CHAPTER WORKSHOP,

TOGHER

12 Nov. 2016

We had two of our own turners demonstrating for the November workshop in Togher.  There was a good attendance of almost 40 members.

Before getting on with the business of the day we had a minutes silence in memory of our much esteemed past Chairman, Michael Box, who passed away over the weekend and whose funeral takes place from St. James’ Church, Mallow on Wednesday, 16^th November, 2016.

Rest in peace, Michael.  We shall miss your gracious presence in the front row at future workshops.

Brian Goulding opened the demonstrations.  He first made a ring holder from spalted beech.  He made the little spindle first, suggesting it was easier when making the little recess to fit it into in the bowl to bring the spindle to the bowl.  In fact in Brian’s expert hands it fitted perfectly first time.  He also cautioned us that we should consider making the upright spindle suitable to hold a lady’s ring, rather than a larger man’s ring,  as these items are mainly appreciated by the ladies in our lives.  Brian went on to finish the little bowl and had the whole project completed to perfection in very little time.

Brian Goulding with his ring holder

Brian then made a candlestick from beech.  He pointed out that in items like candlesticks and lamps care has to be taken to get the proportions right.  The candlestick he made was in a teardrop shape with a cove between the main part and the base.  He suggested that the measurement from the base to the narrow part below the “belly” of the teardrop should be the same as from the cove to the widest part of the item. 

Sanding has to be at a minimum at out venue and accordingly Brian had completed and finished examples already made for passing around.

Brian smiles.  Happy with his candlestick.

Both items were made in less than an hour, which caused a few people to talk about how little time time we might spend in making an item and how much more time we spend sanding and polishing.

After the break Paddy Lynch demonstrated a beautiful cake-stand made from poplar (tulipwood).  It was in four parts; being the main plate on top, a support under it into which an upright spindle was fitted, the spindle itself and the base.  Paddy, as usual, completed the whole project with great dexterity and precision and all the time keeping up a humorous commentary that sometimes focussed on some hapless observer who happened to catch his eye but also receiving some accurate repartee with great hilarity.  Again Paddy had brought a couple of completed cake-stands (as well as a few sets of the “makings”) to pass around – and to sell (in fairness at very reasonable prices) if anybody wanted to buy them.

Paddy Lynch with his cake stand.

During the break the winners of the monthly competition were announced by Leo O’Donoghue, whose gavel and sounding block made at the last workshop were the subjects.  In “Advanced”, Charley McCarthy was first, Jim O’Donovan was second and Hugh Garrett was third.  In “Intermediate” the winner was P.J. O’Brien with Joe Kennedy second.  There were no entries in “Beginners”.

"Advanced"  winners - in order from left

Intermediate winners - in order from left

Saturday, the 3rd December, is the date for our A.G.M.  Members who want to have an input into the affairs of the Chapter are urged to let their names go forward for election.  Every officership and membership of the committee is open for new blood. 

In line with our Chapter policy of encouraging new/young Irish demonstrators the day will open with a two-hour demonstration by Donal Ryan from the Limerick Chapter.  Donal has made quite a name for himself and, by no means a one-trick pony, he really has made a mark with his thin hollow forms topped with really delicate finials.  He will start at 10.00 a.m. and the venue is the usual Togher venue in the old school across from the R.C. Church.

After the demonstration the A.G.M. will take place and this will be followed by our little Christmas party – bring your own, but enough to share.

OBITUARY: MICHAEL BOX

1922 - 2016

The members of the Cork Chapter were particularly saddened to hear of the recent death, at age 94, of our oldest member and friend, Michael Box.

Michael lived at Two Pot House, outside Mallow, Co. Cork where he hosted many Chapter Workshops over many years.  Following the death of his wife some years ago he continued to reside in the family home outside Mallow where he was lovingly cared for by his daughter, Jackie, to whom we now offer our sincere condolences.

He was from Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds area in England and despite many years living in Ireland he never lost his accent.  He served in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy before relocating to this country.  England’s loss was Ireland’s gain.

He was a talented turner in both metal and wood.

In an interview he gave to John Ahern for the Cork Chapter Newsletter Michael explained that he had no history of working with timber but was a mechanical engineer and toolmaker by trade.  When he retired over 30 years ago he took up woodturning because, as he said himself, “Unlike metalturning, woodturning is a much more skilled and difficult discipline because when the metal lathe is set up it will do the work itself.  In woodturning you have to do all the shaping by hand and by eye.”  At the beginning he attended a course in Craft Supplies under Chris Stott.

Michael’s work was very artistic and he preferred faceplate work.  He was heavily influence by Greek artwork and liked especially one-off pieces that included twist work.  Air-dried ash, yew and sycamore, sourced locally, were his favourite woods.

For his artistic work he designed and built a home-made router jig that is quite unique, was very versatile and that he used to great effect for his intricately designed pieces.

Though his health had declined with the passing of years Michael attended the Chapter monthly workshops up to quite recently where he occupied a front seat, making sure he took everything in.

Rest easy, Michael Box.  You will be greatly missed.