Wairarapa Woodworkers Guild are running courses again at their new home in the MTLT-owned former trout hatchery building next to Millennium Reserve. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
The Wairarapa Woodworkers Guild has shifted to a larger facility, thanks to help from the Masterton Trust Lands Trust.
The guild has relocated from MenzShed Carterton into the MTLT-owned former trout hatchery building adjacent to Millennium Reserve in Masterton.
Guild president Nick Crozier said the building was ideal for the organisation, which has a growing membership.
“It’s fantastic to have a dedicated space where we can have our machines permanently laid out, rather than having to set up and then pack up our equipment each session.”
Crozier said the larger space would allow the guild to extend the range of activities and courses it can offer, and the groups it can provide these to.
“There’s growing interest from people of all ages to learn woodturning and scroll sawing skills.
“Moving to the new building will allow us to expand our courses and offer activity sessions to community groups and schools.”
Along with running courses and handcrafting items for their own use, guild members make and donate more than 150 wig stands each year to the Cancer Society.
Crozier said the guild was “blown away” to get a MTLT concessional rent grant to use the building.
“As a small non-profit organisation, we simply couldn’t operate without this support.
“The grant means we can provide really good teaching services to our members and more opportunities for the local community to come and learn a new skill.”
Trust chairwoman Leanne Southey said it was good to have the building being used after several years of being vacant.
“It’s really pleasing to see this community-owned asset being used as a place where locals can come to try out woodworking and possibly develop a life-long interest in this craft.”
Better than pulling it down. Put to good use every one wins.