March 2012 - Exciting Developments!

To all members

Hi every one

There is some very exciting news to share!

The possibility has come up to hire workshop space in the Tannery-complex in Woolston.

You may have seen an announcement in the paper about this development. The plan offers space for crafts, artists, retail, another coffee-shop...  and more over the coming months.

The committee inquired about opportunities and were told that there are spaces available. At this stage it is most important to hear from all members if there is enthusiasm and interest, to set up a permanent place again for all of us.

You may not be quite aware of our former situation at the Arts Centre. The rent of our space there was shared with Connexions. Because of that we were in the unique situation of having access to the workshop 7 days a week between 10 and 5  and you had the opportunity to come in and work there. In addition we had the weekend workshop-activities and night-courses on the premises. We would  like to thank the members of Connexions for making this possible.

As you may know, we are temporarily using using space at the Southern Institute of Technology; we only pay rent for the actual hours we are using this space.

We now have to come up with a plan how we would like to use a space at the Tannery and be able to finance it.

For this to happen it is very crucial to get a response from all of you.  

Some questions:

*  Would you come to use a workshop-space during day-time, in evenings or at weekends?

*  Would you be willing to pay a contribution towards the rent....(your membership contribution alone will not be enough to get the finances sound)?

*  We  hope we can run 2 evening-classes per term, that will bring in finances as well.

*  Would you be interested in taking part in a co-operative  to run a little retail outlet connected to the workshop-space?

Many questions!! But what a chance to make the Guild flourish!!!!!!

 We hope our phones will ring and emails will pour in with your response to this news.

Please ring, send messages, give us your ideas and questions over the next 2 weeks until the 25^th of March.

Contact.     Arthur Harrison  03 382 1332    or  021 995 836   craftyart2002@yahoo.co.nz

                  Solvejg Ruarus   03 329 9887    or  021 161 3626  solvejgr@gmail.com

                  Diederic Ruarus  03 329 9887   or  027 7797 456  diedericr@gmail.com

                  Jo Crompton      03 981 8061   or  021 281 0656  joannacrompton@gmail.com

                  Noeline Walker  03 322 4131   or  027 293 7026  noelinew@xtra.co.nz

Summary of Committee Meeting 5th March, 7pm

 Arthur, Solvejg, Diederic,John O, John W, Jo present

Apologies given, Minutes accepted, and Treasurer's report given and accepted.

Thankyou: Thanks, John and Anne, for putting on a splendid barbecue on the 19th February. There was a good turn out and lots of talking, eating, and fantastic desserts! This was the first time some of us had seen each other since the Feb 22nd earthquake so there were a few stories shared too.

Classes Report: Classes are going well with lots of creative people learning new skills and making lovely things. There are some issues with soldering copper and brass together, which we will address by not doing that! It is not a beginners' skill and is disheartening to struggle with when trying to encourage learners to be confident!

Two students have enrolled for the 2nd term so far, and putting advertising the Coffee News is going in soon.

Membership: Stable

Some minor changes to the wording of our constitution were discussed, and a couple of additions to state quorums required before either committee meetings or AGMs can be conducted. Updating to include electronic payment options.

AGM: This year's AGM date was set at July 2nd

Studio Developments: Solvejg has been following up possibilities for having a SSG studio and retail space at the Tannery in Woolston. There are plans for several different groups such as the spinners and weavers, and the embroiderers' guild, and another cafe being set up in the buildings being refitted at the moment. This is exciting with lots to consider. Some consensus must be obtained from our members before we proceed as it will be a lot of work to set up and work out how it will be run.

Discussion around possible funding that we could pursue to help with re-establishing our workshop after the earthquakes, replacing workbenches, soldering station, storage, meeting space, etc

A Sub-Committee to concentrate on this work was proposed.

Members' Studio Time:

We have decided to make the workshop at SIT available every Saturday morning, starting from March 17th. It will be opened at 10am, and if no-one turns up will be abandoned at 10.30. In some part this will give us an indication of members' enthusiasm and support for the Guild, and tell us if there is a desire to move forward as a group at this time. We are hopeful for a positive response and plenty of discussion as members work on there jewellery making.

Meeting closed at 8.45pm

Next Committee Meeting is at SIT, April 2nd, 7pm.

We would welcome anyone to attend and share their ideas for the future!

