December 2022 newsletter
Cheril Barber
Welcome to our final newsletter of 2022 as we hurtle towards Christmas and a well deserved break. So we've survived yet another challenging year of Covid, course disruptions, cancellations and on top of that the dramatic floods here in Nelson.
Despite all of that it’s been a busy year with full courses, a great atmosphere and creative energy here in the workshop with lots of new and familiar faces. A big thank you to all for your continued support through these rocky times!
A huge thank you to the wonderful team of tutors, technician, trustees and volunteers that keep this very special place going - your commitment, passion and ability to go way over and beyond the call of duty are very much appreciated.
So from the small but MIGHTY team we wish you all happy holidays and here's to 2023 - let's hope it's a vintage year.
So here’s an unashamable plug for those who are looking to buy meaningful Christmas presents – how about a lovely Centre for Fine Woodworking Apron or a gift voucher to put towards any of our courses ? Wouldn’t that make someone you know really happy ?
If either of these options sound like a good idea and an easy tick off your “Xmas To Do List” the please get in touch.
Gift vouchers can be personalised and emailed to you so you can print it off, but if you want an apron then we will do our very best to get it to you in time.
The school workshop is closed from Friday 16th December and will reopen on Monday 9th January 2023. You can take a chance and email during closure as emails will be checked sporadically or you can get in touch once we reopen.
2023 Short Course Programme
The timetable for next year’s short course programme is available here so you can start hatching a plan to come and spend some time with us in the workshop. For anyone who is around the Nelson region in mid – January we have a spaces available on the Woodworking Basics course 12th -15th January and also on Hape Kiddle’s - Carve a Mobius course 20th-22nd January – get in touch if you would like to enrol.
2023 Furniture Makers’ Programme
We are delighted to watch the growing trend in those expressing interest in enrolling on the Furniture Makers’ Programme – our flagship 32-week full time, four term intensive course which runs each year.
Our 2023 Programme has been fully enrolled for many months but due to unforeseen circumstances we have just had a cancellation. If you are interested in submitting (or resubmitting) an application to attend the 2023 Programme then please get in touch.
Full details of the course, the prospectus and application process can be viewed here on our website.
Early next year we will have the scheduled dates for the 2024 programme on our website and will be open for applications at the end of January.
FOR SALE
We are excitedly awaiting the delivery of our new sliding table saw!! Regrettably we made the decision that our lovely old Wadkin saw (which has been with us since day dot) is no longer coping with our demands. This wonderful machine, as well as our 12” Wadkin jointer, will becoming available for sale early in 2023.
Both machines are 3-phase and have been tenderly overhauled and cared for throughout the time we have owned them (approx 14 years). Both machines have their operating manuals and we would love to see them rehoused to someone who is going to put them to good use. Delivery time for the table saw is a bit vague at this stage but if you are interested in learning more about either of these machines or would like some further details then please get in touch.
We also have a a number of Veritas saws 12tpi ripsaws – they have hardly ever been used so are in very good condition $125 Plus postage
Exhibition
Just a reminder that as our 2022 Furniture Makers’ Programme had a delayed start – due to Covid/border closures/Nelson flooding (!!!) we will not be having our usual timing in December of our graduate exhibition. This will now take place in early May and we will keep you posted with further details early next year.
Friends of the School Relaunch
Over the last couple of years with all the chaos that has happened, our Friends of the School programme has been put on a bit of a back burner. In saying that we are very grateful for those kind people who continue to make donations to us.
We realise that not everyone is aware that the school is a registered charity and a not for profit organisation. Any surplus funds or grants generated go directly back into adding tools, equipment, people, creative opportunities and enhancing the student experience.
To mark our sixteenth birthday early next year we will relaunch the Friends of the School donation programme in the hope that this will be well supported in placing us in a strong position for future generations of fine woodworkers. It's hard to quantify how many students have been through the school over the years but we estimate it is around 2000. That's 2000 people that we have upskilled and inspired, and no doubt many of those 2000 people have shared their newly found knowledge and shared it with someone else they know too. Isn't that a heartwarming fact - that we really are protecting, preserving and passing on the craft of fine woodworking to so many people. Warm fuzzies all round.
Those of you who know us, truly understand the level of passion, hard work, grit, determination and stamina that goes into running this very special place. We do it because we truly believe in the school's vision to offer the highest level of fine woodworking in the Southern Hemisphere.
We are always open to hear ideas regarding fundraising and/or sponsorship so if you can help us in any way we would love to hear from you.