Hi turningal
As Vice Chairman I don't have any problem with your comments. I have heard the words such as elitist, only for professionals etc befoe.
I am an individual member and joined the AWGB in 2005 and the committee in 2009.
I am also a member of two former northern federation clubs.
I don't know why the terms of elitism etc grew up although I suspect they have their roots in ancient history, which should now, most definitely, be consigned to history.
Our president and chairman both make their livings from Woodturning and have given of their time, and expertise, and wisdom more times than can be numbered, all freely and willingly.
The rest of the trustees are hobby turners.
The loss on the seminar was due to not enough people attending, and whilst it was regrettable we are taking steps to understand things before we start planning another.
Regional events are a possibility but they tend to be covered by clubs. I (on behalf or the AWGB) took a stand at the Red Rose event in October.
If your club has an event and would like us to attend we will try to make it happen but there are only a few of us and we are spread out throughout the UK so it won't always be possible. Contact your regional rep for an initial discussion.
If the clubs and members went their own way life wouldn't stop. But all the good things which we have achieved - member development workshops, demonstrator training, the Let's teach turning course (which is free to download to anyone in the world who have access to the Internet), the event grant scheme open to branches and clubs, the Roger Stewart fund - open to all, cheaper insurance etc etc would all cease and in my opinion Woodturning would be the poorer for it.
So it seems to me for some reason we (the AWGB) has given the wrong impression. I hope this post helps to counteract this. We are an association of members and it is open to anyone, anywhere.
Please get in touch by email if you have any queries about what we do, and what we are trying to do.
Cheers Dave