Future carved out: Bellarine Woodworkers Group’s Charlie Christiaans, at right, with Cr Rod Macdonald, Springdale neighbourhood house’s Anne Brackley and Bendigo Bank manager Craig Taylor at the workshop opening.
TOM BENNETT
BELLARINE Woodworkers Group finally has a new home.
Its dream of owning a modern workshop became reality this week after 10 years of planning and fundraising.
Speaking at the official opening, group president Charlie Christiaans said construction cost $50,000 and took seven months to complete.
“Most of the funds came through membership subscriptions and club fund raising functions,” he said.
“The Drysdale branch of the Bendigo Bank made contributions totalling $8000 and the council gave $2500.”
The club formed 28 years ago and caters to 60 woodwork enthusiasts throughout the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong.
Mr Christiaans said the group included experts in many woodcraft disciplines.
“There are joiners, turners, model ship makers and toy makers among our number.
“Each year we donate a number of wooden toys to community organisations including the Noah’s Ark group and The Salvation Army.
“The toys are then passed on to disabled and underprivileged children.”
Retired males made up about “98 per cent” of the club’s membership, Mr Christiaans said, but the group was keen to attract younger people.
“We plan to run a series of training workshops at our new headquarters on a Saturday morning in the hope of attracting students and workers into our group.”
Mr Christiaans asked anyone wanting to register their interest in joining the group to phone him on 5251 3484.
