The saws weren’t the only thing buzzing at the Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild first open day as spectators with curious minds flooded in.
Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild president Steve Faulkner said more people came through the doors in the first hour than they had expected for the full day.
“It’s very pleasing to see, especially since it’s our first open day,” Steve said as he was busy serving customers.
“We are really just dipping our feet in the water and thoughy we would see how it goes, and by the looks of it, it’s pretty positive with a steady flow of people already.”
On display were hundreds of wooden pieces of work, from intricate flowers to coffee tables and shoe stands, something for everyone.
Busy cutting out a wooden puzzle was the Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild’s oldest member Shirley Patterson.
At 88-years-old Shirley said she had only joined the woodwork club about six years ago after moving to the Bundaberg Region from Mackay.
“I’ve always had a love for wood, I just didn’t know I could do it and now it fills in my time and I enjoy it a lot,” Shirley said.
Shirley normally doesn’t cut puzzles, she crafts clocks and jewellery boxes.
“I’ve made about four clocks that are three-foot-high,” she said.
“My brother was a carpenter and I always wanted to create beautiful pieces from wood and now because of this organisation, I can.”
At the other end of the scale is 16-year-old Rachel Parsons, the youngest member of the group.
The Gin Gin State High School student only joined Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild this year and said it was suggested by her dad, Rick Parsons, after he saw her passion for woodwork at school.
“I like to make bigger objects compared to Shirley, like coffee tables and most recently a saw horse,” Rachel said.
“I would recommend joining the group to anyone at any age.”
New woodwork members welcome
Steve said the woodwork club was always looking for more members and the open day had already had three new people sign up.
The guild meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and the doors are always open for people to pop in and check it out.
“In November we have our large wood and craft expo and if people didn’t come along to the open day they can see us there,” Steve said.
For more information about the not-for-profit organisation phone Steve on 0438 192 776 or find the group on Facebook.
- Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild carves niche at Show
