President’s Message – December 2011

Message from your F.V.W.G. president, Gary Burns

Well, our November meeting was fantastic. A very impressive demonstration from Murray making a natural edge pedestal dish.. Thanks Murray.

Thanks to Allan for handling the dual camera set up for the first time, well done. Thanks to Kez from Vancouver for helping getting things set up.

Thanks to Lance for getting Gloria and Ross for manning the lathes between 6:30 and 7 PM.  That was a treat for everyone as both are very talented turners Thanks Gloria and Ross. We actually had them turn longer as we set up which was a bonus for everyone.

We had a great turnout of members, regulars, past and new members. The meetings are very busy and hopefully over the next little while everyone will get to know everyone. Please wear your nametags so everyone will get to know you. ( See Brian if you don’t have yours yet.) Any new members please feel free to bring any of your concerns, idea’s or wishes to any of the exec members.

We had people standing the whole meeting. I tried to find the custodian for more chairs without any luck, only to find out later there was chairs in the back room closet. So if you are caught standing ever again lets get some chairs out of the back room. Just remember we have to put them back.

The next general meeting Thursday Dec 8th will have something going on 6:30 to 7 PM

And a main demonstration on sharpening by Bruce Campbell . Check out our web page fvwg.ca  for  complete details.  This is one of the most important parts of wood turning. (Unless you own shares in a sandpaper company.)  Bruce will also do a Saturday Dec 10th  hands on day at Bow River where you will get to sharpen some of your  own chisels and then get a chance to learn the proper technique on using those chisels, hopefully making two project. The cost for the Saturday will only be $40.00.

Normally clubs charge around the $125 for a hands on day. We are not trying to make a bunch of money from our own members, Lunch will be included. No one has to stay the whole day from 10 AM till 4 PM as part of that day will be turning, so if you only want the sharpening part , come for that. Interested parties please bring your $40.00 Thursday

Dec 8th and see Gloria as she has the sign up sheet.

We have changed from using the alphabet to actually putting down names for who’s turn it is to bring in goodies and for bringing in wood for the wood raffle. Hopefully  this will create a more balance amount  of food and wood. ( remember if you are new and don’t have a wood supply yet you can add to the food table). Some of our members bring in wood even on days their name does not come up. ( thanks for that)

Names for goodies are Ed Pretty, Mark Revell, Lance Rossington, Bob Scarrow, and Guthrie Schweers.

Names for wood are Colin Delory, Dewey Devries, Linda DeSilva, Eldy Gandy, George Geurts, and Michael Hamilton-Clarke

There is a donation container at the goodie table. If it isn’t your turn to bring in goodies please donate so Brian can keep the guild in glasses, juice etc.

The wood raffle has been doing very well, thanks to the sponsors and the members bringing  in nice wood. No firewood, or split wood has been showing up and we all appreciate that very much.

We will be adding a nice door prize so make sure you take a ticket and put one half in the door prize can for a shot at the giveaway.

So far the problem corner has not generated much interest. We will have the library set up on the same table next meeting..but still bring in your problem pieces.

The guild has over 55 members so we need  help in a few areas. If you have an interest in photography or are willing to help, Wayne needs an assistant. Also Don the librarian needs help to make sure the library is open every meeting, and sorting/ renting/selling items.

Bring in your work for the instant gallery, we all like to see others work Also there will be a  gift card.

The presidents challenge is Christmas ornaments, and since our hands on day was Christmas ornaments we should have a lot of new members entering this one. Remember there is a gift certificate for this as well.

Looking forward to seeing you all, Thursday Dec 8th , for another fun night.

Yours truly,

Gary Burns