AWGB Woodturning Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Turners cabin on August 17, 2012, 09:28:56 PM
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please discuss
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By all of us who turn teaching our children and grandchildren and doing local demos for the next generation
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I think wood turning is being taken into the future very well by the AWGB. With the youth training program and the wood turning qualification courses that are being trialed, the opportunity for turners to have bespoke training from experienced professionals and the chance to attend seminars and compete in national competitions. There are more clubs now than there has ever been and brown and round is a thing of the past(well nearly).
With a membership increasing all the time guided by an active and committed core of forward thinking turners who encourage the participation of their fellow members and welcome constructive comments from others regarding their work and who never fail to explain thinking behind design ideas the diversity and quantity(and quality) of turners will increase, and that is the life blood of our craft.
Yes we could do with younger blood coming into the craft and re-shaping the attitude of the British public towards hand made items and we could do with more funding and training and different ways of thinking,but the biggest impact can be made by the existing turners,just by taking part and don't forget The Worshipful Company of Turners who are hosting Wizardry in Wood which gives "rank and file" turners the opportunity to take part alongside the professionals. There is a lot going on in turning that sometimes perhaps does not get the mention it deserves but it is going on none the less.
I don't think we are doing too bad at the moment but there is always room for improvement.
Regards
John BHT
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How do we take woodturning into the future?
My first problem is understanding the meaning of the question.
Are you asking us to consider how we get the next generation interested in woodturning and perpetuate the art,
or,
Are you asking us how we think the art of woodturning can be expanded into the public psyche to make it a recognised art form in its own right.
These two ways at looking at the question may also be considered opposite sides of the same coin. The more Woodturners there are, the more ‘other people’ that will become familiar with non-function turned work and the more it will become accepted.
So what am I trying to say.
To start with, as Woody says, teach our children and grandchildren. No they won’t all get bitten by the bug immediately, but in years to come some of them will remember and come to it naturally. Schools should also have their part to play but nowadays many of them only teach the design and process of handcrafts, actually doing it – far too dangerous, sharp tools, rotating objects, they are risk too averse.
The days when clubs take in the local Scout or Guide groups, Youth training days and all those events are becoming terribly important. But too few and too brief to do more than show a possibility to the attendees. Dad’s or Granddads workshop with its repetition of work, interesting corners, strange tools and smells. Look back at how ‘you’ came to it, what lead or prompted you to ‘have a go’ and get bitten by the bug.
The problem is, unlike when many of us were younger, nowadays there are very many more distractions and pursuits for people to use to while away their free time – computers and the next generation of ‘pads’ being some of the worst.
As for the second possible question meaning, I think (can’t prove) that our three biggest challenges are;
a. Stopping people thinking of woodturning as a ‘Trade’, producing chair legs, salad bowls and wooden spoons etc..
b. The population of the UK are not naturally drawn to owning Art, we’re barely out of the 3 ducks on the wall or poster (without frame) stage.
c. It’s only a bit of wood, it can’t be worth much – or similar!
John, you mentioned the Worshipful Company of Turners, somewhere in the last couple of weeks I’ve read about the wonderful pieces of turned work they’ve been keeping hidden away and are now putting on show (albeit briefly). It’s these things from our past that should be visible all the time to show it’s not all Salad bowls and spoons.
Turned work is available in the UK but I’ve never seen it outside of Craft Galleries, where it is considered a ‘Craft’ item despite the level of work some items require. We need to get Art Galleries to stand our work alongside paintings (splodge on canvas!) and sculpture (piles of bricks and unmade beds!) as something for the general public to own. This leap has been made in America and I think to some extent Australia (I can’t speak for other countries).
So there is my initial thoughts – your turn, support me or argue against, but please, don’t read and pass on. All thoughts on this question have much value and worth.
