Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY CHRIS MAY
Bayside Woodies is proud of its members’ expertise and willingness to provide support to local community organisations.
Earlier this year, Darling Point Special School’s Tammie Carter visited the Bayside Woodies Club with an idea after hearing about the club’s community work. The club’s president and Darling Point School started negotiations about taking on some senior students to teach them woodworking skills as part of the community integration program. After these initial discussions and club visits, a plan was formulated to take on three senior students in October/November this year. Once all the necessary insurance and Education Department requirements were formalised and completed, the date was set. The students were selected and started on October 16 for one morning per week over eight weeks.
The students would be taught woodturning (three weeks), pyrography (wood burning; three weeks) and scroll-saw work (two weeks). So far, they have completed woodturning, making a knife handle and a vase. They have also just finished their first pyrography session and really impressed the teacher with their talent.
Feedback from the teachers and students has been really positive. All three students showed great talent and enthusiasm. It is hoped the students will do well in the future, having been given these skills.
It has been a great success so far. After this initial trial, the club and school will discuss the possibility of taking students on a regular basis.
The club would like to thank Tammie Carter and the school team for initiating this project. I would personally like to thank all of the club members who volunteered their time to teach the students and give them new skills and self-confidence.
