizes and if you wanted one you paid your money
into club funds. With an influx of new members the stock of shirts ran out. At some point,
because I visited Stockport once a month, I volunteered (one of my weaknesses) to call at the
showroom as I drove past. Armed with a shopping list of different sizes and an instruction from
Henry to "mention my name" I placed an order and collected them on the following Stockport
visit. They had kept the original matrix in their files and about two years ago it was still in
existence because I made a telephone enquiry about individual badges that could be sewn onto
your own shirt/apron etc. That didn't happen because only one member was seriously
interested.
From memory the sweatshirts with badge sewn on were about £15/£16 including VAT. I still
wear the polo shirt and the sweatshirt that I bought about 15 years ago so that tells you about
the quality. No, I don't receive a sales commission. The badge on its own is probably £5.
Anyway in order to inject some forward thinking beyond our present situation to when we can
again attend outdoor events, I suggest that any Member interested in obtaining a club shirt, or
badge, send me an email with their requirements after I have found out the current prices and
available sizes.
David Jones
PS: Having read the Chairmanz piece in a previous Newsletter, it made me think perhaps we
could run a section headed Covid Island Discs so that members list which eight records they
would take with them and why. Plus of course a book and a some sort of luxury item.
(Ed: See new item further on.)
Trafford & District Woodcraft Club
Chairman & Librarian: ROBIN WALLING 0161 929 8472
Secretary: MARTIN NIELD 01925 757542 Treasurer: DAVID JONES 0161 747 0392
Events: JULIAN BIRTWELL 07779 874513
Committee Members: David Thwaite, Andy Wilkins, Paul Yates
Club Website: www.traffordwoodcraft.co.uk
‘OUT? AND ABOUT’ WITH YOUR EVENTS SECRETARY
I have just received a Record Power fine dust filter from Bivens in Blackpool. TDWC are
discussing with them about running an advert for them in our newsletter. Bivens supplied our
Nova Comet 2 lathes and I know of a couple of members that have bought from them, and
maybe more as they have a stall at Harrogate Wood Show. Prices are normally very
competitive and they do free delivery plus a small extra discount might just be negotiated for
members. I print in the newsletter the flyer that they sent with my extractor but they are hoping
to do a special advert.
As mentioned last month TDWC have submitted our 2021 rental application and risk
assessments to the landlord ready for when we may reopen. A big thank you is due to Jo Garry
for her help with the risk assessments, her experience in her day job was much appreciated.
Two of our biggest outdoor event organisers have stuck their necks out and issued dates for
their shows. This is to allow for the months of preparation that they have to do, so well done to
the teams of volunteer organisers; Fingers crossed that they go ahead and with them both
being outdoor events I have high hopes.
-Timperley Country Fair on Saturday September 11th
- Hayfield Sheep Dog Trials and Show on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September
As this newsletter is due to go to press before Boris Johnson issues his road map for the way
forward I hope to flesh out some of the skeletal diary for 2021 in the March newsletter.
My workshop continues to keep me sane and I hope you’re keeping safe and fettling.
Julian Birtwell
Conkers LIVE is the latest crazy idea from Chestnut Products.
As we can’t go to clubs or shows at the moment,
we’re bringing the show to you…
We’ll be hosting demo from some of the creators we’ve worked with in the past,
and others we haven’t had chance to work with yet, beamed straight to you via the internet,
all on YouTube. No downloads, no signups, no membership, NO CHARGE!
NEXT DEMO:
On 24 February, 7:15 UK Time on YouTube Channel
followed by 9.30pm brief Zoom Question and Answer session
we will be bringing you a demo by our long-standing friend Les Thorne.
It’s great to be working with Les again! Don’t miss it!
Future Meetings: 19 March 2021, 12 April 2021, 12 May 2021, 2 June 2021 + more dates
Full details and programme timing: www.chestnut products.co.uk/conkers-live/
As the weather improves and yet we may still be in ‘lockdown’,
spring clearing and tidying our workshops and wood stores.
Will we really ever use all that wood stuffed at the back of our in our wood stack?
Can we really see a use for that old piece of equipment or those old tools left on the
cupboard shelf? Maybe someone else could make use of them?
