Our Fellowship has always prided itself on attracting highly respected and interesting speakers. We have a varied programme for 2024 with representatives from the maker community, education, woodworking products and magazine publishing. You can see some of our past speakers here.
We also ensure we get together regularly as fellow woodworkers to share notes, show what we have made and support each other in our woodworking journeys.
Scroll through the programme below. Everyone is welcome to come to one of our meetings to see if you would like to join us.
Our meetings are held at 7:30pm in the Cross Barn in Odiham. Please see our contact page for directions.
Helen Welch - London School of Furniture Making
25 April 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
Helen founded the LSF in 2013, to address the needs of amateur furniture makers and anyone else wanting to learn how to make their own furniture without having to commit to a long course at a college or university.
In 39 years in the industry she has worked in construction, furniture making, guitar making, and forestry. She has taught hundreds of adults over the last 29 years how to make furniture and enjoy a valuable skill.
In 2023 Helen became a freeman of the Furniture Makers' Company and, for the last two years, has been a member of the judging panel for the Young Furniture Maker Awards.
Helen Welch - London School of Furniture Making
25 April 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
Paul Swan - Woodturner and Boxmaker
23 May 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
Paul's fascination with trees and wood dates back to his childhood. He was brought up in the countryside and spent days roaming, collecting twigs, leaves and fallen branches for his very important collection. His career was in marketing communication, specialising in helping companies build strong and lasting relationships with their key clients. However, there came a time when he craved the creation of something tangible – something that depended on his eyes and hands.
He started creating on the lathe and still loves to create a wide variety of bowls and pots.
His work has been influenced by other designers and makers working in wood, as well as ceramicists, sculptors, painters and architects.
Paul Swan - Woodturner and Boxmaker
23 May 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
30th Anniversary Visit to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster
19 September 2024 - all day
This is a unique opportunity to see parts of the historic Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster that are not normally open to the public. The visit will focus on the timber construction and all aspects of woodwork. There will be talks by Sir Ken Olisa OBE, High Sheriff of the Abbey, and Lord Birt, former BBC Director General.
30th Anniversary Visit to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster
19 September 2024 - all day
Simon Burvill - Maker of Luxury Garden Furniture
24 October 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
Gaze Burvill are one of a small number of furniture makers in Britain where the traditional wood-working skills of an experienced and dedicated team are nurtured and passed on, respecting the older craft tradition, yet embracing innovation.
They source wood exclusively from British Woodlands, ensuring that every piece they make is made from responsibly sourced materials. They strive to minimise their environmental impact by sourcing timber as locally as possible.
They are committed to preserving the legacy of British craftsmanship with innovative and sustainable designs. Their dedication to excellence is reflected in the quality of every piece they make.
Also, at this meeting, we will be holding our regular timber and tool sale. Lots of bargains to be had.
Simon Burvill - Maker of Luxury Garden Furniture
24 October 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
TBD
Also, AGM
28 November 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
Speaker TBD
TBD
Also, AGM
28 November 2024 7:30pm
The Cross Barn, Odiham
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