In 1992 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’ 72 Laindon Road, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9LD where we still hold our monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month starting at 7.30pm
The move to the ‘Fold’, together with an extension of the annual programme, helped very much to increase membership.
The current membership stands at 38+ and new members are welcome.
Thameside were awarded the ‘Turn Essex’ shield in 2003 and again in 2007 for the best club table display
Chairman – Derek Brightwell – E-mail –chair@thameside-woodturners.org.uk
Secretary – Gary Smith – E-mail – secretary@thameside-woodturners.org.uk
Treasurer – Kyle McGill – E-mail – treasurer@thameside-woodturners.org.uk
Webmaster – Brian Henton – E-mail – webmaster@thameside-woodturners.org.uk
Membership Secretary – David Ford – E-Mail – membership-secretary@thameside-woodturners.org.uk
Events Member – Barry Dines – E-mail – events-member@thameside-woodturners.org.uk