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I agree with most of what has been said so far but think that we woodturners have to share the blame in some ways in this country for the general idea of woodturning being a craft only and not an art form. I do craft fairs (much ignored by many turners) and am dismayed by the artistic element or lack of it available. Pens, bowls bottle stoppers and that's about it generally. I try and have more artistic pieces as well as a wide variety of different things available and am usually greeted with comments such as 'ooh that is different' or 'did you make all these things.' We need to expose Joe public to the wide variety of things that can be made by turning, let them see that even mundane objects can be things of beauty. There are so many ways of letting people see that wood is a beautiful medium and not just a practical one. A classic example is in treen. I make rolling pins from anything that is food safe apart from beech and sycamore for example allowing the grain and figuring to be seen. It isn't other turners we need to convince and educate it is the public many of whom are actually unaware that people really do still make things on a lathe let alone artistic pieces. Galleries are all well and good but have a limited audience as do 'arty' shops etc. Farmers markets, village fairs etc etc etc are how we show people how fantastic our art is. Also make sure we price things properly. I get sick of seeing people selling things for the cost of the wood alone, not allowance for the time, skill and thought that has gone into it. Selling cheap undermines the value of the art and tells people it is nothing special.
Right...off my hobby hoss and into the workshop LOL
Pete
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Hello
Schools should also have their part to play but nowadays many of them only teach the design and process of handcrafts, actually doing it – far too dangerous, sharp tools, rotating objects, they are risk too averse.
The problem is, unlike when many of us were younger, nowadays there are very many more distractions and pursuits for people to use to while away their free time – computers and the next generation of ‘pads’ being some of the worst.
Sorry Bryan I disagree! There are many reasons why schools don't do woodwork/metalwork etc and it isn't all to do with being risk averse. Budgets, curriculum etc all play a part, and I think we forget that the people who establish the rules/spending budgets are our peers, or perhaps our children? Also the risk averse culture is aggravated by parents who often insist on safety etc or they'll sue - and for many of us that's our children as well!
Second "computers and pads" isn't that what we are using to get on this and other forums? They have brought a world on information, knowledge and entertainment that was the world of science fiction when we were kids. there are many worse things than playing on a computer or an IPAD
Many people don't have room or money to afford a lathe, tools, lessons, etc to end up making something brown and round! And let's face it that what most people make - as Pete suggests in his post about craft fairs.
How about a woodturning app, or a woodturning Wii game? I doubt there will be one but magazines are available and there's also YouTube - but that's a separate debate.
It doesn't depress me and I'm sure woodworking in all its forms will continue and develop and there will be a few that push the boundaries. Most of us I suspect will continue with the brown and round!
I doubt it will ever be anything other than a minority hobby for the few with room for a shed, money for tools and someone to help get them started. To be honest I doubt that when we were kids there were any more turners than there are now, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if there were less. And from my experience there wasn't much opportunity to do anything other than make a shoebox at 11 and 12! And then there were insufficient place available for woodwork and metalwork when I was 13 and that's 44 years ago so I had to do music or art neither of which appealed so to think to think things were better in the past is perhaps a fallacy.
Ian's question was "how do we take woodturning into the future". I suspect the answer is more of the same, as others have already stated.
Perhaps the question is "where are we taking it to?" and I don't know the answer to that either! :D
Cheers Dave
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There's an old saying in beekeeping "if bees didn't sting everyone would keep bees". So who would buy their honey?
Tony Malin
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Ian's question was "how do we take woodturning into the future". I suspect the answer is more of the same, as others have already stated.
Perhaps the question is "where are we taking it to?" and I don't know the answer to that either! :D
Cheers Dave
It's in the WE ... we read that not only the AWGB, but at Club level that posts are pending or need to be filled and should these posts not become filled then the likelihood is the Group would or will fold, not all of us may be able to fill such posts, but in looking to the Future it depends on it, if there is to be a Future.
It is always the question how or why did a person take up Turning, for me it was from School and for all my interest in doing so, it was not until I had a home of my own and a garage, an been left some extra money that I got the lathe etc to start, it's taken time and alot more money to get up a full kit of tools an equipment needed, which still needs adding too, so as said already space and cost are the main part and as I am find currently at this moment TIME... as an when ... if I get to retire ... THEN ...
