Green Wood Worker - Sussex Group APT

From Mike Gordon coordinator for the

Sussex Local Group of the Association of Pole-lathe Turners (APT)

Newsletter February 2008

The Sussex Local Group welcomes non members to attend our sociable get-togethers known as Gatherings. At our Gatherings we tend to make life as comfortable as possible. Hot food and drinks can be produced when required using our twin burner gas hob. A large kettle and griddle are part of the kit. All you need to do is bring a mug for your drink and the food to cook. Imagine that bacon sarnie and a mug of steaming tea and some wonderful company. These facilities will be available at all of the Gatherings listed below under 2008 Diary Dates.

Recently I was “selling” the idea of Sussex Group Gatherings to a potential new APT member. They felt really unsure about coming to a Gathering because they had such limited experience, no lathe and no tools. One of the benefits of Gatherings is that anyone with a lathe does not seem to mind others using it, and very few have any reservations about sharing their tools. Turning wood is also freely available. Probably the greatest benefit is that experienced members give help and guidance willingly and freely. What better chance for getting a real feel for pole-lathe turning and perhaps a bit of free tuition?

Similarly with the shows that we demonstrate at, guests are welcome to visit us and join us on our pitch. However, we would not be able to offer any opportunities to take an active part during show hours.

2008 Diary Dates;

Sunday 9^th March, Gathering at Mary’s Barn, Little London East Sussex. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT ATTEND as Mary’s pregnant sheep will also be in a part of the barn. The usual catering facilities will be available plus a cauldron of soup (bring your own prepared vegetable ingredients to add if you wish). Attend any time from 10am until about 4pm. Some coppicing may take place, resulting in some bench seating being made.

Wednesday 9^th and 16^th April, Spring Crafts & Skills Day, Amberley Working Museum, West Sussex, BN18 9LT. Hands on crafts and skills for accompanied children. Please let Colin Wells know as soon as possible if you are interested in attending polelathe@btconnect.com

Saturday – Monday 3^rd – 5^th May, Woodland Wonders Festival, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB. Probably the most favoured Show that we attend.

Sunday 1^st June, Gathering at Geoff and Helen’s wood at Whitesmith, East Sussex. Hopefully including a demo using hook tools and a chance to have a go yourself. Usual catering facilities.

Thursday – Saturday 5^th – 7^th June, The South of England Show, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL.

Saturday – Sunday 21^st – 22^nd June, Hands on History, Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, Halland, East Sussex, BN8 5AF.

Saturday – Sunday 19^th – 20^th July, Weekend Gathering, Richard and Dorothy’s Hop Farm, Burwash, East Sussex. A fabulous success last year and something to look forward to, especially if camping over. I will try and arrange for a skill based demo/hands on experience to enhance the event even further. Usual catering facilities available.

Sunday 30^th July, The Working Horse Trust, Eridge Heavy Horse Show, Eridge, Kent, TN3 9JT. A fund raising event for The WHT which happens to be a really great show to attend

Saturday – Sunday 2^nd – 3^rd August, Step Back In Time, Seddlescombe, East Sussex. A major fundraising Show with proceeds going to St Michael’s Hospice in Hastings

Sunday 7^th September, Wood From The Trees Event, Amberley Working Museum, West Sussex, BN18 9LT. A wood themed event – a good show at a good venue. Please let Colin Wells know as soon as possible if you are interested in attending <polelathe@btconnect.com>.

Friday - Sunday 12^th – 14^th September, WoodFair’08, Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, Halland, East Sussex, BN8 5AF. The biggest wood fair in the south of England.

Saturday – Sunday 4^th- 5^th October, The Autumn Countryside Show, The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, West Sussex, PO18 0EU.

I hope that you’ll be able to join us sometime. Please contact me to get directions, confirm details and that the event is still going ahead.

Best wishes, Mike Gordon, mikeinthewood@hotmail.com, 01323 485927.