Woodturners welcome new home at Forestville Community Centre

No one is happier than the Sydney Northern Beaches Woodturners Inc. as they have a new home at the former Forestville Girl Guides Hall which has been completely revamped and renamed in their honour as the Northern Beaches Woodturners Building.  

We spoke to 83-years young President Jack Butler to find out more about what they do and how they will use the new space.

Q) How long have you been woodturning?

I joined the Peninsula Woodturners Group in September 1999. I have served as President for approximately 12 years and recently re-nominated for the position.

The Peninsula Woodturners was formed by a group of six enthusiastic woodturners in 1995. Meetings were held at members’ homes and other locations before the group was incorporated in 2006 and renamed Sydney Northern Beaches Woodturner Inc.

Q) Tell us about what the Sydney Northern Beaches Woodturner Inc do?

We are a not for profit organisation that work to promote the art of wood turning as well as inspire and encourage its members to challenge themselves and acquire new skills. We combine this with social engagement in an active, friendly and cooperative environment.

We are also active in supporting local charities with cash donations and wooden toys made by our members.

I have taken a major part in the training of new members, tutoring HSC students with their major assignments, demonstrating wood turning for my group as well all the other affiliated groups throughout NSW.

Q) What does it mean to the group to have a new building?

The new facility is the culmination of many years of fundraising and over four years of discussions with Council in searching for something suitable.

We are absolutely delighted with the outcome. The 1960’s building now meets current standards and our specific technical requirements. It provides amenities that we have needed, but never had in the history of the group.

The new facility will not only provide for the future expansion of the club but will also provide a space to share with other community groups and clubs to form what may become a working “creative hub”.

Q) If someone is interested in joining the group, do they need to have any skills?

No experience is necessary only a willingness to be inspired and to learn. We provide tuition for beginners through to solutions for complex and challenging woodturning projects. All tools and equipment are provided. If you’re interested, get in touch with us via our website.

Q) Are you excited to see the final product?

We can’t wait to start woodturning in the new facility. We would like to thank all the Councillors and Council staff who were involved in this project. Their enthusiasm, genuine interest and professionalism in every aspect of the challenges faced in bringing this old building back to life are commendable.

The success of this project was due to the collaboration between Council and the wood turners. Their support and cooperation allowed the whole project to run smoothly and it is a good example of what can be achieved when we all work together.

Council will lease the space to the group, so they can have their machinery and workshop permanently set up while an additional meeting room will be available to the public to hire. Anyone interested in hiring the additional meeting room, should contact the Woodturners.

The group is currently housed at North Narrabeen, however will be relocating to their new Forestville space by Christmas and will be up and running by January.

For more information about the group or to join, contact the Woodturners.