Chain Making Workshop Report:

Arthur Harrison gave about eight of us a comprehensive, well-planned workshop on chain-making last month.  It was good to see everyone again for a sociable afternoon of jewellery-making.  The Saturday class covered how to make several different types of chain such as bone chains (sometimes called bar chains) and money chains (also known as loop-in-loops).  Arthur brought in his collection of chain samples for us to compare and so did John Ogilvie.  Both John and Arthur are real craftsmen and artists and their work included unusual examples of bold and modern designs and also some very delicate and traditional-looking chain jewellery made using wire jigs.  I found it inspiring to look at so many well-made pieces and to talk about how they were executed.  Most of us decided to tackle bone chains since we had a chance of finishing one during the workshop.  

The bone chain design starts out with a straight wire that is flattened in sections, drilled and then cut and joined up with round chain links.  The clasp is very cleverly designed to blend in with the bone links.   Arthur has a nifty vise attachment that does the flattening but it still needs human power and my arm was sore for days after the workout on the vise.  The drill was playing up again but Arthur managed to subdue the beast enough for us to get our wire drilled.   Several people used hand drills and the pendant drill so we made it work. I made it through the cutting stage and took home the bits to be cleaned up and joined with small round links.  My chain is still in that condition, unfortunately, but I did see Crystal Mathieson's finished bone chain bracelet at the Guild BBQ and it looked fabulous.  She used a very chunky wire (maybe 3 or even 4 mm) and ended up with a very clean, bold piece. Thanks, Arthur, for another really good day in the workshop!  

 

Karen Atherton

So, lots going on at the moment. As always, anything anyone wants to contribute would be welcome. I may have missed a couple of suggestions from around Christmas time but I really am keen to hear from you!

Cheers

Jo

February 2012 , The Year of the Water Dragon

Welcome back everybody. We trust you are feeling a little rested and ready for what this year holds for us all - bring it on! We have organized monthly members' workshops up till August, and studio time one Saturday a month - check the details following the committee meeting  summary.


Next Committee Meeting meeting at SIT on  5th March 2012 at 7pm


The first Committee Meeting of the year took place on the evening of Waitangi Day. We covered a lot of ground and the year ahead looks exciting so far. Here's a summary of the minutes taken.

Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury Inc

Summary of Minutes of meeting held at SIT Guild rooms on Monday 6 February 2012

Present: Arthur Harrison (Chair), John Weeber, Solvejg Ruarus, Diederic Ruarus, John Ogilvie Jo Crompton and Noeline Walker

Financial: Financial Reports for the periods 1 October – 31 December 2011 and1 April to 31 December 2011 were presented and accepted

Class Report: There are 10 students in Level 1 and 4 students in Level 2. Classes

are being run concurrently on Tuesday nights. Solvejg and Jo said the

arrangement is working quite well although busy. Thank you to Arthur for

his assistance.

Advertising is planned for midway thru the current term in the Coffee News. It was also suggested we distribute Course Brochures to the Bead Shop and Hands. Arthur is to email Chris Moore from the Press in an effort to secure some publicity.

Solvejg to take care of course bookings for Term 2 while Noeline is away.

Membership:It was suggested that anyone joining late in the financial year could have their membership include the next financial period.

Monthly Workshops: Arthur has bookings for 6 for the coming chain making workshop.

Monthly workshops would be held on the second Saturday of each month. The workshops up until August have been planned. Workshop subject for the rest of the year to be decided 

Insurance Claim: Arthur has still not heard from the Arts Centre about gaining access to

our space in order to take photos of assets not recovered

Studio time: Studio time would be held on the fourth Saturday of each month from

10am – 1pm. Bookings to be made with Arthur with a minimum of five

for it to go ahead. Arthur to advise any cancellations on the Friday beforehand.

Guild Website: John Ogilvie had done some research with regard to a Guild website

and suggested we check out www.domainz.co.nz to become familiar

with the process and discuss it further at the next meeting. Jo also has some knowledge of website building

Guild Barbecue: John has had some confirmations of members intending to attend.

Solvejg received an apology from Gerry but has yet to hear from Monique. Katrina will be there. It was decided to get Westfield Gift Vouchers for each as a token of appreciation for work done on behalf of the Guild which Arthur will present.

Exhibition: Solvejg has spoken to Ron Mottram about the possibility of the Guild exhibiting in his new Gallery space and will investigate it further. Solvejg also mentioned the proposed Arts Centre in Cumnor Tce and will make enquires about a permanent space for the Guild

Meeting closed at 8.25pm

Next meeting – 5 March 2012 at 7pm

__________________________________________________________

Members' Monthly Workshops 2012 February - August

When: 2nd Saturday each month, 10am - 3pm

Where: SIT

How: Book by calling Arthur on 382 1332

Cost: $20 Plus materials, unless otherwise indicated

February: Chain making, findings & wire working  - 11th Feb

March: Found objects - with field trip to Birdlings Flat to gather materials - Sat 10th March 

April: Cuttlefish Casting - Sat 14th April

May: PMC with Susan Brown

June: Tool making

July: Fused Dichroic Glass – Katrina to confirm

August: Delft Clay

Studio Time

When: 4th Saturday each month, 10am -1pm

Where: SIT

How: Book by calling Arthur on 382 1332

We need a minimum of 5 attendees to go ahead each time. Arthur will confirm we have the numbers on the Friday beforehand and let you know.

