A Whistlestop Tour of 2024
Hello!
2024 has been a very different year for us both. Here are some of the highlights!
Back in January we each delivered lambs on the farm where we have our smallholding. I then got very hands on with lambing for almost five months, helping with feeding, delivering and tending to the flock of pregnant ewes
In February two local Scout groups visited Chris’ workshop for a demonstration. They were all enthralled and had lots of questions.
March saw Chris involved in the setup of a new Men’s Shed in Belper. As Patron of UK Men’s Sheds this project is very close to Chris’ heart.
We invested in the tools and machinery needed to make kitless pens, something that I’ve always been very interested in as a fountain pen fan. Chris spent many hours learning to turn these pens which have several different threads requiring precise measurements.
Chris went down a mine with one of our neighbours, a keen potholer, and others in April.
Mid May Chris spoke to a group of teachers about disability awareness and sight loss, in particular. This was the first of several school engagements. We also spent a day at Derby Museum presenting to a group of museum staff about how to help visitors with a visual impairment.
Early June, we were in Sweden as guests of Axminster Tools and SweDendro, a tool shop in Växjö.
At the end of June we had our second sheep shearing experience as we tagged along to James’ farm. This time we were almost old hands at handling the sheep.
In July we attended UK Men’s Sheds annual Shedfest event, which was definitely the best one yet. We also visited the site of the Muggington air crash for the 80th anniversary service, officiated by our potholing neighbour who is also a Vicar.
August was a quieter month - Chris had a number of students in the workshop developing their woodturning skills.
Following the success of our visit to Sweden, we were asked to do a similar visit to Norway in September, this time for Gustavsen in Drammen.
October was a busy month with bookings to speak to a number of groups including a local one where we addressed the whole school at three assemblies. We also spoke to the Ashbourne Vintage Tractor group and Chris guested on the Heritage Crafts podcast.
Chris also began his duties as Chairman of the Ecclesbourne Farmers’ group.
Which brings us to November …
Haddon Hall Mercatum
This month finds us at Haddon Hall Mercatum for the first time.
As I write this, Chris is busy in the workshop turning pieces for sale at the Christmas Market. If you check out his Instagram account, you’ll see some of the pieces that Chris has turned.
We’ll be there for 2 weeks from 27th November. Please come and say Hi if you’re visiting.
A Lick of Paint
In other news Chris’ website has had a refresh and rebrand. It was only when I added the UKMSA logo that I realised I’d chosen an almost identical colour palette! It wasn’t intentional. Just a happy accident.
Thank you to all of our subscribers, old and new, for following our journey. We are very grateful for your interest in Chris and his woodturning.
Keep on turning!
Nicola, Chris and Bamber