By Ethan Benedicto
The Berwick District Woodworkers Club held their annual expo over the weekend, showcasing works from members of the group which ranged from pens to horses, bowls and more.
The expo, which was held at the Old Cheese Factory, began at 5pm on Friday 12 July and was opened with a speech from Jason Wood MP; this opening ran until 9pm as a little taster for the remaining two days.
Current president of the club, John McMahon said that the group prides itself not just in their pieces and woodworking skills, but also the “camaraderie” that all members have with one another.
“Although we’re focused on woodwork, all the benefits that come from a men’s shed-esque group exist here as well,” Mr McMahon said.
The group’s main focus for the expo has always been to showcase the members’ capabilities as well as acquire new members who might have shown interest, but to Secretary Don Buchanan, the social aspect also plays a big role.
“We try to encourage a community-based organisation, we’re all friendly towards one another, and it’s the social aspect as well which is important to us, and then it’s the woodworking,” he said.
“We do other social things during the year, we go out every quarter, we have luncheons around the area – a big part of [the group] as well is engaging with the community.”
The expo, in addition to Friday’s short viewing also ran on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July from 9am to 5pm with a wide range of demonstrations from wood turning, band sawing, scroll sawing, toy making, pyrography and more.
While some of the items were put up for display only, there were also various pieces that were for sale, as well as a raffle with prizes.
Growth was also a factor that many members have experienced, ever since the decision to run the expos in addition to the original goal of making roughly 800 to 1000 toys annually for donation to children in need during Christmas.
“It’s a two-way street, an opportunity for our members – if they want to – to put their pieces up for sale.
“The public display of the pieces has been encouraging our members to actually diversify [their work] and try new techniques, new technologies, the standard of work is improving as well,” Mr McMahon said.
With the public’s interest now also set on other forms of work besides the toys, it has since given the group’s members “confidence in the quality of their work” and that they “learn from each other”.
Changes, not just in the work but also the demographic has been undergoing for some time, and is more than a welcome change from many of the group’s members.
Chris Drysdale said that in terms of woodworking itself, “there is a transition going on”.
“Instead of just coming and making a big car, with hammers and nails, the whole thing is evolving to wood art.
“Things like pyrography, and other different forms, it’s become broader and it’s reflected in our membership,” Mr Drysdale said.
With proceeds going to Variety Children’s Charity, Mr Drysdale also handcrafted wooden trophies for groups with the most money fundraised for the charity, shaped with the iconic heart and hat.
Through diversity in membership and expansion of new techniques, styles and pieces, the group is looking forward to the future with more projects underway.