Via here and the different Web Sites out there we do ( those with an interest ) get to see alot of work which is well outside of the round an brown, it is for more of the public and art buyers to find them, which a few are doing, it would be starting a fresh topic to say wood doesn't compete with Glass, Ceramics or othe art forms.
That you to all who have commented so far. And as Dave asked "where are we taking it to?" don't kill the root ....
Cheers David
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I'm not sure what Ian's question is aimed at--if he implies that everything is standing still and something has to be done about it then I disagree--if he implies that there are other things we haven't thought off then I'm sure he is right.
In the last 3 years we have expanded our training programme and introduced a whole new range of courses with particular attention to youth training and now have an association with the Scouts
We are looking at woodturning certificates and diplomas
We have introduced the first ever internet auctions dedicated to woodturning --the funds from these have allowed to expand the training already mentioned
The international seminar at Loughborough continues to improve and the gallery there will inspire anyone and certainly doesn't contain any of the basic craft items complained off in one of the posts.( the gallery can be viewed by anyone free)
We are in the process of becoming a charity which will increase kudos and hopefully open up other funding possibilities which in turn will allow us to do more.
So basically there is a lot going on but as I said in the beginning we are always open to new ideas and of course touching on another post we are always open to others to help. This last point is almost the opposite of the question asked --what is holding us back?--and the lack of the right people coming forward willing to put in the time and effort for the benefit of all is certainly a major concern
Regards Reg Hawthorne
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Hi Ian, I agree with Reg Hawthorne I think the AWGB is far from Standing Still I also think the AWGB has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years with all of the Training Programmes that are carried out the Seminar that takes place every two years and many other initiatives that are being undertaken.I often wonder if members ever read an digest information that is on this Forum,in the Revolutions Mag,In the news letter that Andy has started sending out etc.etc. this will show some of the initiatives that are going on, I think the Committee do a super job,As a Secretary of a Branch also Treasurer because no one else would take it on and next year we are looking for an Events Secretary which we asked for someone to take this on back in January so far no volunteers out of a membership of 65 The AWGB also needs help with members coming forward.
Remember one thing and I have said it on previous postings.Over the last 10 years I have attended the AGM in April the attendance is very poor and it is mostly the same faces.
OUR COMMITTEE ARE ALL UNPAID VOLUNTEERS WHO PUT MANY HOURS OF THEIR OWN TIME IN TO THIS ASSOCIATION
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Perhaps there is a need to look back at what the AWGB has done/improved/put in place since the beginning. Bearing in mind that although the AAW is only one year older than us, I think, the mind set of galleries and collectors is very different.
I was the Hon Sec of the AWGB for a few years in the late 90's and can definately see an Assoc that has moved forward positively in various ways.
I have tried for my part to try and demo turning in local secondary schools having just retired from a support role within a secondary school. Not easy to even find a space for a demo even. The emphasis is now mainly on plastics and electronics due to modern needs of production. However, that is not to say that they have blinkers on. One pupil from school decided to design a USB lamp and wanted to turn same. Needless to say when I became aware I offered some help, got him to join our club and AWGB, gave him some basic instruction with a loaned club lathe and tools, and await his GCSE results next week. H&S in school was not an issue, I was the H&S officer. It is the appreciation/understanding of what can be achieved by staff and pupils.
So local is not necessarily easy but we have had input with our local scout group. All we can do is to make 'locals' aware that we are available.
As has been said previously, there needs to be a national priority to show /exhibit what can be created on a lathe.
We have come a long way and those who offer their time at national or club level are to be congratulated. As Reg has said, there is a lot going on. Perhaps the question should be:
How can we get this to the wider audience? This would include the collector/gallery owners/future turners.
