Here’s what one of our newest members has to say about a training day with the GAW :
Thoroughly enjoyed the day and came home buzzing with enthusiasm. If the committee are in any doubt of the value of these training days, please don’t be. I, and I’m sure all that attend, increase their skills and are very grateful for the time the tutors give for free. Now, with the guidance I received, I have made my first box and learnt a lot.
Demonstrations @GAW
October : Stewart Furini RPT
In October we will welcome another new demonstrator to the GAW – Stewart Furini.
Stewart has demonstrated in many clubs and woodturning events in England, as well as demonstrating at trade events in Sweden, and Austria, and national seminars in Ireland, Spain and Greece. He was also a demonstrator at the 2025 AAW International Woodturning Symposium in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Alongside teaching and demonstrating, Stewart also makes regular videos about turning and decorative techniques which you can find on his YouTube channel. He also wrote a year long series of articles in Woodturning magazine on how to use colour and texture in turning.
Not surpisingly from the above, Stewart’s demonstration will focus on different ways to apply colour and texture to your work!
September : Simon Hope RPT
We were joined by Simon Hope who came over from Essex for both the club night and a masterclass the following day. While Simon started by apologising that everything he did would be using his own ‘Hope Woodturning’ tools, he proved to be an excellent turner and showed just how good his tools are (in the right hands!) As one member commented afterwards
Can’t remember when I enjoyed a sales pitch so much 😂. Seriously a most enjoyable day that both showed the benefits / capability of Simon’s tools and his considerable skill as a turner and presenter.
On the Wednesday evening he showed us how to make a beaded box including a cast pewter textured rim and a blackwood stem (above).
At the masterclass on Thursday Simon made three items :
- A threaded acorn tape measure holder;
- A seashell-shaped box salt shaker;
- An easy intro to a resin-filled platter for entry-level resin users.
All were made to an excellent standard in a very easy, relaxed and entertaining manner. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Simon again in the future.