Ron Sutherland: Ross Purvis - Carpentry.
Thu, Feb 2nd 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly meeting with guest speaker. Preceded by Council meeting.
The Rotary Club, with President Jim Walker
in the chair, were treated to a master-class in bespoke furniture-making last
week by Ross Purves of "The Wood Neuk, Blainslie". Ross is in partnership
with David Lightly and they take commissions using local woods mainly oak and
elm. He explained the process where whole tree trunks are turned into
wonderful pieces like tables, chairs and cupboards The preparation is
important and the process can take 5 years as the wood has to be transported,
sawn, dried and treated before the piece appears in its final form. It is
a highly technical process as drying is all important. The skill involved
is impressive and he brought along 2 chairs to show his work which was the envy
of the members. He started his apprenticeship under a master cabinetmaker
at Gordon, Berwickshire and then under the late Tim Stead at Blainslie and 4
years ago took over the business retaining the Stead format.
As if he wasn't busy enough he is also
studying philosophy with the Open University. Great interest was shown by
the Rotarians after which Ron Sutherland gave the vote of thanks. A
reminder was given by Kerr Scott that the quiz is being held in the Catholic
Halls on Friday, 17th February at 7.30 p.m. and teams of 4 at £12 a team are being
invited.
