Our Story
In 1994, neighbours Alan and Trevor Discovered they were both interested in woodturning after each having an interest in a cherry tree in the neighbour’s garden.
From a comment that there must be many woodturners working away in their sheds, and maybe they would be interested in meeting with other like-minded turners.
Alan placed an advert in the local press announcing a meeting on the 14th December 1994. That night 14 people attended and agreed to form a club, it was decided that the club would be called the Fenland woodturners Club as those attending came from a wide area. We still have 4 Founder Members active in the club, including the chairman and treasurer.
Meetings have always been held monthly on the last Wednesday of each month (earlier in December). initially, meetings were based on general discussion and relationship building, eventually developing to more experienced members giving demonstrations. This allowed us to gain a sound financial footing as membership increased.
The club aims to promote the craft of wood turning and assist members to develop and improve as they gain experience.
Eventually, membership had grown sufficiently to allow a program of professional demonstrators on alternate months. The interceding months are classed as ‘Natter Nites” providing a mixture of social interaction, an opportunity to discuss successes, failures and how-to’s. The club has two lathes, which are used on these evenings to explain processes to those seeking to develop skills.
Club competitions are held four times each year. Entries are divided into two categories: Novice and Experienced. Judging is by secret ballot by those present on the evening, votes count to an overall winner each year.
Today, our membership is around 50 who are drawn from an area of 25 miles radius.
When Do We Meet
We meet on the last Wednesday of the month, except December when it is earlier. Our meetings start at 7:00 PM and finish around 10.00 PM. Meetings are open to anyone. On demonstration nights, we have an entrance fee for non-members; on non-demonstration nights, entrance is free to non-members; after two visits, we do ask non-members to join the club and pay the membership fees.
Where Do We Meet
We meet at the Spalding Common Community Hall.
Spalding Common PE11 3AU
(this is not the hall’s post code; it is the nearest property to the hall.)
