President of the Bendigo Wood Turner’s Club, Jeff Willey, says this is the 23rd year of their Easter exhibition. Jeff is also a dedicated grandpa, fly fisher, blood donor, ex-army man, and married to Lynette for the past 39 years. He readily admits he doesn’t know how she’s done it.
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WE asked Jeff what he knows about...
COMMUNITY:
It is what makes us who we are. I’m a great believer in the two-way street – you get back what you give out.
So I’m a 200-time blood donor, and I participate in the New Start program, to lend a hand to the young kids.
TOOLS:
A sharp tool is a good tool. Make sure you buy the best quality you can afford; maintain them and they will serve you well.
TIMBER:
One of the greatest materials to work with is timber. Each timber has its own unique look and feel and this translates into the product you end up with. You have to respect it though, and season it properly before you start your project.
KINDNESS:
If you are kind it always bounces back. It costs nothing too.
FUN:
Life is a serious business, so you have to have as much fun as you can. My outlets are wood turning, fly fishing and the grandchildren. The two girls have had fun learning the lathe work, and the five-year-old wants to try the chainsaw. That will be fun for sure.
SHARING:
The Bendigo Wood Turner's Club holds its exhibition each Easter. We share our knowledge and all the great work we have produced during the year. We’re at McGillivray Hall in McCrae Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm and on Monday from 10 to 4pm.
SKILLS:
I always find the people who are good at what they do are usually willing to pass on their skills, so long as the learners are willing to listen. In our wood turning club we all share our knowledge and teach each other.
FOOTBALL:
I’m a bomber supporter but I’m from Queensland originally, so I have a keen interest in Rugby League. I admire the skills of the players in all codes.
EGGS:
I know if you drop them in cold water and they rise to the top, they’re off. In wood turner's terms, being able to turn out a good egg cup with the egg fitting in it is eggcellent work.
