Melbourne: WW event query

[rsser]

Hi folks,

If memory serves there's an annual show of work and of timber and tools in the Eastern suburbs.

Can anyone advise on when and where. this year?

Ta,

[Wood Borer]

If you are thinking about the Woodwork Festival that used to be held at Doncaster, it no longer happens. The cost was too high and the number of people prepared to organise it were dwindling.

Everyone thought it was a shame it was canned but at the meeting where it was decided to no longer hold it, not one hand was raised to help the small number of people to organise it.

It was offered to any club/s to organise but again no one was interested.

Everyone was disappointed and wanted it to happen as long as they didn't have to lift a finger or dig into their pockets or try to get sponsorship.

A great pity.

Perhaps some new blood with energy will be prepared to get it up and going again in the future, let's hope.

[rsser]

That's the one. Thanks WB.

Sorry to hear of its demise.

I always found it a worthwhile event.

Maybe there'd be momentum for every 2nd year? I'd be happy to help in '08.

[Wood Borer]

Thanks for your offer, the event was organised by the Victorian Council of Woodwork Clubs, now called the Council of Woodwork Clubs because now there are clubs who are members Australia wide.

The event was costing around $12,000 to run and it was thought that now it was not only Victorian clubs paying the cost but clubs from other states also.

Interstate clubs would be quite justified in putting their hands up for a similar amount for festivals in their states too.

There was not enough money to go around all the capital cities, as the event was held on Manningham Council property we couldn't charge admission (it was free, some red tape bylaw), one prominent commercial exhibitor pulled out at the last minute literally and their sponsorship money of course did not appear, I won't mention their name in case the old management sue me, the new management are completely generous.

People didn't want it to become clogged with commercial stands, they mainly wanted woodworkers with a passion demonstrating all for free and for someone else to organise it, set it up, dismantle it and clean up afterwards.

Maybe with a large sponsor(s) and admission fees, organised by an energetic club or committee it will happen again.