New Chapter Takes Off - North East Chapter
By Francis Morrin
North East Chapter Many of you will have heard that a new chapter was formed in early 2000 to serve the counties of Meath, Louth, and the north-eastern region of the country. There were many people in this area that, in the past, had expressed a wish to go to the monthly meetings but a 2-hour drive to Dublin, Ulster or Galway was just too far. So in April 2000, we had our inaugural meeting in Kells and our first demonstration was held in my workshop in Co. Meath. Very soon after this workshop, we were offered the use of excellent premises near Newgrange, home to professional woodturner Seamus Cassidy. Seamus has a beautiful workshop and gallery in a restored stone barn and, as in all start up situations, his kind offer is the sort of one without which we would surely have foundered.

Since that first meeting in my workshop we have had demonstrations by Emmet Kane, Seamus Carter, Michael Magee, Jim Johnson, not to mention demonstrations by members of the chapter. We received a major boost in October with the very generous loan by the Dublin Chapter of a set of books and videos from their book and video club to help us start our own club. These books have been enjoyed ever since by our members and indeed have been boosted by the addition of some donations from members themselves. We charge a little more for the loan of these books than the Dublin Chapter do but that’s only insurance in case we have to replace any. We also use this fund to buy more books/videos. In time, when the library is on its feet we hope to be able to reduce this charge.

When we initially set up the chapter, we decided to have our demonstrations on the third Saturday of each month, as this would avoid a clash between us and workshops in the Midlands, Ulster and Dublin chapters. So far this policy has worked very well for us and we often get very welcome visits from members of the other surrounding chapters. Our attendances so far have been in the 10 to 20 range, comfortable enough for all to see the demonstration and ask questions as the need arises. We had our first AGM last December and laid out demonstrations for the first 6 months of 2001. As usual, the meetings will be held on the 3rd Saturday afternoon of each month and the demonstrators are:

So, on behalf of the Northeast chapter, I would like to say that any of you who would like to attend one of our workshops would be most welcome indeed. As I said above, we meet very near Newgrange and if you would like to pop along for a while, just give me a ring on (01) 8257654 for directions. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of you who helped and encouraged us during the past year and a very happy New Year to you all.

Francis Morrin, secretary Northeast chapter.
Email woodturner-fran@oceanfree.net