Crafty men mark silver

A crafty bunch of Lara residents has celebrated 25 years of putting their combined handiwork to good use for various community causes.
Lara Woodworkers members and their partners gathered at Little River Hotel this week to celebrate the milestone over lunch and “a beer or two”, said club secretary Jackie Stanger.
The club formed in 1992 on the back of Lewis Harper’s popular woodturning class at Lara’s community centre, Ms Stanger said.
The club began with a membership of 23 before climbing to 28 five years later then settling at a “very active” 17 members in 2017, she said.
“The club is very proud of its work on projects for the community over the years,” Ms Stanger said.
“Annually, members make toys and donate them at Christmas time to the Geelong hospital for the children’s ward. At the request of the hospital, the toys are left in the unpainted state so the children can paint them as part of their recuperation and rehabilitation.”
The club also participated at local fairs where members often fielded requests for items or advice along with offers of materials, Ms Stanger said.
“The club also participates and regularly hosts the regional combined clubs meetings and also visits and welcomes individual clubs to their meetings. Members periodically visit the local retirement village to chat with residents about woodwork and other matters of interest.
The club met on second and fourth Thursday of each month at Lara Secondary College, Ms Stanger said.
She advised prospective new members to email her on jakal1954@hotmail.com or to phone president Mal College on 5283 1565.