Upcoming events

It would be greatly appreciated if you could drop an e-mail to the contact for the particular event to let them know if you will be going as it can be pretty difficult trying to arrange anything if numbers are unknown.

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Last month (September) a talk on the development of the Supermarine Spitfire at Hursley followed by a celebration of Gordon H's reaching the ripe old age of 90 (go Gordon). This one really could not be missed.

This month (October) a chat from our old friend, Heidi from Asda, about breast cancer. She did this a couple of years ago but since then we have had quite a number of new members so, just like the old chestnut prostate, it certainly doesn't hurt to be reminded. Followed by a demonstration and sing-along from an a capeela group of sea shantiers, so make sure that you have used your inhaler and bring a healthy set of lungs to join in.

The reason for Catisfield meetings.

We had been looking for somewhere that would be accessible for our emeritus (members of long standing that because of various reasons are no longer able to attend our Shed) and ordinary members that struggle with our current venue to meet on a regular basis, so we have booked the Catisfield Memorial Hall for the last Tuesday morning of every month (except December).
A chance to meet other members and to generally socialise. Normally we will have tea/coffee/biscuits and chats, board games, a quiz, possible talks, updates from committee etc. but it depends what is happening on a particular day.Hopefully we shall see you there.

Social Tuesdays

We had so much more socialisation when The Shed was closed and it seemed to have tailed off somewhat since we have re-opened. In an attempt to recreate the fantastic atmosphere that was generated then, we are opening on Tuesday afternoons purely for socialisation although every second Tuesday we meet at The Shed at 13:45 and car share to Florence Court where they supply fantastic cakes and coffee for our delectation. - Cards, dominoes, Scrabble and any other social pastimes that you can think of. Roll up and try it.

We have all of the old favourites, Scrabble, whist, rummy, two pack rummy and now added to our repertoire on an occasional basis: crib, Rummikub, Skirrid and Skip Boo.

Woodies Wednesdays

Woodturners live afternoon meetings have begun following successful Zoom meetings during Lockdown. The turning group is currently 7 or 8 members strong and meet every Wednesday afternoon.

The initial session went through training notes on the safety aspects of using our lathes followed by a 'hands-on' demo of spindle turning.

A couple of new members, new to woodturning, had a first lesson and seemed keen to take this up.

Alan P demonstrated use of a Roughing Gouge and Spindle Gouge. Barry G was also on hand to offer hints and tips.

The second session started with tea, biscuits, a YouTube demo on Spindle Turning and was followed by some hands-on practice using both lathes with Alan and Cliff tutoring. One piece started off as a log with the roughing gouge producing a great quantity of bark chippings and the other was a square section piece of timber. Both ended up smooth and round as was the intention!!

Alan demonstrated the use of the skew chisel, feared by many but a very usable tool once mastered!

In addition to Wednesdays, further one-to-one sessions have been offered where interested.

We should have a stock of 'round items' made ready for summer and Christmas fayres!

A successful start to the new year and a new 'start-up' group that hopes to grow and develop its skill base.

Author:
Cliff Jones

Clock watchers

Ajith introduced Pete Green to The Shed as Pete had a desire to relocate the horological group that he belonged to from Brookfield School, where they could only meet in the evenings, to somewhere that they could use during the day. After a quick meeting with the Trustees it seemed to be a perfect fit. They would use the facilities at a 'dead' time and we would gain not only a bunch of new members, but a new group that could well be of interest to existing members.

John Davis has agreed to become the team leader so if you are horologically minded and you have the time, just turn up, speak with John, and see if it's for you.

Gents that lunch

Last one was at Avenue 141. See the write-up from our new scribe, Paul Baldacchino on our activities and projects page

Just the job for a social gathering wiith some other members. A lunch, a beer and plenty of chat.