Website Revamp and Digital Direction

At the recent meeting, members were treated to an in‑depth and engaging presentation by Geoff on the association’s newly redeveloped website and its broader digital direction. The session outlined not only what has already been achieved, but also the longer‑term vision for how the website can support the growth, visibility, and sustainability of the association.

Geoff explained that the primary audience for the website is prospective members. The site has been designed to be welcoming, informative, and inclusive showing clearly who we are, what we do, and why people might want to join. A strong emphasis has been placed on demonstrating that the association caters to woodworkers of all skill levels and backgrounds.

The website highlights the association’s core activities, including annual exhibitions, courses, monthly meetings, and membership benefits. Dynamic content such as event listings, meeting reports, news articles, and photo galleries is being used to bring the site to life and showcase ongoing activity. Importance was placed on “evergreen content”—reports and resources that remain relevant over time and help build the association’s credibility.

Member achievements and exhibitions, especially Out of the Woods, were identified as key opportunities to inspire both current and future members. By archiving past exhibitions, award winners, and sample works, the website can serve as both a promotional tool and a lasting record of the association’s achievements.

Geoff also outlined how social media and a growing YouTube presence support the website. Short‑form content shared on platforms like Facebook and YouTube helps attract attention, while the website provides deeper, more permanent information for those wanting to learn more. Video demonstrations and course footage further reinforce the association’s skills and expertise.

The presentation concluded with a call for member involvement. Contributions such as photos, short write‑ups, and event notes are essential to keeping the website current and diverse. Sharing this workload will help ensure the site continues to grow without over‑reliance on a small number of volunteers.

Overall, the presentation highlighted how the website will play a central role in promoting woodworking, celebrating member achievements, and supporting the future growth of the association.

Derek’s Hand‑Tool Cabinetmaking

Members enjoyed a detailed and thoughtful presentation by Derek, who shared insights from his long experience as a hand‑tool woodworker and his preparation for an upcoming fine woodworking course in Nelson, New Zealand. The talk combined philosophy, design, technique, and practical problem‑solving, offering something of value to woodworkers at all stages.

Derek began by explaining his motivation for attending a residential woodworking course—less about learning basic skills and more about the camaraderie, immersion, and uninterrupted time at the bench. While he has access to a fully equipped machine workshop, his passion lies firmly with hand tools, which he described as both woodworking and therapy.

A major focus of the presentation was cabinet design inspired by James Krenov. Using a small cabinet as a case study, Derek explored proportion, delicacy, and function, contrasting traditional hand‑tool joinery with machine‑based approaches. He discussed dovetails in depth, including through dovetails, half‑blinds, London‑style dovetails, sliding dovetails, and the advantages of mitered through dovetails for clean joinery and uninterrupted grooves.

Particular attention was given to curved and coopered work, including curved doors made from solid timber or staves, and the careful planning required to achieve stability while allowing for timber movement. Derek also explained different approaches to cabinet backs—ship lapped, frame‑and‑panel, and solid—emphasizing the importance of accommodating seasonal movement.

One of the highlights of the evening was Derek’s custom‑built travelling toolbox, designed to meet airline weight limits while carrying over 60 hand‑made and modified tools. He demonstrated a remarkable range of planes, saws, chisels, gauges, and specialty tools, explaining their design, purpose, and how many were made from scratch using simple techniques and high‑speed steel.

The presentation concluded with a demonstration of a lightweight, low‑cost sharpening system, capable of producing extremely sharp edges quickly and reliably—an approach that sparked strong interest among attendees.

Overall, the evening was an inspiring exploration of fine hand‑tool woodworking, combining deep technical knowledge with a strong design philosophy and a clear passion for the craft.