If members have wood or tools to give free or to sell, then do contact me and it can be
listed in the next newsletter. Contact: 01925 757542 sarah@lathamhall.co.uk Sarah Nield
WOOD TOOLS AND MACHINERY SOURCES
WOOD TOOLS AND MACHINERY SOURCES CONTINUED…
G&S specialist timber, Penrith
Jason's Woodcraft down in west Wales-Cardigan, via Facebook. He cuts and dries all his own
wood and sells lots. He is due to demo for us as soon as we reopen. Mention the Club and my
name. You might have to wait if what you want is in his kiln. I have bought from him and he is a
good turner, so can help and advise you.
Stiles & Bates Dover
Turners Retreat Harworth
Exotic Hardwoods UK Stoke on Trent lovely family firm but as the name suggest imported
exotic timber
Mike Nash at Nashwoodcrafts in the Peak District
British Hardwoods over near Leeds/ Bradford
Woodwiseuk Leek
Olive Wood Turning, St Annes
Your friendly local tree surgeon but that will probably be green. That's not bad but might be
darn cheap so could be the best option.
Look on Ebay
Look on Facebook Marketplace but lots want you to collect.
Also look on Etsy -This might sound daft but I saw some timber on there only today
The main trouble is that mail order can be expensive especially with postage; and some
suppliers insist on collection and folk may want to see before they buy.
Another source is me if people feel able to visit me here in Broadbottom SK14 6BB; particularly
after Boris's road map on the 22nd. Just get in touch with me and I will try to help.07779 874513
Julian Birtwell
MILLING DAY AND MILLING SERVICES
Members might just remember me talking last autumn about a local tree surgeon that was
organising milling days.
A couple of these days have happened and there are two Cheshire Guild members that have
some planked green wood for their own and other clubs members Contact names/ numbers are
Dave Atkinson 07821100762 in Weaverham I think Paul Starr 07813950584 in Wythenshawe
This might be the best option even though it is green It’s not free but it won’t be stupidly
expensive. Mention TDWC. The objective is to save felled timber from being burnt and to cover
the cost of hiring the milling machine which is about £1000.00 per day. Good luck.
It is hoped that more milling days days will be planned for later in the year.
Julian Birtwell
WORKSHOP KIT
FREE: Several lengths of 4” corrugated dust extraction pipe and maybe a few clips.
There may be other pieces of equipment available free or for a fair price. Just ask;
Just ring Julian Birtwell 07779 874513 and it’s yours.
12th month Covid SCRIBBLINGS FROM BROADBOTTOM – February 2021 Blimey! That really does put this whole pandemic into perspective. I guess for whatever reason, not all members have been beavering away making. Robin and Martin said they hadn’t as it was too cold and the next day as I put on my 6th upper body layer I thought ah yes I know what they mean. I have in the last few days of January taken off a layer (no more!), but only after building up a head of steam, and replaced a snood with a thinner scarf. OK I am a glutton for punishment. Early February and for a change I am in the warm in front of the tele whittling a few Xmas elves ready for next Xmas, hoping to be back to normal by then. The snow and chill of the 2nd week of February have actually kept me out my workshop! However I now have the required incentive from Jonathan (a neighbour) to make him some spiles so that he and his chums can have a little competition. I knew the word from pub signs “Tap & Spile” but not the full meaning. They plan to make ‘hooch’ from tree sap and after drinking it, try to decide which one was the best. Sounds like a good idea to me. Ha Ha!! This guy organises our village Cricket Club’s Gin/Beer festival each year so I instantly understood his interest. Actually it was the Covid blues that lead him to search for a distraction as he is a ‘great outdoors’ guy it all seemed logical. Jonathan occasionally knocks on to bring me an interesting bit of wood which might lead to a ‘could you make me a ........ conversation. A lovely friendship that goes back more than 10 years in my pre - retirement fledgling turning days when he bought my very first big bowl at our village ‘Incredibly Crafty Christmas Market’ Any road up what is a spile? A spile is a small device that is inserted into a hole drilled into a tree to harvest tree sap. 2 pieces need making, one with and one without a hole. The one with the hole lets the sap or syrup out while the solid one is a plug for the tree when you have done. Full details can be found on ‘turningforprofit.com'. They do say that tree sap in its basic form is delicious and has great therapeutic properties and by the month end the sap will be starting to rise. Please do share with the rest of