The Redbridge Group were asked to set up and supervise the show this year. In 2005 they had assisted St. Albans and the experience gained was worthwhile. One or two changes were made in the overall set up but basically it remained as before.
In 2005 the vast majority of the pictures were very high quality “Premier” style exhibits and whilst highly admired by all people viewing the stall any enthusiasm that they may initially have had was dampened because they just could not conceive any way, that as a Beginner, they could create such delightful pictures. This was true. It takes a long time to reach that standard.  
 

This year when asking for exhibits, we asked that we be given a cross section of work that complete novices could identify more readily with.  From the attached pictured you will see that this was achieved.  Thanks to all those members from Redbridge, Bexley and Thurrock who provided exhibits for the show. I am sure that you will agree from the attached pictures that they made our stall very attractive.  The very fact that we recruited such a large amount of signed up and paid members over the three days I think speaks for itself (even if one came from Iceland and another from Eire!)  I think the ploy of two years membership for one was  good policy.  
 

There was as usual, a lot of interest around the cutting table as Roy Murton, Bill Kober and Dave Walker took turns in demonstrating.  It would be interesting to see the take up at group level as the number of positive enquiries must have reached many dozens. But, as usual, I fear that this interest is not always carried through to the local groups.  If anyone can suggest a way of turning the interest shown in Marquetry at exhibitions into bums on seats at local group level they will be ‘Very Highly Commended.’  
 

All in all, then, from the setting up of the stall on the Thursday, which took Roy Murton, John Booth and Dave Walker the best part of the day until the packing away on Sunday afternoon an interesting (albeit exhausting) time was had by those who participated. Thanks also to the other members of St. Albans and Redbridge Groups who came for a shorter time to assist.  We could not do this kind of exhibition without your help. I for one can’t wait for next year!
 

2008 Woodworker Show Report