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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Monthly social 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 on the above dates.
A chance to meet other members and to generally socialise. As at previous mornings, we’ll have tea/coffee/biscuits and chats, board games, a quiz, possible talks, updates from committee etc. Hopefully we shall see you there.

Social Tuesdays

We had so much more socialisation when The Shed was closed and it seems 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 - Cards, dominoes, Scrabble and any other social pastimes that you can think of. Roll up and try it.

Some of us have been trying to teach ourselves the rules of MahJongg, they say it's a bit like playing rummy but it got us stuck. So Richard B has arranged for a lady (am I allowed to say that or should it just be a person, no sexism, no gender profiling but boring and not very descriptive) from U3A to come and attempt to teach us the rudiments of the game on February 27^th. In the meantime for anybody that is interested she has suggested trying playing against robots to get the hang of it.

Along with Mah Jongg we have all of the old favourites, Scrabble, whist, rummy, two pack rummy and now added to our repertoire on an occasional basis: Rummikub and Skirrid.

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

Next venue will be The Delme Arms, PO16 8QY

One of our ordinary members has agreed to restart the social event that TonyC made so popular so if you want a chart, a pint and a pleasant lunch along with some other members just contact Derek at the above email and let him kmow.
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