The Max Carey Trust was formed to provide an opportunity and facilities for people to be educated in Woodturning. The Charitable Company was incorporated on the 13th November 2008 and commenced activities on the 1st. January 2010. The ‘Mill’ is a former joinery shop which had been disused for almost 20 years following the closure of the Building and Joinery business owned by the late Max Carey. Max had a lifelong passion for woodturning and when diagnosed with cancer he wished to see the workshop used for the benefit of fellow wood turners. In conversation one evening Max and Stuart Bradfield agreed to set up a charitable company, develop the workshop, and provide up to date equipment and accommodation. Training and development packages now include an Apprenticeship Programme, a Journeyman Scheme and an Artisan programme.
Following the very popular visit to the Trust by some members of the court in October 2013 a follow up weekend was arranged in March 2015 and places advertised to all members of the Company. For health and safety reasons the event was limited to a maximum of 16 people. This visit proved very popular. The packed full programme included an introduction to the work of the Trust, woodturning demonstrations and most importantly for our members, hands on turning opportunities! Turners stayed at the local Premier Inn so as to be up bright and early each day for their tuition. They enjoyed dinner at the local bistro, Bottelino’s on both the Friday and Saturday evenings together with their Tutors Stuart Carey and Harry Childs. On the Saturday evening we also invited June Carey (Max Carey’s widow) and John Ruffles and Mary Ashton (both Trustees and Tutors from The Trust) to dine with us.
Special mention must go to both Stuart Bradfield and our Clerk who, together, ensured that this event ran smoothly.
Sarah Fabergé