Club Profile

The city of Cambridge needs no introduction – famous for its history, University and beautiful buildings. What may be less well known is that it has a thriving Woodturning Club.

Origins

Cambridge Woodturners was founded in 2000 with a starting membership of around 20; some of the original members are still regular attendees at Club meetings. Being an Affiliated Branch of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) allows the members to take advantage of all the benefits available - discounts, insurance etc.

Like most woodturning clubs its aims are to promote woodturning within and outside the Club. The old hands are always willing to give advice to the newer members and often prove the old saying – ask 10 woodturners how to do something and you’ll get 11 different answers!

A Growing Membership

Club membership currently stands at over fifty, spanning a wide spectrum of abilities from veterans to novices but all with a common enthusiasm for woodturning. The Club has recently seen an influx of new members, many of whom are beginners. Chairman David Lewis says: “The fact that in this computer-oriented age there is a growing interest in woodturning is something that we find most encouraging. If this trend is reflected in other clubs, then the future seems very healthy.”

The Club prides itself on its friendly atmosphere. Being smaller than some clubs has the advantage that new members soon feel at home and are encouraged to take part in the activities for instance, the monthly competition, hands-on evenings.

Activities

An interesting and varied monthly programme includes demonstrators from outside and within the Club and hands-on sessions with three or four lathes.

Every month the club has a competition, designed for everyone to enter. Entries are judged on design and finish so it does not matter whether the item is large and complex or small and simple. Topics so far have included a candlestick, see picture to left, a goblet, a platter and other items suitable for both beginners and advanced turners.

The Annual Competition provides the opportunity for members to really show off their skill and produce a subject of their own choice.

We have also had a stall at the Cambridgeshire County Show for the last four years at Wimpole Hall. We are now recognised as a prime attraction in the Craft Marquee.

The Club has also participated at Turn Essex and is constantly seeking more opportunities to demonstrate woodturning to the general public. Several members attend craft fairs where they also promote the Club.

We hope to participate in more local shows to promote woodturning in general and the Club in particular.

More Information and Contacts

Club meetings are generally on the first Thursday in the month and visitors are assured of a warm welcome.

Please contact the Club Secretary, Edmund Rose, on 01223 832605 or edmund@markby.wanadoo.co.uk