I t was 10.00 am on the day when members and visitors, started to arrive from all parts of the Highlands and other Guild regions to attend our first Open Day in the New Club House. 
 
It seemed no time before the building was buzzing with activity.   Bill Shean was setting up lathes and display stands.  Members were bringing along items for display and not to forget members wives setting up the kitchen area for the busy day ahead.

Before long we had people passing through the premises asking questions, looking at display items, and watching the three lathes in operation by demonstrators.  I t was great to see ladies taking turns to demonstrate on the lathes. During the day over 130 members and visitors attended and the level of friendship and knowledge sharing was outstanding.   Our Harbison  residents, were especially invited to partake in the day and they were well represented.  

In addition to the woodturning happenings, other events were taking place.  There was a member in a funny hat who insisted on cooking black sausages for our sausage sizzle, and tickets were being sold for a great raffle, the items for which were donated by members.   Many thanks to Barbara Hodgson for preparing the raffle basket.   It was  John Crawford  who won the raffle, and I think John could get some good ideas from the items it contained. 

Of course Bess & Don Ackrigg were in attendance.  Bess had those beaut scones again, and Don had fashioned a beautiful clock, made from timber from the late Fred Anton's special workshop stock, which was hung prominently in the club house in memory of Fred.

Webmaster and member Keith Jeeves presented the Region with a beautifully framed photograph of our first working bee at the hall, which will be hung for posterity.  Thank you Keith.   Our website photos for this day will be really worth looking at.

Our new premises was obtained as a result of hard work by our Convenor John Page and Treasurer John Rossiter, and how good was it when we saw JP walk in the door unaided for a visit, back from his recent hospitalisation.  Welcome back John.

Many thanks to all who attended and helped to make the day a great success.   The future of the club looks bright, with many great days ahead.

Warren Harris