The Worshipful Company of Turners

Supporting the Craft, City and Charity for over four hundred years

Tea Party for Consorts at Hurlingham

The Mistress Turner, Mrs Jo Neill, hosted a woodturning demonstration and tea party at the Hurlingham Club for 55 consorts, including both Shrieval Ladies. The guests were entertained by Les Thorne, a member of the Register of Professional Turners, and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Turners, who with woodchips flying, made a candlestick during his demonstration, which was then auctioned to raise money for the St Paul’s Bells appeal. The beautiful conservatory at the Hurlingham Club, overlooking the green oasis of the clubs gardens, was the perfect setting for the demonstration and tea.

This year has been very special for me. When Andrew told me many years ago that he had just joined the Court of the Turners’ Company,  I had no idea what it meant.  Even when we started the year and we were told that we would have the opportunity to see many interesting projects and meet lots of new friends, it was still difficult to take in. I can honestly say that we have enjoyed every minute.

During the year I met many Liverymen and Consorts from other Liveries who were intrigued by turning, which gave me the idea of organising an event for Consorts . So I organised a  tea party at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham and asked Les Thorne to demonstrate.

We hosted 55 Consorts, including both Shrieval Ladies, who were fascinated hearing about and watching the art of turning. We had managed to rig up a camera to a large screen so that all could see the turning up close. The guests also had the opportunity to buy turned bowls and wooden fruit. This was then followed by a fattening cream tea and the opportunity to stroll around the gardens. Luckily the sun shone and the gardens looked at their best.

The event managed to raise about £500 for the St Paul’s Bells Appeal, with £160 being raised by raffling the candle stick that was made at the demonstration by Les. Mistress Draper was the successful winner of the raffle.

Mrs Jo Neill, Mistress Turner 2017 / 2018

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