Category: AWGB News

News relating to the AWGB

Ray Key Tribute Collaboration

Ray Key passed away on the 14th of September 2018.
Amongst his achievements are:
 
Becoming the  founding Chairman of the AWGB in 1987.Awarded life membership in 1997 and appointed President in 1998.
 
In 2001 he was made a Life Member of The American Association of Woodturners (At this time the only non-American afforded this honour).
 
in 2002 Ray was made a Freeman by presentation of the Worshipful Company of Turners. In 2011 through the Worshipful Company of Turners he became a Freeman of The City of London. In 2012 the Worshipful Company of Turners presented Ray with their first ever “Master in Turning’ award” and in 2017 he was awarded the status if Liveryman by presentation.
 
In 2015 Ray was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List (for services to the craft of Wood Turning).

Ray left a large number of part turned pieces of work which his wife Liz and son Darren have kindly agreed can be used for this collaboration project.We plan to use this opportunity to celebrate Ray’s huge contribution to the AWGB and turning worldwide

We are inviting turners from around the world, who have at some point had a connection to Ray, to select one of the unfinished pieces of work, finish it in their own style and to return it to be included in an exhibition (in July 2019). We also intend to produce a book documenting all pieces and contributors. Ultimately the pieces will all be sold and the proceeds will be shared between Ray’s widow Liz and the AWGB development / grant funds. The AWGB plan to use some of the funds to set up a commemorative bursary or award to honour Ray’s memory.


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Amendment to the Offensive Weapons Bill

The home office have drafted a number of amendments to the offensive weapons bill in an attempt to reduce knife crime. However, the amendment they are proposing will make it illegal to deliver any bladed product to a residential address. This also applies to purchases outside the UK.

The AWGB is opposed to this bill because it would severely impact on woodturners trying to pursue their hobby.

We suggest you contact your local MP and explain the shortcomings of the proposed changes. You can also sign the petition to have article 15 removed from the bill by following this link https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/222776

We are trying to do what we can to get the bill amended.

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New Officers

We are pleased to announce the following new members of the team –

Webmaster & data manager: Carl Burn

Workshops coordinator: Alan Buckle

Alan will be dealing with bookings and place allocations on our training workshops.

AWGB ambassador: Phil Irons

Phil’s role will be partly helping out with the day to day running of the organisation, partly representing the AWGB and partly bringing his extensive experience to bear by acting as an advisor.

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The Worshipful Company of Turners Bursary Awards 2019

Every two years the Turners’ Company offers one or more bursaries, worth up to a combined value of £10,000, to help talented woodturners develop their skills and move to a higher level of achievement. the awards are open to UK resident turners whose work is well regarded by their peers and who can put forward a clear plan for how the award will advance their work, expand the boundaries of turning and raise the profile of the craft.

For more information visit the Turners’ Company online here.

To download more information about the bursary scheme click on the link:

Bursary Rules 2019

You can also download the application form using the link below:

Bursary Application Form 2019

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Trustee resignations

Both Howard Hughes (northern regional representative) and Paul Middleton (webmaster and data manager) have resigned from the executive. I would like to thank Howard and Paul for their contributions during their time as trustees.

The vacant posts will be temporarily covered as follows: northern rep post – Russell Gibbs; webmaster and data manager: Paul Hannaby

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New Club Competition

2018 Seminar Club Collaboration Competition

At this year’s Seminar, the AWGB is introducing a Club Collaboration Competition involving a
minimum of five club members to produce a wooden tractor. First prize for the winning team will be £250, second prize will be £150 and third prize will be £100.
1. The Collaboration Competition is open to both Affiliated and Associated Clubs and judging will take place at the 2018 International Seminar, to be held at Yarnfield Training and Conference Centre from 5th to 7th October 2018.
2. Club teams should comprise of a minimum of 5 Club members and each club may submit one entry.
3. The theme for the competition is a Tractor and judging emphasis will be on as many  working/moving parts as possible. Battery powered, moving components are NOT permitted.
4. The maximum dimensions are 40cms long x 30cms wide x 25cms high
5. The tractor must be made solely from wood, which may be any variety.
6. Preference in judging will be given to turning techniques as opposed to other disciplines such as carving or pyrography.
7. Clubs must submit a materials list with their entry, together with any supplementary plans or techniques that may assist the judges with their decision.
8. Judging is ‘blind’ and therefore any documentation should NOT contain information that will identify the club or individuals.
9. However, the AWGB competition co-ordinator WILL require a separate, full list of participants in the collaboration, together with photographs of the participants and of the entry, during  production.
10. The judge’s decision is final.

Get those thinking caps on and teams organised! We are looking forward to seeing what can be produced.

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