FROM humble beginnings at a home in Wynnum to a membership of more than 100, the Bayside Woodturners and Woodcrafters Club remembered their history and marked their achievements at a 30th anniversary celebration
On Saturday, October 26, members gathered to put on an exhibition showcasing their best works, watch a turning demonstration and take a walk down memory lane reliving parts of the club's rich history.
The club formed in 1989 through the efforts of several local woodworking enthusiasts who wanted to get together to exchange ideas, knowledge and skills.
Three decades ago, Stan Pinner was the treasurer of the Woodturners Society of Queensland and after unsuccessfully trying to get the society to form an associate club in the district, he and Alan Maunder decided to take matters into their own hands.
A number of local men and women who were interested in learning to turn met at Mr Maunder's home.
The first official meeting of the Bayside Woodturners Club was held on May 11, 1989 at the Skillshare building on the corner of Andrew and Ronald streets at Wynnum.
Mr Maunder taught the lessons with the help of members who had knowledge of turning.
Skillshare had one lathe donated to them by Moreton Lathes and a further two lathes were eventually available for students.
In 1993, the Bayside Woodturners Club moved to Ken Tulk's shop and workplace at Thorneside where the monthly Saturday morning meetings and demonstrations were held.
By 1994 the group had grown and was looking for a more permanent home when they found a building at Manly belonging to the local Girl Guide Group.
Several members took up the offer of debentures and with a grant from the local RSL the building was bought.
An official opening of the new building was held in 1995.
In the coming years, state government grant allowed the club to buy new equipment like a dust extraction system and more large and small tools, giving the club a great lift in its ability to offer lessons in skills like turning, carving, scroll saw, and pyrography.
Over the next two decades, the premises were expanded and membership had more than doubled. The club became a familiar addition to events across south-east Queensland, including RedFest.
In 2013 a course in basic woodwork from wood appreciation to basic turning, pyrography and scrolling was conducted for a group of home-schooled children.
Member Chris Young said members were all willing to share their knowledge and expertise freely.
"Together with the friendly atmosphere and sense of camaraderie, I think is what makes our club so special. As we have just celebrated our 30th birthday, we must be doing something right."
