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AWGB Seminar

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
10,981
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
Now the AWGB Seminar is nearly upon us it brings back a fond memory. Back in 2009 I had been off the lathe for 18 months due to sight loss & several eye operations. I decided to try turning again but I wanted to extend myself so I made a piece incorporating off centre & tilted turning. When Ian Forster rpt & good friend saw my piece he asked if I was going to the AWGB Seminar, I said I was going with Andrew Hall & he encouraged me to enter my piece in the open gallery which I did, against about 400 other pieces from professional & amateur turners from around the world. Of course I thought I stood no chance.

I asked Mike Mahoney for a critique which he gave me, calling over Ray Key & Bert Mash who also critiqued my piece. Bert then smiled & patting me on the shoulder said it’s been picked. My piece was among the top 50 to travel the UK on a year long travelling exhibition. I was gobsmacked & we talked for a while & it was then I told them I’d lost most of my sight. It was a real boost to my confidence & i’m still turning today.

The top of my piece is padauk finished with several coats of danish oil, the base is polished corian, the pedestal being a replica of the top. The piece stands 330mm high & the top piece is 250mm diameter. a fine memory.

DD124976-3D37-4FF6-AA64-A4563D52673A.jpeg
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Fascinating memories and realisations Bill,so many thanks for sharing.The initials AWGB are a mystery to me,therefore its intent and purpose. I can only guess it is an industry leader making your award even more meaningful.Congratulations on way back then.Most of the names you used are mysteries to me also. I guess not buying English or any other countries magazines restricts my experience.

Peter.:goesred:
 

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
10,981
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
Thanks for you comments. John the piece still lives with me, I never sell it as it’s still my inspiration. Peter AWGB is the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain who have an international woodturning seminar every 2 years.
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,452
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
Fine work indeed Bill. Your undoubted skills, which you continue to bring to woodturning despite considerable adversity are a credit to the both you and to woodturning in general.
 

Dalboy

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Posts
7,676
Location
Kent
First Name
Derek
Well done [MENTION=603]Bill Mooney[/MENTION] and well deserved you are a true ambassador for the woodturning community and prove that nothing should hold you back. great piece as always from your workshop.
 
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