APTGW - Essex Bodgers Next Meet Sat 15th November 2025
.... . .-.. .-.. --- . ... ... . -..- .- -. -.. .-.. --- -. -.. --- -. -... --- -.. --. . .-. ... [Morse Code] - (Hello Essex and London Bodgers)
News & Pics By Rich.
Considering how close to London we are, our journey to the Bedfords Park includes some brief and incredible vistas. From high on a hill, the view down towards London was fantastic. In the mid distance below the oranging trees up high, blanketed by a ground hugging peachy mist, were the eastern suburbs, framed from above by a near cloudless sky. Further afield, glinting reflections of the morning sun, hit the faded grey clusters of Canary Wharf, the City, and even the Post Office Tower. Picture shows the view seen from the Park’s Visitors Centre, although doesn’t convey the height drop off seen by eye.
Although it being overly mild for the time of year, we were surprised at the number of bees enjoying the Walled Garden’s blooms, which have also taken advantage of the warmth. We saw a Wagtail flitting around a door handle, whilst we enjoying a Bodgers breakfast of croissants in the sunshine, as you do. Not quite sure if it was the Grey or Yellow variety as it was very quick and difficult to get a good look at. Unfortunately, not a single one of us took any photos of our work. So it’s all plants… apart from a shot of Bob and Wendy’s 9 minutes of Competitive Gazing (at a Buddleja perched upon the Garden’s high wall).
After our early delights we returned to the cabin and got to work. Rich chip carved his makers mark on a few finished pieces, including a large ladle, and then design alterations and finishing cuts on others.
Wendy continued on her current needle felted Robin nest-full, but is considering other small birds like Wrens and Bluetits, maybe even a Wagtail. Rich hopes she doesn’t move on to Crows, as it would look a bit Hitchcockian around the house.
Between dog hugs, Bob did some knife work on a spoon, and told us about the Walled Garden’s orchard of 114 heritage Apple trees, of which he lovingly prunes and monitors the health of. We suspect he sings to them, has named them, and has his favourites, but yet to capture footage.
Jamila worked on her end grain goblet, which is looking really good, and is helping build up those callouses and muscle memory. Poppy kept vigilant to the constant threat from squirrels, and puppy dog eyed us all for strokes and hugs.
Regular Bits n Bobs:
If you have them, bring your lathe, shave horse, and any other fun equipment. We have a few chopping blocks and one kuksa horse, so if you can bring your own please do. Note for those with Lathes, our floor space is mostly concrete, so treadles may not be able to be pegged down.
Our meets don’t just have to be about making wood chips, we encourage members to bring other crafts to the meets, be that spinning a yarn, weaving a basket, making a tool sheath from leather or bark, and even decorative methods for our wooden items. Feel free to showcase your other craft skills as we are interested in sharing and learning a wider range of skills as we grow as a group. If any members would like to lead a session of various crafts for the group, possibly a paid one day course, please get in contact with me and we will see what we can arrange for the future.
About the venue:
The venue has toilets, kitchen, and is accessible to wheelchairs. I will supply teabags, coffee, sugar and cows milk. Please bring your own non dairy milk if needed. If anyone wants to bring biscuits, cake, snacks to share that would be nice, but bring your own lunch, bowl/plate, drinking vessel, and cutlery please.
Members have suggested a contribution for Tea/Coffee a few times, so I have decided to ask for a contribution of 50p. Obviously if you bring all your own bits, there is no need to chip in.
Free secure parking is available within the walled garden. Follow the main driveway all the way down, past the public car park and the “no unauthorised vehicles” sign, then the Walled Garden’s big gates will be on the left. Toot your horn to let us know you’ve arrived.
See site map, and map links near bottom of page.
Hope to see you there, and please email me at essexaptgw@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Richard Roberts - Group Coordinator APTGW Essex Bodgers
APTGW Membership:
Our meets are free of charge to members of the Association of Polelathe Turners and Green Woodworkers.
Non members are welcome to join us a few times to see if it’s something they’d like to pursue further. We then ask that folks join the APTGW. It’s only £20 per year and membership runs from January to December each year.
Join the APTGW here: https://www.bodgers.org.uk/joinus
For just £20 a year you get:
A quarterly Gazette with news views and articles on all aspects of green woodworking.
Attend the UK Bodger's Ball always held in mid-May (this is chargeable, but a bargain!)
Win prizes for your creations at the many craft competitions at the ball
Connect with other Green Woodworkers, tool makers, rural crafters.
Learn new skills in a variety of length courses.
Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting which is held at the Bodgers Ball
Vote on how the organisation progresses and elect, or even stand for the committee!
Here is a "what 3 words" ink to the location: https://w3w.co/sizes.soup.puddles
Google maps link to location: https://goo.gl/maps/f6rYfb92p6n43Uz99
Members Services (Please ask if you want to be added to this list)
Sharpening Service - R2 Wood
I’ve launched a sharpening service for greenwood carving tools, offering APTGW members a 5% discount. Covering Sloyd and Spoon knives, Axes, Adzes, Gouges and more. Please contact Richard at info@r2wood.co.uk to enquire.