• Thanks for visiting The Penturners Forum today.

    There are many features and resources that currently you are unable to see or access, either because you're not yet registered, or if you're already registered, because you're not logged in.

    To gain full access to the forum, please log in or register now. Registration is completely free, it only takes a few seconds, and you can join our well established community of like-minded pen makers.

Teaching at Llandudno

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
10,997
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
We went on 2 weeksholiday to Llandudno but the second week I was asked to teach 2 blind members to turn. They have both had experience before they lost their site & are both in their middle 80s.
George hasn’t turned for 11 years & Roy hasn’t turned for 3 years. I have also taught Philippe, one of the craft instructors to turn.
I must say I am as proud as punch for the 2 lads as they now have the confidence to try turning at home. A lot of the techniques they learnt are totally different to what they are used to so it’s been a steep learning curve as they have virtually no site at all. Blind Veterans UK is a wonderful charity
Both turned a 6” bowl from ash.they both also made a Pen each. Unfortunately I don’t have a pic of their pens.
You’ll have to forgive the pics as I only took them on my phone & somehow the bowls look oval but in fact they are perfectly round.the main priority isn’t the pics it’s the bowls.

From l to r. Me, Philippe, George & Ray.
E1F4A27F-FD42-41C9-9D45-E047024E4189.jpeg

George’s bowl.
DFA9AF8A-2768-49CE-AB85-1DF3059DC12E.jpg
D60AD012-4B22-49FB-A6AE-79F2EFEE605E.jpeg
716FC4EE-FD4E-4676-A784-02FF0D9B80C1.jpeg

Rays bowl.
D2354D10-A9AB-4144-BE57-C855326B4484.jpeg
08FF7755-6FC8-4243-AF51-899FDA1B3FC7.jpeg
73D0D18D-6E18-4FEA-AF2A-A27FDB504CF6.jpeg
 

silver

General dogsbody
Executive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Posts
6,301
Location
Somewhere in Staffordshire,
First Name
Eamonn.
Wow, well done Bill.

Superb effort and can see the enjoyment on the faces as well..

Nicely turned out bowls as well. Top marks to the teacher and the students.:thumbs:
 

Dalboy

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Posts
7,679
Location
Kent
First Name
Derek
There is no better man to teach them Bill well done to you and them. They certainly look as though they enjoyed themselves
 

Unique

Registered
Joined
May 7, 2017
Posts
251
Location
Kent
First Name
Tony
Tremendous.
You've obviously done a great job in teaching them to be able to get such super results.

Regards

Tony
 

KevinMc

Graduate Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2017
Posts
594
Location
North East England - Tyne & Wear
First Name
Kevin
Oh well done Bill

If they learnt as much as I did when I called round to your workshop it will be great..

It just makes me feel in awe of them as I am supposed to have all my senses and I know the challenges I have..

Congrats to all..

Kevin :banana:
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Thats a fit looking young fella on the left of picture Bill, obviously takes good care of himself.Wonderful result mate being 83 myself I know the feeling of the two turners without the eye disabilities. Society owes you a great debt mate,many thanks for sharing. Happy New Year to you and LLandudno, wish you all the best mate. Bet those guys are pleased as punch.

Peter.
 

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
10,997
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
Thanks for your kind remarks. These guys were brilliant. They came in not knowing what to expect, they thought they had no chance & their cups were half empty. Well, they listened, took notice & learned to turn again using the new techniques we showed them They went home with their cups half full. They shook our hands & had big smiles while their wives shed tears of joy at the improvement of their wellbeing. Satisfaction by the bucket load. A new beginning for them hopefully & 4 new friends made. What more can I ask. They soon settled into a relaxed mode when they knew I was as blind as them.
The charity will keep in touch in a few weeks to see how they are going so it can offer more help if needed.
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,455
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
Heart warming stuff Bill. I can't conceive if turning with impaired sight, let alone teaching with impaired sight to others in a similar predicament. Hats off to all concerned.
 
Warning! This thread has not had any replies for over a year. You are welcome to post a reply here, but it might be better to start a new thread (and maybe include a link to this one if you need to).
Top