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When I do village craft fairs I always take a small lathe and I can guarantee with Mum or Dads consent that quite a few children get realty excited and want to have a go and they always take a bit of wood away with then and a grin from ear to ear and most of them come back year after year some even bring friends so I think one to one is also another way forward at the moment I am teaching one of our grandchildren he is 8 years old and he always takes a turned bit of wood home with him another thing I think is important so we can all do our bit in a small but very important way now I'm going and I will shut the door behind me
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In answer to the question first posed about bringing WY into the future I think in the last 24hrs this has been achieved. Twitter and facebook accounts that should attract younger participants. Well done Andy you have achieved when the rest of us were just discussing!
Regards
John BHT
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my Question was simply a way of getting a discusion started
and i feel i have acheved that the work that the team from the awgb are doing is first class but
there are always other idears out there some times people need a push to let the idears out
take the last 24 hour some one sugested the awgb had a face book page and that idear was taken on board and in fack expanded apon
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Well,, we do have to bring the AWGB into the social media fold.
The Facebook, Twitter and YouTube situation arose because a DVD was sent to all clubs. I suggested using SM to get the contents to both Club members and to a wider audience (than just AWGB members) and Andy has set up the various accounts.
We might get the younger generation clicking on to AWGB and perhaps seeing something they like - but the key issue is that we are now reaching out to the younger market in a way they understand.
I agree with other postings, trying to get the Scouts interested (or even find the mention of woodturning on their site) is not easy.In any case, what happened to the tentative links with The Princes' Trust - another good contact that could be exploited.
This then leaves a larger target market which is being ignored - the mid/late 20's to whatever. How do we reach them?
The young professionals will come on board when we have a desirable "brand" they can buy into.
We probably need to lose the "r'n'b" (round and brown) image we have and the Seminar photos will help this along. More support from Galleries would be great - turners are having to create their own galleries to get work seen and sold.
The demise of woodwork in schools hasn't helped. Those schools that still teach woodwork as part of D & T are notoriously difficult to get into to help them expand this area of their tuition. Our club managed a couple of demos at a local school but haven't been able to follow up. Shame as both the students ther and our members could learn something from each other.
Probably lots more things we can do - at least Ian's posting has got a discussion going!
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Looking at many of the answers to this question, several of them seem point in one direction but none of them have yet mentioned the actual word;
Advertising
I’m not suggesting that we go out and start getting adverts put on TV, or our own TV channel (but there are many craft channels out there) but modern advertising (Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Flicker etc) has been mentioned several times and we now have several of them. Andy, my voice in thanks along with everyone else for these.
But can we expand on that. On one of the TV channels they are repeating the Monty Don programme where he goes through old crafts and the greenwood turning is one of them. I have seen this referred to in many other places (and forums), we need more of the same and covering more modern turning and work.
Also reading through there are many instances of clubs and the AWGB arranging training days.
Excuse the quick detour – I used to be a soldier, heavily into Adventurous Training. We were regularly asked to assist local and national charities in their fund raising events. They would always invite the local TV network along to film the event and interview people, not always but quite often there would be a bit on the evening local news as a fill in item.
Can we get the same, when a club is running a training day for the scouts or similar, or as the AWGB Exhibition moves around the country, can the organisers invite the local station in to film it or a local newspaper to report on it, to get our image out in-front of Joe Public.
That would be the start of expanding our image to the local population, and as each area is covered slowly the country will be encompassed. For each new member raised through this medium the number of people touched will grow (friends, families and work colleagues etc.)
It does not address the other side of the question, having Turning recognised as an art form, but as what we do becomes seen more often, as some of the beautiful pieces produced become more visible to the public, well hopefully, things will develop.
As I said previously – your turn, support me or argue against, but please, don’t read and pass on. All thoughts on this question have much value and worth.
