NEWS

 WOODTURNING FOR THE SCOUTS AT GILWELL24

For the second year, East Herts Woodturners with the support of Cambridge Woodturners, Herts and Beds woodturners, some professional turners and the AWGB, provided hands-on woodturning taster sessions for Scouts and their leaders attending Gilwell 24 on 9th July 2011.  With support from Henry Taylor Tools, Axminster, Charnwood, Frank Howard Tools, Toolpost, Chestnut, JET and Multistage, 14 training lathes were set up in a specially screened training area of a marquee at the headquarters of World Scouting. This enabled 194 Scouts and Leaders to experience woodturning on a one-to-one basis with an experienced turner.  In addition, 3 demonstration lathes were set up, in an open area, for people to watch woodturning.  A display of woodturned items, ranging from Faberge type eggs to goblets, bowls, platters and clocks, was also set up.  

The new AWGB /Scout Association initiative, which enables Scouts to use woodturning for part of their badge work, was advertised and a large number of leaders expressed serious interest.  Although the clubs involved at Gilwell 24 are willing to support this initiative for Scouts in their own area, Leaders came from all over the UK.  Support for these groups would need to come from clubs in there own area.  If your club is approached for support,  please give it serious consideration.  Our experience of these events is that, as well as helping to introduce woodturning to youngsters, the turners also enjoy themselves."