Some seventeen years ago a group of individuals with a common interest in woodturning arranged to meet on a regular basis. The meetings were held in the Ridley Dance Studios in Leigh-on-Sea to discuss topics specifically related to woodturning and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on particular techniques.  Occasionally professional turners were invited along to demonstrate their skills and individual approach to the craft. Thus Thameside Woodturners Association was created.

In 1996 the membership was sufficiently well established  to justify affiliate membership of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain.  In 1997 membership had increased and there was a need to find a more suitable venue for club meetings. The club was fortunate to be accepted by Billericay Arts Association at the 'Fold' in Laindon Road where we still hold our monthly meetings.

The move to the 'Fold' ,together with an extension of the annual programme, helped very much to increase membership to a  maximum level of 90 with the establishment of a waiting list

The current membership stands at 70 and new members are welcome

. Thameside were awarded the 'Turn Essex' shield in 2003 and again in 2007 for the best club table display

Thameside  Woodturners meet at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month at 'The Fold',  Laindon Road, Billericay, Essex  CM12 9LD  

'The Fold' is the home of the Billericay Arts Association 

Chairman - Derek Brightwell - E-mail -chairman@thameside-woodturners.org.uk

Webmaster - Wally Hammond - E-mail - webmaster@thameside-woodturners.org.uk

Membership Secretary - Wally Hammond E-Mail - membership-secretary@thameside-woodturners.org.uk