Cobwebcrafts (woodturning)

Biography

Beginnings:

I first picked up a woodturning gouge in the summer of 2003 after purchasing a “starter” lathe which was on sale at a store in Suffolk. I had become interested in woodturning after seeing the work created by my Father-in law, a turner of over fifteen years experience, and was prompted to buy the lathe by him.

Moving from London to the small rural village in Suffolk where I now live had one direct impact to my progression; the village hall was the venue used by the Waveney  & District Woodturners Club. Having joined late in 2003 to find a group of experienced and helpful souls, willing to exchange information, tips, techniques, and support, I quickly settled into the monthly routine of club nights, demonstrations, and workshop nights.

Club nights were often taken up with demonstrations by well-established or professional Woodturners. I found these instructional and entertaining, and they often led to experimentation in the days that followed. A monthly competition of turned work also proved important to me, as many of my pieces were judged in first place by my fellow club members, and a few being judged by the visiting professional, and at the annual Christmas dinner I went home with two trophies. After only six months of club and AWGB  membership this was great encouragement to continue and hopefully progress even further.

Special thanks are due to Colin, our Chairman (and my neighbour!), Gerald, our Vice Chairman, Ronnie, our Secretary, and Richard, our Treasurer and  “Fine Old Craftsman”, for their unfailing help and support, and last, but by no means least, to my Father-in-law, Terry, for that first inspiration and continued support. For inspiration and entertainment along the way thanks are also due to Tom Kittle of Lapwing Turnery in Dereham, Reg Ball of Turnstyle Creative  Woodturning in Diss, and Jimmy Clewes and Bill Care. Along with these thanks are also due to the many authors whose books - from the 1900s to the present date - have proved helpful and inspirational along the way; and to the wealth of inspiration posted on the NET by turners from around the world.

The Present:

Update: 29th March 2006

Today I received confirmation form the Clerk to The Worshipful Company of Turners of London that I have been invited to be included on the Register of Professional Turners. I cannot imagine a reason why anyone would decline such an invitation, and I most certainly will not decline it! I consider it a great honour and privilege, and am thrilled to be included on the list. When I scan the list of current members it reads like a Who's Who of turning in the UK, and I find this quite daunting. I hope I can live up to it! I know I will try to.

After turning for only three years I also consider this something of a personal best, and it makes the previous three years of trials and errors all worthwhile. Now back to the workshop...I have a higher bar to address in the future!



Update: June 29th 2006

On June 28th I received confirmation that I have been appointed the Public Relations Officer for the AWGB. I am thrilled to have been chosen and hope to do justice to the position. My thanks go to the Executive Committee for the opportunity.

Update: January 2008

 The London Magazine. featured me in the January 2008 edition of the magazine.