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It has been mentioned a few that we need to move away from round and brown I cat totally agree with this R/B is in a lot of cases a turners bread & butter also a newbie needs a good solid place to start and some of the arty pieces although very very nice could frighten the life out of some that are new to turning and some that are not so new also as a hobby most will only turn for fun and only what they want to turn R/B is the basics the foundation of turning now I dare say some will disagree with me as indeed I disagree with them I call it personal taste both sides of the fence are important and both needed so now I will shut up
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Hi I agree with you woody there should be a place for every one whether or not they are a beginner who is Woodturning as a hobby or someone turning run of the mill parts to make a living and the one turning gallery pieces.Regards John
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Now I do agree with Woody, there is a place for round and brown and I have been an advocate of it for years,but as time passes and your skills increase you will want to turn more complicated and different items. As someone who turns everyday for a living I can honestly say that I would earn a poor(er)living than I do now if all I made was B*R. when you think about it hobby turners(I hate the term amateur) should really be producing stuff to a higher standard than professionals as they are not constrained by time. I know we have had this conversation very recently on this forum so please excuse me for repeating it but for turning to survive it needs to evolve and boundaries need to be explored. We all started with B*R and if you looked at some of your earlier pieces(I have 2 and they make me cringe) you can see that your style and design has evolved possibly without you realising it.I have been turning now for a few years,not as long as some I know,but when I started it was normal to screw the wood to a faceplate and cover the screw holes on completion with felt,I think we have come a long way since then. Look at some of the designs in the old WT books and see how dated they appear.
I never used to use colour on any of my stuff but do so now quite often(I even stain Oak burrs which I thought was sacrilege at one time)So without being conscious of it we are changing turning all the time and it is the acceptance of it that will keep it fresh and desirable not only as a hobby/craft/living but also as collectors/customers/admirers.
Have I rambled here a bit? I do apologise.
Regards
John BHT
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round and brown has its place so dose the more adventurous work
i turn wood for the plesure of it in fact for my own countless bowls and othere items have been smashed, burned or other because i was not enjoying the proses or did not like them
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This is a huge question, and Ian’s initial question was never a problem. We, the Association, are always open to new ideas. Whether or not these are taken up is another matter. It may be that we simply do not have the time or expertise at a given time. I know I keep labouring the point, but we are a voluntary committee and can only do so much at any one time.
Advertising would be great, but any program of advertisements that would be likely to result in a pay off would be financially crippling for the Association, and leave nothing left to provide the member benefits we offer as inducement. Sadly we are always in the position of weighing the cost benefits of everything we do, even down to whether or not we hold committee meeting face to face or via internet software-based conference calls (which is currently under trial) to save travel costs. We are, as an Association of Members, accountable, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Advertising would no doubt result in an increase in members, but that increase would (IMHO) not balance the outlay.
Over the past six years I have contacted local radio, TV and newspapers countless time to get them interested in doing a piece on an event, and the response has always been “no thanks”. If we could guarantee an kitten getting stuck in a chuck they’d probably come in their droves.
The Prince’s Trust is a possibility for the future, and one we have looked at previously. Once we receive full charitable status we will be in a more solid position to engage with them.
The Association have just recently become a member of Arts England under its Voluntary Arts group, which is an initiative driven through the Department of Business Innovation & Skills, and in fact I am attending a meeting in London on the 30th which is specifically concerned with attracting new blood into craft, specifically young people. I am also now a member (on behalf of the Association) of a government steering group responsible for driving craft forward. I will report on these meetings in future Revolutions and e-bulletins.
The Association have also agreed to sponsor a national competition for voluntary craft groups (www.epicawards.co.uk), which includes those clubs and branches who do voluntary (woodturning, in our case) work in the community. Coombe Abbey club and East Herts would be ideal candidates for this in my opinion, but I know there are many more out there doing their part in spreading the word. We feel that our participation in this type of event/group/program can only serve to put woodturning to the fore where it has previously been left unnoticed and therefore unrepresented.
We now have that representation, and in all honesty we have no guarantee of it proving effective, but unless we put ourselves out there we will never know. On a personal level I have committed to the time involved to prepare, attend, and work towards a positive end. This is not, I should add, a new approach. Reg Hawthorne sat on the Craft Blueprint group and attended meetings in London and Belfast on behalf of the Association, and it is through these kind of groupings that the Association is now considered a “player” and invited to contribute to the new initiatives which derived from it.