us, via the newsletter, what you have made? FREE WOOD? I went to Sale Moor on a Sunday afternoon and met Julia Crangle, details provided by Hon. Sec. Martin. We had been told there was still some wood to be moved, the family were desperate to get out, even though Mr. Crangle had passed away about eight years previously. Another club member, Dominique Vaughan, had been there the day before and had taken a lot away that he thought might be useful. On proper inspection he took more than half of it to the tip because of nails, rot, etc. Sunday evening he phoned me at home to tell me all this and then said that the day/s before he got there a Crangle family friend had been and taken away the good stuff (about three quarters of the total) to do a bit of turning. The wood that I have is very poor and will not be worth offering to club members, it is only suitable for repairing fences and posts in the garden. There is one oak board that may have been part of a school laboratory bench top. When brushed down it is badly scorched along one edge so it may have been in a fire, and it has got numerous nails and screws in it. I can't say how much of the wood that Dom has may be useful but we will try to find out. They were a very pleasant family but in a nutshell we were perhaps recruited to come merely to help clear up years of junk. That saved them paying for a skip. However, If there is any good to come out of it, is that the two daughters are sufficiently in thrall to their father's memory (i.e. woodworking projects around the house) that I have sweet talked them into coming along, as visitors, to a demonstration evening if we ever get back to that happy position. Also one has a 15 year old son that might show some interest in woodwork. Future member? Must be careful not to "overpromise", look where that has got Boris! (Continued next page…)
(Continued from previous page…)
Some members will have wood that will never be used, despite good intentions, including
myself and will feature in a future garage clear out similar to Crangles. Perhaps we should
encourage members to donate their unwanted stock and thereby reduce some of the burden on
their executors. I can think of one well known aged member that owns three sheds.
…
A friend of mine that lives near Bingley has about 20 bowl blanks that he has said I can have for
the Club. A note of that has already been reported in the Newsletter. As things stand I am
unable to go and collect them but as soon as Boris says I can go over to Yorkshire I will.
David Jones
‘COVID’ ISLAND DISCS
You may remember from Page 2 that David suggested that we try a version of this great
programme and never to shirk a ‘challenge’ two of us have tried it. It is not easy, but quite
illuminating to oneself if one manages it. So why not have a bit of fun and try your version.
Eight pieces of music and why; A luxury item and a book; (you are already given the complete works of
Shakespeare and the Bible) Plus a glimpse as to how you think you might manage alone on an island.
Your piece doesn’t have to be serious if you prefer not to be but you may find that it may
become so when you contemplate the reasons for your choices!
‘COVID’ ISLAND DISCS
FIRST CASTAWAY - Paul Yates (TDWC Committee Member)
My choice of Eight Discs / Box Sets would be:
1) The complete record collection of Klaus Wunderlich
Klaus was, and still is, a very popular electronic organist, playing all
genres of music from classical to modern pop.
He was the very first recording artist to be awarded a Gold Music
Cassette for his sales of an album released on that medium. His
music is soothing and relaxing. Klaus sadly died in 1997 aged sixty-
six.
2) The complete record collection of Reginald Dixon
Reginald Dixon was perhaps one of the world's greatest theatre
organists, he being based at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, playing
the Wurlitzer Theatre Organ installed there. It is a position he held
from March 1930 until he retired in March 1970.
I came to know Reg very well when I worked as Senior Projectionist
at the Odeon Theatre, Manchester, as he regularly came to the
Odeon to give organ concerts. He once gave me some very sound
advice about playing the organ. He said, "Paul, it isn't what you put
into a piece of music, but what you can safely leave out!"
Above: Reginald Dixon at the
3) A set of Film / Stage Musical Soundtracks organ in Blackpool Tower
(a) The Sound of Music Ballroom.
(b) Oliver
(c) My Fair Lady Below: The Wurlitzer Organ
(d) Hello Dolly console outside the entrance to the
(e) Tommy Odeon Theatre as it was moved
(f) Camelot during the 1973 renovations.
(g) Singin' in the Rain
(h) South Pacific
(i) Carousel
(j) The King and I
(k) Oklahoma
You will have guessed that I like music and especially, film music.
