Woodturning

The Northern Federation of Woodturners was formed in September 1994 in response to the needs of woodturning clubs, to bring them together with closer ties and provide them with public liability insurance. From a nucleus of about four clubs it has expanded considerably and now comprises 48 clubs. The aims of the Federation are:

To foster a greater awareness of the Woodturners art and craft
To provide a forum to encourage the exchange of information and communication amongst member groups
To arrange Exhibitions, Competitions and Seminars to encourage members of individual groups
To appreciate, aim for, and produce high quality items of woodturning

Most groups have regular monthly meetings with a varied programme of demonstrations by members and guest demonstrators. Clubs welcome new members and you can usually try a couple of meetings for a nominal fee. If you like us then stay with us. You'll find we're a friendly bunch. Joining a club is an ideal way of meeting fellow woodturners, improving your skills, and exchanging ideas with members. Check our list of Woodturning Clubs for a group in your area.

Anyone with an interest in woodturning is welcomed into membership of any of the clubs, but membership of the Federation is for clubs only not for individuals.

The Federation primarily covers the northern part of England and Wales, but there are some affiliated clubs who are slightly further afield. We are a voluntary organisation with no paid officials. While we do have a constitution, there are no bureaucratic rules and regulations and our aim is to help our member clubs by providing them with public liability insurance cover, publicity, contacts and information. We have an Annual Exhibition with woodturning demonstrations and competitions, we also hold a number of full day woodturning seminars each year. Many of our member groups hold their own exhibitions.

The Committee: The Federation is run by a committee which meets three or four times a year. Each club has one vote but is entitled to send two representatives to the meetings. The meetings are currently held in Atherton (near Bolton, North Manchester) but it is recognised that with the spread of clubs across the country it is difficult for all clubs to be present. The Officers of the Federation are elected from the committee at the Annual General Meeting.

Membership: Clubs joining the Federation pay an annual subscription which is due on 1st September each year. The current year's fee which includes affiliation/public liability insurance cover is £140.00 (£145.00 wef 01/11/07). For a club which already has its own public liability insurance cover a reduced affiliation fee is payable. For membership information please contact the Secretary. Click here to download an enquiry form.

Public Liability Insurance: Public liability insurance protects the Federation and club members against liability at law to pay damages to those third parties who are accidentally damaged as a result of officially organised activities. It does not pay damages to a member who has an accident and has no legal claim against the club or its members.

The cover includes negligent damages to any premises, leased, hired or rented for club activities (subject to policy excess of £500).

It covers any activity undertaken by a club, including demonstrations at craft fairs and woodturning events.

The policy applies to each affiliated club as if a separate policy had been issued to each one, provided the total amount of indemnity to all parties in respect damage does not exceed the limit of indemnity, which is currently £2 million pounds per incident. For further information on the extent of cover please make enquiries to the Treasurer.

If NFWG clubs have information, events, exhibitions, diary dates etc. they would like to publicise to others on this web site, please email the webeditor.

Sunday 16 November 2008
NFWG Committee Meeting
12 noon at the Botanical Gardens Club, Atherton. Please make sure that your Group is represented.