So whilst it may not always be apparent, we are always looking at viable avenues for furthering woodturning in the UK. With all the avenues now open for the dissemination of this work, you can be assured that you will be kept up-to-date with developments.
And on a final note: I don't think it helps to compartmentalize any area of woodturning during these efforts. Woodturning is woodturning, and whilst the fresher dynamic of the more "artistic" turning is likely to attract a younger audience, we once again have to remember that the Association respresents woodturners as a whole and not show a bias for one flavour over another.
Andy
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The work done by your self Andy and the other volantears it to be comended on the higest plane
And i will always offer my suport when ever i can
but what can us individual turners do to help the awgb ? may be that was a better question to ask ??
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I think all that you and others are doing Andy is great and I'm in agreement with Ian it is very commendable I have been doing demos, teaching and selling in villages fetes and flower festivals in the spalding area for the last 10 years with a lot of success with a large range of ages from children to pensioners but I have now moved so I ask in the local woodturning club if I gave them the details would they take over but no one was interested I am now trying to contact organizers in the new village were I now live so I can the same here it is very rewarding when a child takes away a bit of turned wood in the form of spinning tops, light pulls and the likes and Mum & Dad are so proud of there little boy or girl some older people also want to go on to have turning lessons in my workshop
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May be we should get to gether as im trying to start a lincoln woodturning club
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I have sent you a PM Ian with my phone number give me a call
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Hi guys
There is already an associuated club near Lincoln called Lincolnshire Association of Woodturners - http://www.lincsturn.org/ (http://www.lincsturn.org/)
It's just north of Sleaford and about 15 miles south of Lincoln.
Cheers Atco
PS I'm sorry - I've gone off the subject!
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Hi Andy, I have said it before but I am going to say it again and know doubt I will in the Future Congratulations to you and all of the Committee of the AWGB for the Stirling work you all carry out we the Members should be indebted to you all.Thank You.
The small number of members who read the postings on this Forum do know what is going on but the majority do not know what goes on on their behalf.I would like to see some of these postings printed in "Revolutions" maybe in a different format but at least these are distributed to all members
What do you and other members think?
Regards John
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Hi guys
There is already an associuated club near Lincoln called Lincolnshire Association of Woodturners - http://www.lincsturn.org/ (http://www.lincsturn.org/)
It's just north of Sleaford and about 15 miles south of Lincoln.
Cheers Atco
PS I'm sorry - I've gone off the subject!
That is to far away from me I live in Nottinghamshire and as I am 70 and disabled I cant drive that far
I to am sorry I've gone off the subject!
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The small number of members who read the postings on this Forum do know what is going on but the majority do not know what goes on on their behalf.I would like to see some of these postings printed in "Revolutions" maybe in a different format but at least these are distributed to all members
What do you and other members think?
Regards John
Very good comment, and it shouldn't take any extra time to lift part of some of the posts, would it.
David
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I have been reading these posts, and the Facebook / Twitter offerings, with great interest over the past week or so and I do agree that the views expressed deserve a much wider audience amongst the membership. I am more than happy to attempt to pull all these threads together to make some sort of article for Revs as long as all contributors are happy to have their views published. It is always debatable as to whether they will be read by the majority, but that is another issue. The views, and actions, that have been expounded in these posts are very heartening and make one feel very positive. An even more positive outcome would be a flurry of positive responses to the advert on page two of the new issue of Revs which will be landing on your doormat any moment. Now there IS a challenge.
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HI lionel
I think this is a great idea, very similar to what Woodturning magazine does with the GMC Forum. However, and not wanting to put my foot in it yet again, I think we first need to employ a proof reader!!!
Roger G
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Don't you worry about that Roger, I already have one of the best working totally without thanks or accreditation on the staff of Revolutions. She does it for love!
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then she gets more than the rest of us!