My choice of luxury equipment
This would be a complete cinema projection system consisting of:
i) A Philips DP70 35/70mm Film Projector
ii) A Philips ST270 70mm Film Platter Unit
iii) A full 6-track stereo cinema amplifier system
iv) An 80 foot wide Todd-AO screen
v) A full set of the above films all in 70mm Todd-AO
My choice of book would be:
A full set of maintenance manuals for the above cinema equipment - just in case.
Living Alone on the Island
I would relish this. The peace and quiet, apart from when I am running a film, would be
wonderful.
Providing I had an unlimited supply of Bread, Butter, Potatoes, along with a good gas
ring, and most important of all, a CHIP PAN and FAT, I couldn't think of a better way of
life.
(By Paul Yates)
Just a note… The Wurlitzer mentioned by Paul Yates in his "Covid Island Discs" article above has been around
almost as much as Oliver Cromwells statue. (See the previous Newsletter.) This model was intended to be
installed in all 50 Odeon Cinemas during the 1930's. That never happened and the Manchester Odeon (opened
as the Paramount Theatre) was the only one of this model outside the USA. The Odeon was converted to a
multi-screen cinema in 1973 and the Wurlitzer was removed and taken under the wing of the Lancastrian
Theatre Organ Trust ( LTOT ). It was re-assembled and working in the Free Trade Hall by 1977. Another move
in 1999 transplanted it to the ballroom at Stockport Town Hall where it is still in use for concerts, tea dances etc.
There is a second famous organ in Stockport at the historically important art deco cinema, The Plaza, built 1932.
This is a Compton Organ still in its original location.
David Jones
CASTAWAY: David Jones (TDWC Hon Treasurer)
As I was the one to suggest that we make a list of the music that we would take to the island, I
have chosen music that involves trees or wood. I have placed them in the order that they were
composed, not by favourite first.
1) Ombra Mai Fu (Never was a shade), Handel 1738. There may not be a tree on this island.
2) O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree), modern lyrics 1824 but melody traditional about 1550.
At school in the science stream I had to learn German (failed) in order to be able to read the
technical magazines on science subjects. Waste of time but we did have to learn to sing this
song, Wie grun sind deine blätter.
3) Linden Lea , Ralph Vaughan Williams 1901 inspired by a 19th C. poem by Wm. Barnes.
The definitive sung version of this is probably by John McCormack 1930's
4) Trail of the Lonesome Pine, Macdonald / Carroll 1913, silent film. Best known version
Laurel and Hardy.
5) If you go Down in the Woods Today (Teddy Bears Picnic), melody Bratta 1907, words
Kennedy 1932. Sung by Anne Murray, memories of "Listen with Mother " on the steam wireless
6) Wooden Heart, Elvis Presley 1960. Possibly about the same time that P.J.Proby split his
trousers on stage. No such thing as bad publicity.
7) Norwegian Wood, The Beatles 1965.
8) Knock on Wood, Eddie Floyd 1967.
Choice of Book: As well as the Bible, I would like to have internet access so I could read the
news on Google.
Luxury Item: I would like a pole lathe, an adze to make a raft and a lifetimes supply of tiramisu.
I think I would be able to survive on a desert island, though I may not chose to be there. I would
be alright as I am capable and could manage on my own. It would be interesting to see how self
sufficient I could be. Whilst fishing on a canal bank did not fill me with joy or success, earlier at
the age of about 10 whilst on holiday in Lyme Regis I used to go out fishing and brought back
mackerel to our Landlady who cooked for our breakfast.
(By David Jones)
Foot Note (Bare Foot?):
When faced with an exam we were always told to READ the question. The question here is
‘What music would you pick for "Covid Island Discs”? So far we have assumed this is a desert
island but we are not told that.
