by Luke Voogt
Geelong’s craftiest woodworkers will put their timber treasures and talents on display in an annual exhibition beginning Saturday.
“See live demonstrations of wood turning, scroll sawing, wood carving, pyrography and clever joint making,” said Neil Galloway, president of Barwon Valley Woodwrights.
“And the kids can make a toy and take it home for free.”
The Leopold grandfather has been in the group almost a decade and enjoys seeing members, aged in their 20s to 80s, sharing techniques and inspiring each other.
“There are some people here that can do things with their eyes shut that I struggle with,” he said.
For the woodwrights nothing beats “making something they didn’t think they could” and displaying it at home or gifting it to loved ones, Neil says.
Neil recently made some humble coasters to give to his wife’s cousin for her 90th birthday.
“She just loved it because it was something handmade,” he said.
The group meets twice monthly plus special workshops for particular items such as cutting boards or jewellery boxes.
“They learn skills at the club, then go home and churn out their own products,” he said.
“There’s an enormous amount of Australian timbers that can be made into beautiful things.”
Barwon Valley Woodwrights’ annual exhibition runs 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, at Anglican Church Hall, cnr McKillop and Moorabool St, Geelong.
“Beautiful timber products will be on sale at very attractive prices, so it’s a great opportunity to purchase special gifts for Christmas presents or special occasions,” Neil said.
Entry is $5 for adults and free for children, with a sausage sizzle and coffee onsite. For more information phone Neil Galloway on 0438 020 645.