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Hello Lionel,Thanks for picking up on this Idea that I posted. I certainly wouldn't have any objection to anything I have posted on the Forum published in "Revolutions" I wouldn't think any one would after all it is published here.Regards John
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How about asking clubs to support a local event with a hands on opportunity to turn? Materials/signage provided by the Assoc. Clubs just organise the day and provide a lathe and tools. This would build on the twitter/facebook/you tube threads and scout hands on, but also makes turning available to others. A commitment over the next three years would be a way of assessing how succesful the stratergy was. Makes use of 'grants for special events' idea P4 Revs. Full discussion document forwarded to Reg and Lionel.
They are out there but we must try everything to find new turners.
Peter
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Now I have a retraction and apology to make.
Just back (well fed and watered as well) from the Westonbirt Treefest and one of the people I met was a teacher who is using turning to teach woodwork to (as he put it) some of his pupils who are having problems with carpentry joints.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest)
I introduced him to the director of the Max Cary Woodturning Trust and left them discussing the possibility of them doing a day’s tuition under the AWGB trained tutors we have to help progress them in their skills.
So turning is taught in some schools and there is an interest that needs fostering. So Peters idea of supporting local events, of getting out and opening our doors to the young has much merit.
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Thanks for your comments about getting to the younger generation, but hands on stuff as I suggested means we would reach all age groups. There is a tremendous potential with under 20's but there is equally a vast number of older potential turners. We just need to find a way of tapping into this reserve of talent.
Peter
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In my official capacity as SW rep I have this afternoon taken the opportunity to visit the Youth Training event held at Stuart Mortimer's workshop. There were 10 young people there all turning various bits and pieces with help and tuition from experienced and professional turners.I was delighted with the attitude of the students who obviously have a desire to learn but also with the patience and tutoring skills of those doing the teaching. Although serious turning was being done the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and the quality of the work produced was very high. I have witnessed the next generation taking woodturning forward and you could not wish for a more pleasant and polite bunch of young people to carry our craft onwards. Jointly funded by the Worshipful Company and the AWGB there is no doubt in my mind that this is a worthwhile venture and is certainly value for money.
So when someone asks these young people"what did you do over the bank holiday?" instead of the standard teenage reply"not a lot" (I know, I had teenagers!) they can answer something like"I made a bowl,and a kaliedescope and a pen and a spinning top and a...."
To top it all I could not decide who was having the most fun, the students or the teachers!
Well done to all involved with this particular event.
Regards
John Aitken
SW rep AWGB
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Peter...thank you for your suggestions regarding individual clubs and the part they can play in taking woodturning to the "next generation".
In theory it's a good idea, and often in practice to, but the potential for problems remains.
From personal experience at AWGB supported events of this nature it very quickly became apparent that just because an individual turner is willing, it doesn't automatically follow that they are either capable or qualified (in the loosest sense) to tutor. This was the seed that grew into the AWGB Tutors' course.
As an association we cannot, and perhaps wouldn't want to, stop any group running such an event - and they often do regardless - but if it were my personal decision I would insist that every tutor had undertaken the course prior to teaching youngsters.
If we were to formalise any such activity to the extent you imply then I think it would have to be a mandatory stipulation. The other issue is one of cost effectiveness. At fear of repeating myself, we are an Association of members, and have duty to use subscriptions efficiently. Providing a large number of clubs with materials, expenses and display banners Etc., would not, in my experience of similar events, constitute a financial efficiency at present. Should the situation change after Charity status is achieved then this might be something we could re-visit in the future.
For those who feel they would like to be invloved in an activity of this nature there is already one group with a wealth of experience who are looking to expand it around the country - East Herts Woodturning Club. I have already made pleas on a number of occasions for clubs to contact me concerning this, and to date have had none. So I think the likelihood of undertaking a committment for another, almost tandem, scheme is at present unlikely.
If this reads negatively then I apologise. Nothing would give me, or the EC, greater pleasure than a host of such schemes running across the country, but they must be regulated, formalised, and accountable if they are to be AWGB sponsored events.