Welcome Speech
Welcome to the Sydney Woodturners Guild 20th Anniversary Harbour cruise.
For those who don't know me, My name is Keith Jeeves and I am Vice President of the Guild. Our President, Peter Herbert sends his apologies for not being with us today, Peter has had a rough few weeks with the sad loss of his wife, Pam followed by an illness and on doctors orders has gone to his family in Queensland to recuperate. Our thoughts are with him today as are our wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
We are here to mark the 20th anniversary of the Guild, which occurred on July 4th and to remember and honour the people who made it happen and the people who have played a part in its growth.
I also welcome Guests of the Guild, including Richard and Allison Clark from Trend Timbers who have supported us over many years and John and Jude Austin who are the force behind the Things of Wood exhibitions, the next one gets under way next month and we will be hearing about that later.
We are going to spend around 4 hours on the harbour during which time the bar will be open, a lunch will be served and we can relax and enjoy time with our friends. There is a price to pay for this. After lunch you will be asked to listen to a formal session but for now, enjoy the day.
Main Speech
July 4th 2003 was the 20th Anniversary of the Sydney Woodturners Guild.
20 years ago, a group of students and teachers of The Sydney Technical College met either in homes or at the tech to pursue their hobby of woodturning.
People involved in those early days include;
George Hatfield
John Ewart
Frank Bollins
Mannie Burnham
Bernie Axford
Mac Knowles
Allan Reay
Paul Gregson
Tom Bartie
Bob Howarth
Don Wilson
Archie Cook
Bert Britton
Ken Gray
Geoff Irwin
There were others.
As membership of the Guild grew, the Guild needed to evolve and in 1985, the Committee decided to encourage the formation of Regional Groups.
Over the years, the groups too have evolved and developed. Some groups rationalised, some have come and gone and we currently have ten Regional Groups with six having access to permanent halls and others using schools or business premises for their activities.
Over 20 years, more than 2000 people have joined the Guild with current membership at around 550 with some inevitable late renewals to come. A large number of these people have, over the years, devoted time to play a part in running the Guild and the Regions and among these are people who have put in extra hard yards for the benefit of our members. The work of such people has been recognised by bestowing upon them Life Membership of the Guild.
Arthur Ball
Mannie Burnham
John Ewart
George Hatfield
Tom Bartie
Frank Bollins
Jim Dorbis
Bruce Leadbeatter
Simon Priem
Col Herbert
Doug Midgley
Have all been recognised for their efforts and dedication with Life Memberships.
Over 20 years, there are people who have somehow found the emotional strength to hold the position of Guild President
Mac Knowles
Tom Bartie
Frank Bollins
Arthur Ball
Jonas Kirk
Bill Heller
Mannie Burnham
John Jones
Adrian Barendregt
Peter Herbert
Have all stamped their personalities on the Guild.
Over 20 years, the Guild has evolved from a few mates meeting in a lounge room to the organisation we are today. The Guild will continue to evolve. In times to come, new people will take the initiative and play their part in the story and, inevitably, things will change.
What will not change will be the gratitude and respect that future members will feel towards those who went before them, the same gratitude and respect that we feel for the people we are honouring today.
