As it has done for more than 30 years (barring pandemics) the Cooroora Woodcraft Show will again this year showcase the work of the Cooroy-based Cooroora Woodworkers Club.
This year, as he has done for more than a decade, Bob Chaplin will be there demonstrating the use of basic woodworking hand tools to make fine furniture.
Bob is a long-term member of the Club. He had a long career in academia (electronics and control algorithms) both in the UK and in New Zealand. Woodworking provided a welcome means of winding down from the rigours of developing sophisticated mathematical algorithms for use in manufacturing processes.
After retiring in 2000, he moved to the Sunshine Coast (Rosemount, near Nambour) to spend more time indulging his woodworking hobby, a hobby that has kept him engaged and entertained for over 60 years. He joined the Club in 2002.
He believes that much of the detailed work in building precision furniture is more satisfying, and provides better results, when using hand tools. He runs a weekly session at the Club in fine furniture making where members turn up with their projects and Bob provides advice and guidance on the finer points of using hand tools.
While his focus has always been on furniture making, Bob’s main purpose in joining the Club was to learn more about wood turning. Practice makes perfect. Now he produces intricate turned pieces of deceptive complexity and remarkable workmanship.
The Cooroora Woodworkers’ Club provides opportunities for those interested in indulging their woodworking interests; be it furniture, wood turning, toy making or just making practical things for around the home.
And skilled members of the club regularly run informal courses for members – for beginners, or for those focused on broadening or honing their skills.
When asked how the club had changed over the years, Bob said that it had evolved from a focus on extracting dressed wood from the club’s sawmill to what it is today – keen woodworkers making things and passing those skills onto others.
The club is open to all and boasts many younger members and a significant proportion of female club members.
The Cooroora Woodcraft Show is an opportunity for local skilled artisans and hobbyists to showcase their skills. It too has evolved, and the introduction of inter-club competition has encouraged other Sunshine Coast woodworking clubs (Caloundra, Blackall Range) to get involved.
There is also a highly competitive school competition.
The show includes displays, demonstrations and competitions, as well as finished items for sale, timber sales and trade retail stalls.
The Cooroora Woodworkers Show will be held on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 November from 8.30am to 4.30pm in the Cooroy Memorial Hall on Maple St and it is only $2 for entry. For more information see www.cooroorawoodworkersclub.com.
