Collaborators of the Show include the School of Natural Resource Management (SNRM) at Nelson Mandela University and the George Woodworking Association. Barry Muller, Lecturer in Wood Technology at the School of Natural Resource Management (SNRM), Nelson Mandela University George Campus has arranged a woodworking competition for students of the High Schools in George. Pupils from Outeniqua High School, Glenwood House, PW Botha College, Pacaltsdorp High School and York High School are amongst the participants.
It will be an individual competition, with four contestants selected from each school. Competitors will be required to complete a simple wooden project such as a slatted tray, coaster or phone dock station over a three hour period during the Working with Wood Show. The aim is to offer the youth an opportunity to gain hands on experience working with wood.
Vermont Sales have sponsored an airbrush and compressor for the winning school and other great woodworking tools. “We would like all contestants to walk away with something,” said Muller.
“Now that carpentry is no longer offered as a subject at school, our industry fears that in the future, communities will speak of a long lost skill. Because of this, we feel it is of vital importance to reawaken the interest in carpentry amongst the youth,” said Daniel Melin, Regional Sales Manager of Vermont Sales (event sponsors).
This year’s Show include activities for young and old alike, providing entertainment for timber enthusiasts of all ages with demonstrations on the hour every hour, food stalls, trade exhibitions, displays, and lectures amongst the offerings.
The Working with Wood Show is held in association with the Association of Woodturners of South Africa (AWSA), and their symposium, themed Recovering from Failure, runs concurrently with the Show. Participants of the symposium will enjoy free access to the Working with Wood Show.
To learn more about the Working with Wood show and Woodturners Symposiums please visit www.workingwithwood.co.za and www.awsa.org.za