| When I suggested to the Kent Woodturners that we run a free youth training day for up to ten students, little did I know what I was letting myself in for! The day was sponsored by the AWGB and the Worshipful Company of Turners. Our club had the ten lathes, the wood and all the safety equipment as well as our club room at the Friars Aylesford. Four club members: David Cheesman, Peter Blake, Tony Handford and I joined Peter Bradwick from the AWGB executive committee as tutors. Peter also guided us through the maze of paperwork required to set up the day. All the students were beginners and so after a short introduction on safety and the aims of the day everyone was soon getting down to the important business of turning, starting with the basics of turning a cylinder, forming a bead and cove etc. Notes were provided but tutition was on a one-to-one basis. Individuals stopped for refreshments when they felt the need and we had a wonderful three-course meal at the Friars restaurant. In the afternoon after a discussion on producing a bowl blank the boys proceeded to turn their own from a wet blank. Later they produced two bowls, one with wet wood which they took home to dry and finish. The whole day went like clockwork and the enthusiasm of the students was certainly infectious with even a parent joining in to complete the final section of the course. Since the day, two of the boys have since purchased lathes and have taken up turning which is quite a success in the eyes of the branch. All boys were given free membership of the AWGB and went away with a large assortment of items (see Click for the pictures) and an open invitation to attend our monthly meetings (see What's on). |
| Our youth training day in Kent David Reeks |
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