Presented by Lions Camp Kanga in association with The Proserpine Woodturners Group. |
Article that appeared in the Australian Woodworker Issue #103 June 2002 |
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Photo 1: Proserpine group member John Doyle turning an urn he made using stave-type construction. |
The Proserpine Turnout Could there be a better place to run a woodturning workshop than the shores of Lake Proserpine in North Queensland? Aside from the wonderful company of fellow turners, there is an abundance of Red Claw and Barramundi (up to 1.2 metres long) waiting to be caught, and the nearby Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier reef - with some of the world's greatest diving and fishing at your fingertips. Over sixty woodturners from as far as Balina and Brisane to the South, Cairns and Atherton in the North and Clermont in the West, gathered together at Camp Kanga over the weekend of 2-4 November. It was the first workshop ever to be held in North Queensland and the Proserpine WoodturnersQueensland were more than pleased with the response. Turning was carried out under a very large marquee, which was equipped with thirty lathes, a bandsaw, bench drill and tables. |
Friday afternoon was a settling in session, with everyone getting to know one another, putting their gear into their cabins, setting up lathes and starting to turn. Many were also able to secure their free pieces of Mackay Cedar form the trailer, before it all vanished. After dinner on Friday night visitors were officially welcomed and introduced to the host club's members by Con (the Club President), and the programme for the next two days was explained. Small prizes were given out to Les and Judy Roberts of Balina for the furtherest traveled and Gary and Therese Weston of Cairns for the first entry. Lucky entry prizes of a chuck - kindly donated by David of SE Qld Woodwork Supplies - was initially won by club member Eric Kiehne, who very sportingly put it back in the draw to be won by the Griffith's of Ayr. |
Photo 6: A table showing some of the work from the turners in attendance. |
along a very large and heavy Inland Rosewood vase, which is his specialty. In all there were lots of Interesting Pieces from almost everyone there. |
Photo 2: These kaleidoscopes were made over the weekend, for disabled kids in Townsville. |
Photo 3: The Teams' spindle turning race was great, and had everyone in fits of laughter. |
Photo 4: Proserpine Group member Ray, in deep discussion with Colin of Mackay. |
Sunday morning found the turners hard at it getting things finished before lunch, when the presentation of certificates and prizes was performed, rounding off a great weekend. Many new friendships were established, and turning in North Queensland took a great leap forward. The Proserpine Turnout 2002 will be run on the weekend of November 1-3, and interested Woodturners can be added to the mailing list by contacting Con Jansen, Tel: (07) 49461 211, or email: ceejay@wilpat.com.au. |
Photo 5: Elaine of Innisfail was one of several lady turners. |
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Participating turners were able to purchase a kaleidoscope kit at the cost of $5 (kindly supplied by Carba-Tec), and during the weekend produce a toy that would be given to the Disabled Children's home in Townsville. This turned out to be a great project, with lots of different designs and wood being utilized. Derek Giles of Brisbane took out the prize for this event. Saturday was the big day - everyone sharing ideas, teaching and helping one another, and generally having a great time. There were even special activities organized for non-turning partners, such as a trip to the local markets and a museum. On display in the tent were some great pieces from top turners, including David May of Brisbane, Ron Girdler and Laurie Chetter. of Rockhampton and John Doyle of Proserpine. Jock Lumsden brought |
Saturday afternoon featured the Great Teams Race, in which teams of randomly picked turners compete against one another producing "decorated" spirals in an allocated time. The action was frantic. So much cheating went on that the winners were only declared after the judge had been bribed with a round of free drinks. This had everyone in high spirits for the BBQ dinner, complete with Red Claws, held lakeside that evening. |