If I was re-writing mine (not going to now!) I would think outside the box, another ghastly
American-ism, and locate it on a traffic island on the A59 near an Italian take-away. Keeping the
same music. David Jones
TRAFFORD & DISTRICT WOODCRAFT CLUB updated 19/2/2021
DATE TIMETABLED CLUB NIGHT EVENTS BI MONTHLY COMPETITION - 3
DEMO nights 1st Tuesdays monthly 18.30 – 22.00. (Feb to Nov) classes
2021 except April when due to Easter it is 1 week later on April 13th -Turned
Xmas Party on December 15th 18.30 – 22.00. - Carved
All other ‘Normal workshop’ Tuesdays 18.30 – 21.30 - General woodwork
Feb 23rd Until further notice our weekly Tuesday evening meetings are cancelled
Mar 2nd
Mar 9th As at 14/01/21 your local Woodcraft Club doesn’t know when we will reopen.
Mar 16th
Mar 23rd However we do have plans for later in 2021 - The programme of demonstrators and outside events that
Mar 30th were booked for 2020 are all hanging on for our call and as soon we can sensibly rebook we will do
April 6th Normal club workshop
Apr 13th DEMONSTRATOR TBA Competition --
Apr 20th & Apr 27th Normal club workshop
May 4th DEMONSTRATOR TBA
May 11th & May 18th Normal club workshop
May 25th Normal club workshop
SUNDAY MAY/JUNE FRIENDS OF ASHTON ON MERSEY VILLAGE BIG PICNIC ASHTON PARK**TBC**
Jun 1st DEMONSTRATOR TBA Competition --
SUNDAY 6th JUNE JOHN LEIGH PARK ALTRINCHAM FAMILY FUN DAY**TBC**
Jun 8th & Jun 15th Normal club workshop
SUNDAY 20TH JUNE SALE LIONS FATHERS DAY @ WORTHINGTON PARK SALE**TBC**
Jun 22nd & Jun 29th Normal club workshop
JUNE THE HEATONS ARTS TRAIL **TBC**
JULY SALE ARTS TRAIL SATURDAY & SUNDAY JULY **TBC**
Jul 6th DEMONSTRATOR TBA
Jul 13th & Jul 20th Normal club workshop
Jul 27th Normal club workshop
Aug 3rd DEMONSTRATOR TBA Competition --
Aug 10th & Aug 17th Normal club workshop
Aug 24th & Aug 31st Normal club workshop
Sep 7th DEMONSTRATOR TBA
SATURDAY 11th TIMPERLEY COUNTRY FAIR @ LARKHILL TIMPERLEY **BOOKED**
Sep 14th Normal club workshop
SATURDAY 18th & SUNDAY 19th SEPTEMBER HAYFIELD SHOW & SHEEP DOG TRIALS **STALL REQUESTED, tbc in MAY**
Sep 21st & Sep 28th Normal club workshop
Oct 5th DEMONSTRATOR TBA
Oct 12th & Oct 19th Normal club workshop
Oct 26th Normal club workshop Competition --
Nov 2nd DEMONSTRATOR TBA
Nov 9th Normal club workshop
12th-14th NOVEMBER HARROGATE WOOD SHOW @ HARROGATE SHOWGROUND**TBC**
Nov 16th & Nov 23rd Normal club workshop
Nov 30th Normal club workshop
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SALE ARTS TRAIL XMAS BAZAAR **TBC**
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ASHTON ON MERSEY VILLAGE XMAS FAIR **TBC**
Dec 7th Normal club workshop NO DEMO IN DECEMBER **see 14th below**
Dec 14th Club Xmas Party - free entry to members & partners. Competition
Food & drink donations most welcome. Your favourite item not yet seen @
TDWC
Dec 21st & Dec 28th Closed -- Merry Xmas & A Very Happy 2021
DATE TIMETABLED CLUB NIGHT EVENTS BI MONTHLY COMPETITION - 3
DEMO nights 1st Tuesdays monthly 18.30 – 22.00. (Feb to Nov) classes
2022 except April when due to Easter it is 1 week earlier on March 29th -Turned
Xmas Party on December 14th 18.30 – 22.00. - Carved
All other ‘Normal workshop’ Tuesdays 18.30 – 21.30 - General woodwork
Jan 5th Normal club workshop **NO DEMO IN JANUARY** No Competition this
month
As we have few opportunities to socialise, we would like to keep in touch.
Do give one of us a ring and have a chat and tell us what you are up to.
Or perhaps email the Editor with a piece, serious or amusing
or even think about your own contribution towards Covid Island Discs.
We would really love to hear from you.You can also read
