Event Reports
West Franklin Opening 2008
Two days following a blessing of the new Franklin Woodturners Club by Ngatiteata Kaumataua the Mayor of Fanklin, Mark Ball, officially opened the clubs new rooms in Waiuku.
The Mayor congratulated the 80 or so people present on the fine effort in the achievement to erect a wonderful facility for the members and one which will be an asset to the community for years to come. With the cutting of a ribbon draped over a mural carved by club members under the tutelage of Kaumatua and club patron George Flavell the club rooms were declared open. A letter from the National Association of Woodworkers president (Mark von Dadelszen) was read out, wishing the club his best wishes for the clubs future. West Franklin Woodturners came into being as part of night school classes in 1998 on November 12th after Len King and Don Brooker placed an ad in the local paper and 25 people interested in forming a woodturning club meet at Waiuku College.
In 2000 a decision was made to build their own clubrooms and after hard work by many club members and funds from charitable organisations, including the ASB Bank Community Trust, the Lion Foundation, Southern Trust, NZ Charitable Trust and the Cue Sports Foundation. A Community Partnership loan from the Franklin District Council was taken up and some generous donations from members were gratefully accepted. Cutting, splitting and selling firewood topped off the ongoing fund raising efforts.
In April 2007 the kitset building was ordered from Customkit Buildings and the foundations were laid in August of that year. This of course was followed by the laying of foundations, erection of framework, roof and the inside finish work, all done under the supervision of building project manager and club member Russell Snook.
Finally the surrounding grounds were landscaped by members and the building was ready for the grand opening where guests were greeted with a glass of wine or juice, and nibbles and invited to look around the clubrooms and at a display of members work set up in the committee room/library. After the official part of the day was over afternoon tea was provided for all those present. During the day the youngest club member Michael Oswald demonstrated his skills on the lathe and turned a natural edged bowl and another bowl which were then put up for a lucky draw for the guest's. One of the bowls was won by Eileen King, widow of Founding President Len King, and the other by Mac Herewini who, on the day, decided to join the club to learn about wood turning - which is exactly what it is all about after all.
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Cutting the Ribbon and the Club Rooms are declared open. |
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A wall of recognition has been set up to acknowledge the sponsors and funders. |
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Afternoon Tea was well received. |
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Good Parking and some easy maintenance gardens finishes off the job. |
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A raised portion of seating gives great visibility of demonstrators at their work |
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Kitchen, maintenance and a Committee Meeting room are located at the end opposite the Raised Portion |