Who we are
Jorvik Woodturners Group is a friendly group of enthusiasts, hobbyists and teachers. We meet on the first Friday of the month in Wiggington Recreation Hall at 6:45 pm (parking on site). We usually have a demonstration from an experienced professional woodturner and sales of finishing materials and wood blanks.
History of the Group
The club was started by Tim Evans who was watching a woodturning demonstration at a show where he told the demonstrator he wanted to start a woodturning club. The demonstrator responded, saying it would never get off the ground.
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Tim walked away feeling downbeat, only to be approached by two gentlemen who had overheard the conversation, both of them showing an interest in the idea of forming a club. A meeting date was set for February 2nd.1995. A notice was put in the York press inviting interested parties to the inaugural meeting.
Twelve people attended that first meeting which saw the start of the Jorvik Woodturning Club.
Over the last 30 years monthly meetings have been held, usually with a professional demonstrator. .Firstly in Barry Murphy’s shed in Thorganby. Then after Barry’s untimely passing, moving to Earswick village hall until March 2020 when the world stopped due to Covid. Meetings resumed in July 2021 in our present venue in Wigginton.
We have demonstrated at various events over the years including Beningbrough Hall and Nunnington Hall and have had a stand at the Harrogate show for many years.
The current membership stands at 60 plus with every level from total beginners to RPT appointed turners as well as four AWGB qualified tutors.
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So as you can see, far from not getting off the ground the club continues to thrive, all thanks to Mr. Tim Evans
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Steve Brankley
