The “Woodies” at Cooroora Woodworkers Club are once again busy preparing for their annual show in May (10th and 11th) as part of the Cooroy Fusion Festival. The club celebrates its 25th birthday this year and they are fortunate to have foundation and life members at the show to demonstrate their many woodworking talents. One of these members, Alan Warner, a quiet achiever, has consistently maintained his involvement in the club throughout the years. From hands on building of the clubhouse to providing workshop maintenance and sharpening of chisels Alan has contributed his time and energy. Over the years he has held positions of President, Vice President and now serves as a committee member.
Alan was born in Cooroy and has stayed close to his roots. After completing his schooling he worked at the Cooroy sawmill for a few months with his uncle Bill Reid and then embarked on his 5 year apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with Jim Bryant relocating schools and renovating houses. One of his most memorable jobs he recalls when later employed by Les Roper, was helping to organise and prepare the removal of the last original house in Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. This house was shipped to Fraser Island where it now serves as a fishing hut.
His wife Bev (daughter of Ronny Ross, a local butcher in Tewantin) is an honorary member of the club and their dog Kyah (a cute and feisty little Tenterfield terrier and expert termite locater) is the Club mascot and attends meetings and workshops regularly.
Alan’s first lathe was made for him by his cousin Doug Reid. He then attended night courses for a time to learn the art of turning. He began making a number of turned items (eg table legs, bowls) and sold them at local markets and shops turning his hobby into a source of income. Alan is an extremely competent lathe operator and is a very skilled and versatile craftsman. He won first place in the woodturning section of last year’s show and had previously won the club championship prize with his chess set and table. He has stated that he enjoys the companionship of the club and being able to help others.
Alan, along with other members has brought immeasurable skills and valuable contributions to members and the club. Alan and George Pearce will be demonstrating the art of turning, making goblets, baby rattles, spinning tops etc throughout the show. Both of these members have demonstrated at every festival since inception.
Come along to our show and have a yarn with some of our very experienced and interesting members and explore the many tables of the large variety of woodcraft for sale. The show will be open 8:30-5:30 on Friday and 8:30-3:00 Saturday with the formal awards ceremony and raffle draw held at 3:00pm Saturday. Light refreshments will be available in the hall, catered by the Boy Scouts. See you there.
