Twenty seven years ago an invitation was issued to interested woodworkers in the Eltham district of Victoria to meet to discuss the possibility of forming a woodworking club. The district has a rich history of being a centre of arts and crafts.
At that first meeting a club was formed, and established were the operating guidelines and focus on skills improvement which set it on a dynamic course. Besides a love of all things wood, active participation in local community festivals and an annual exhibition of members’ work was agreed to.
The fraternity of woodworkers is known for supporting and encouraging fellow enthusiasts, particularly those who are less experienced. This support has been fundamental to the club and a major factor in attracting and retaining members as well as creating a non-competitive club culture. Enthusiasm is infectious and our club has been most fortunate to have many enthusiastic mentors.
From early meetings in member homes, the club progressed to having workshop premises and facilities leased from the local Nillumbik Shire in the nearby suburb of Yarrambat. A range of woodworking machinery and equipment has been built up and improved over the years.
Members number around a 100 and utilisation of the facilities is strong on most days. The club supports a diverse range of woodworking disciplines and within the club there are workshops where sub-groups of turners, carvers, scrollsawyers, pyrographers and furniture makers meet regularly.
2014 Annual Exhibition & Demonstrations
This year’s exhibition will take place on the weekend of November 8–9, 2014 at the Eltham Community Centre, Main Road, Eltham. It will combine a public exhibition of members' work, demonstrations and children’s woodwork activities. This event has grown in stature from an inaugural exhibition of 45 items from a membership of 17 to present day items in excess of 250 from near 100 members along with an improvement in the quality and diversity of exhibits.
For more information contact:
Geoff Oliver (Exhibition Coordinator), tel: 03 9432 9047
Barry Vaughan (Secretary), tel: 03 9439 7901