Thames Valley Woodturners Guild

04/16/2026

Last week we had a very good demonstration about turing a square bowl. Very informative.

04/06/2026

Good day to you all. This month our meeting is this Thursday April 9.

This is special time of the year. A time when we get a little rain, a little more and if we don't have enough some more. It's a great time to join in the sharing and comradery at the Guild.

This month as seasons change we have had to make a change of our own. I have brought ahead our June demonstrator to fill in for Fred Rodger who will move to June if all goes well.

Paul Jackson will show us how to make a "square bowl". Paul is a man who loves wood and perfection in his work. His company makes the beautiful wood accents that adorn old (new) homes inside and out. I know Paul will not cut corners in this demo. Join in, at The Guild.

We will be having our Show and Tell, and the Draw Table. The money collected at the table helps run the club, offsetting your dues and a great way to pickup some great finds. Great odds of winning.

In May we are having Jim Williams from Peterborough area showing us how to turn a cowboy hat. This is just another one of the great demos that are offered at the guild. For those who have registered to take in his workshop the following day at Lee Valley please bring in $75, the remaining fee for this coarse.

In June we will be having a yard sale at the club so its a good time dust off the items you no longer use and grow some cash. For the rest of you open your wallets and let the dust out.

The doors open a little before 6:30 pm and you are welcome to help setting up chairs etc. Then socialize after set up, at 7:00 pm we get serious. After the meeting if you can help with the clean up it is most appreciated. Many of the board members put in extra hours before and are there early getting set up.

A forest is not one tree but many.
A guild is not one but many.
Let's grow together!

Rob Williamson
President

03/20/2026

Some pictures from last weeks meeting.

03/20/2026

03/09/2026

Well who would have thought a little groundhog would get it right. Looking out today seeing the grass starting to turn green. Spring is starting.

This week we will be having two ladies from William Woodrite give a demo on pen making. The ladies will be bringing the makings for pizza makers, measuring spoons and more. These are small projects that make great gifts, relatively easy and fast to make. The hardware will be available to be purchased. No shipping fee.

In the past month I have been in contact with 3 different people with regarding the closing of their shops. I find this hard to do as I see people transition from something they truly enjoy. They may have pursued turning for 10, 20,30 plus years. I will be posting some of these items (tools, machinery, wood etc) on the web as they come available. This is a chance to recycle.

The Skills day at Lee Valley has concluded the pepper mill project. I hope those who participated will bring in the completed mills for us to admire. Maybe have us over for a BBQ. Speaking with Rick he already has another project planed. Rick is doing a great job running this workshop, I see nothing but smiles coming out of Lee Valley after the class.

See you Thurs.,6;30 doors open and setup. 7:00 you get to listen to me.

When a tree falls you can rush in and bring it back to life!

Make the right choice.

Rob Williamson

02/14/2026

This is Kevin Clay from Stradford giving a coring demo with Oneway coring system at Thuirsday club meeting. Great demo! Answered questions on setup, sharpening the cutter,and using carbide cutters.

02/14/2026

some pictures from last weeks show and tell

01/07/2026

Welcome to the New Year! It is hard to believe, 2026. This Thursday is the start of our new season. 6:15 pm doors open, 7:00 pm meeting starts. Help with setting up chairs and take down appreciated.

The guild will start off with something we all seem to put off. Yes, the art of sanding. It is kind of an art. Mike Sbrocca will be the artist. Mike is a professional wood turner. He will be sharing some tips on sanding and power sanding. Getting a professional to share a few tips can make the difference between night and day. Mike will be coming from the Windsor area and has been a full-time turner for close to 38 years.

The Guild will be holding elections this month for the Executive. If you are interested, let me know.

There are few people that help the guild on a regular basis who do not get the thanks they deserve. Fred Rodger who is sending this notice to you. Ken Kingsbury updates our website. You should look at this; there is a lot of great information in there. Jenn Desjardine, who not only is a great support of the club, but she also prints our name tags. There is an anonymous person who has contributed prizes to our guild. I wish to thank them all.

Reminder: Doug Bruce will be holding an instructional at Lee Valley January 11th and the 18th

One thing that comes up and it is hard to get is fresh ideas. What to demonstrate? Now that we have a larger lathe, this has opened the opportunities for us. I am looking for you to help me here. I need to know what you want to see and possibly share with the guild. I see on the Show and Tell table monthly that there is a lot of talent hiding amongst us. They say you can’t take it with you why not share it with the Guild.

We have made some great “shavings” in the last few years and with your continued support we can continue “shaping” the guild into the future.

See you Thursday
Rob Williamson, President

12/29/2025

Some pictures from our christmas meeting

12/11/2025

Due to the weather the christmas meeting for tonight has been postponed until Dec 18. Stay warm and see you next week

12/09/2025

Chips are flying, snow is drifting, and orders are piling up. Christmas is approaching fast. This week’s meeting is also coming this Thursday. We will be having our annual Christmas ornament exchange. This is where you bring in a homemade ornament right off the lathe, place it on our festive tree. Then right before your eyes, numbers are drawn and you will be matched up with a lucky person. You will then exchange ornaments. You can learn how the ornament was made, socialize, and get your picture taken.

That’s not all! We are going to see what YOU have done this year; that is something special. This could be your very first turning to something that goes beyond. And if that is not enough of an incentive, there will be prizes. Yes, indeed there will be three categories. Novice, Intermediate, and Showoff. If you had won in the past, you would move up to the next level. In case you are wondering, a very generous member has donated the prizes. So don’t feel left out, get something on the table. One entry per person.

There will be a Show and Tell Table

***** Did I mention that your partners are invited. *****

*** One important thing we will be offering your snacks to all, so if you could all bring a little, we can share festive treats.

Remember how fortunate we are. Maybe we should remember those less fortunate. WE turn wood for hobby some people burn wood to try and stay warm. Let's not forget.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Rob Williamson, President

P.S. Upcoming elections in January