About the Guild
Who we are:
The Guild is an organisation of people who love wood, and love to make things with it.
The Guild was set up in 1980 to promote, foster and develop woodcraft in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Region. We have members and participants from as far away as Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Bega and Nowra. The Guild has a membership in excess of a hundred, of whom some 60 to 80 regularly attend the general meetings held on the last Wednesday of each month (except December). In November 2002 we acquired a workshop and meeting place, which we call 'The Shed'.
To cope with our large membership and varied interests we divide into much smaller 'Special Interest Groups' (SIGS) for hands on activity in wood-turning, carving, furniture-making, toy-making, furniture restoration, scroll-saw work, tool collecting & restoration and pyrography. These groups normally meet once a month on a Saturday or Sunday at 'The Shed" or at a member's workshop.
We have a Drop-in SIG on Tuesday and Thursday so those who are able can have somewhere to meet, chat, share a cuppa, browse the woodie magazines and get on with some woodwork project. On Wednesday nights we have a Projects SIG for members who wish to work on individual projects under some guidance from experienced woodworkers.
We also circulate a monthly Newsletter to all members, and are prepared to forward it electronically at no cost to fellow Guilds and Clubs.
What we are doing:
We are currently working to upgrade the tool and equipment storage facilities within the Shed, and to provide toilet and shower facilities in a new building to be erected adjacent to the Shed. Working bees operate every Tuesday and Thursday to undertake this and other on-going work.
We conduct demonstrations and sales at a variety of community functions, ranging from the Canberra Show, to school fetes and local fairs. We make toys for local Charities to distribute at Christmas. We have conducted our own Annual Exhibition since 1980, and in 2004, for the first time, we held our Exhibition as part of the Canberra Timber & Working With Wood Show.
The Guild is embarking upon a Youth Skills Enhancement program in conjunction with the Lions Youth Haven and local High Schools. This program will educate students in the delights of working with wood and equip them with basic hand tool skills.
Again, welcome to our Website. We would love to welcome you as a member of our Guild.