Crafty okes

Behind each elegant woodworking venture is an artist recognised for his craft – the woodworker.

Cate Clarke spent time with members of The Woodcrafters Association of Durban at their Pineville Junction meeting place in Pinetown, where a creative yearning to chisel and carve is keeping an age-old tradition alive.

Passionate about working with one of nature’s most revered products is Geoff Etheridge, who has been an avid member of the association for 15 years.

“You cannot help but feel inspired when working with raw materials that offer a kaleidoscope of different colours and grain formations,” says Geoff. “Even for beginners, the door is wide open for great design ideas.”

Geoff, the association’s librarian, mastered his first dovetail joint at the age of thirteen. He later went on to complete his carpentry apprenticeship and knows that mechanical ability, good eye-hand coordination and patience are key elements to mastering basic wood working skills. “But with all my years of experience, I still learn something new at every meeting.”

Founded in 1991, the association has a membership of 80 amateur, professional and novice woodworkers and turners from the greater Durban area.

“We are a pretty mixed bunch from lawyers and army officers to retired surgeons who all devoted to learning, teaching and practising every aspect of woodworking,” says chairman Perrie Bullock. “All our members would agree that the satisfaction you get after turning a simple piece of timber into a decorative object is hard to beat.”

The members are also committed to putting the tools of their trade to good use by supporting local community organisations. “Each year we make and donate wooden toys and other equipment to local children’s homes, crèches and hospitals,” Geoff explains.

Maintaining the Woodcrafters Museum at Baynesfield Estate is another voluntary project close to the association’s heart.

“If you’re interested in the craft’s history, this is a fascinating place to visit,” says Ken Tebbutt, who, together with his dedicated group, gives the public a glimpse into how woodworkers of yesteryear plied their trade without the convenience of modern machinery. “The collection of antique carpentry tools is a real treasure chest. And most of them still work.”

With woodworking no longer being offered at many schools, the association is keen to promote the wonders of wood to a younger generation.

“It’s a sad fact that today master craftsmen are few and far between,” says Tebbutt. “Hopefully we can continue to inspire and motivate people to take up this fulfilling and rewarding hobby.”

Wood crafting meeting – 2nd Monday of each month.
Wood turning meeting – 3rd Monday of each month.

Members are offered special discounts at many hardware, tool and timber outlets in the greater Durban area.

Telephone: Perrie Bullock 031 765 7403
Geoff Etherridge 031 765 6483 or Neil Knight 031 563 1874