Good turns: Ben Veitz and Eon Pearson at Bellarine Woodworkers’ Drysdale shed.
ERIN PEARSON
HE may be 82 years of age but Drysdale’s Ben Veitz is still learning.
Mr Veitz said he had carved out interesting new skills in woodturning since joining Bellarine Woodworkers three years ago.
The group was also a great way to meet friends and share knowledge, the former Dutchman said.
“When my son started to build his own house I wanted to help so I became good in some areas of woodwork but now my friends have taught me how to use other machines such as a lathe, which I had in the shed gathering dust.”
Bellarine Woodworkers’ Ian Cook said the group had around 50 members but was always looking for new faces.
“We had an older member here the other day who was a learner turner,” Mr Cook laughed.
“It’s nice to be able to hand those skills onto other people. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“Sometimes you start off with firewood and finish with firewood but we get such enjoyment out of trying new things.”
Mr Cook said the club began at Queenscliff High School but moved into a new workshop at Drysdale this year.
“We now have a new outlook on life.”
Bellarine Woodworkers will run a display and demonstrations at Queenscliff Uniting Church hall from December 31 to January 2.