Cost: $20. 

Silver will be for sale in small pieces, bring some change with your bigger notes if possible.

Barbecue - 19th February

We are looking forward to this! It's not too late to contact John before the weekend.

I mistakenly said he lives at McLeans Island, but no, it is actually Coutts Island. John will send you a map when you contact him.

A Gift for Us!

We received a donation from one of our students last year, via her workplace supporting Canterbury groups who have had to deal with all the stuff relating to setting up after being affected by the earthquakes! This was a lovely surprise and much appreciated - thankyou!

Finally, this is our newsletter, so please send me anything of interest, photos, ideas, how-tos, exhibition details etc. I would love to publish your contributions.

Christmas is Coming - December Newsletter

The last newsletter for 2011, sometimes I thought this year would never end! I am looking forward to a much less traumatic 2012, and trust you are all expecting better things too. We have had a very successful year of night classes at SIT, some very welcome and fabulous monthly weekend workshops, and a short run of open workshop Saturdays in October. Thanks to everybody who made these things possible, a 'sterling' effort!


Summary of the November Committee Meeting

•  There has been some positive interest in classes for next term. 
•  New class brochure underway.
• Class Dates: Class dates were confirmed as: 
• Term 1 - 31/1 -4/4 – 10 Weeks
• Term 2 – 24/4 – 27/6 – 10 weeks

• Term 3 – 17/7 – 26/9 – 10 weeks
• Term 4 - 16/10 – 5/12 – 8 Weeks
• Class Attendance Certificate: This was given approval with the attendance stated according the actual hours worked – ie. 20 of a 25 hour course etc.These details also to be recorded on a Guild attendance record for future reference
• Correspondence: Arthur received a reply from the Press following the submission of an article announcing we were back up and running. It was handed on to Chris Moore and he is to get in touch
• Quote received from Regal Castings for a replacement drum for the centrifuge - $1700.00 plus GST
• Tools & Equipment: Arthur will try to get back into our rooms at the Arts Centre to check whether the drum is still there and to take photos of the Guild furniture for the insurance claim. Once a value is established we will review the need for a claim.
• We now have a disk cutter and Arthur has sourced sandpaper and made up some new sanding boards.
• Insurance Claim: We will leave it until we have investigated the missing equipment and valued the items to be claimed for.
• Workshop Usage: It is proposed that we run one Saturday workshop per month 2 Saturdays for Studio hours – members to book their intention to attend with a minimum of 5 members plus a key holder to attend before it goes ahead. There will be a small charge of $5.00 each with the Guild subsidising to an equivalent amount. This fee is subject to change from time to time. It was suggested we introduce a clicker card, details of which are yet to be finalised. However it is emphasized that failure to attend once booked will incur the cost.
• Monthly workshops: It is proposed to run monthly workshops involving outside specialist tutors. The fee to attend these will be dependant on the cost of running each workshop. Various avenues for tutors and techniques to featured are being explored.
• Guild Workshop rules and safety regulations: These need to be updated and it was suggested that each member be issued with a hard copy.
• Membership Application: It was considered the current form meets and sets out the criterion for membership but some details need updating.
• The booklet issued to new members also needs some details updating.
• Guild Website: John Ogilvie has volunteered to look into the cost of setting up the Guild's own web page.
• Guild Barbecue: This is to held at John Ogilvie's home on Sunday 19 February from 3pm on. The guild will provide the meat. Please bring a salad to share and byo drinks. Some drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to John. John lives at McLeans Island – with lots of space and a lovely rural outlook
• Exhibition: We need to be looking for an Exhibition space for 2012.
• February Workshop: 11 February – 10 – 4 – Chain making, findings and wire working
• Next meeting – 6 February 2012 at 7pm

As you can see there are lots of things in the pipeline for 2012. If you have ideas you want considering get in touch with one of the committee members and have a chat, or send an email to one of us and/or come along to the next committee meeting at SIT in February. We will have to review the date as the 6th is Waitangi Day and we will be on holiday!


Committee Member List
Chairperson: Arthur Harrison   craftyart2002@yahoo.co.nz
Treasurer: Diederic Ruarus   diederic@gmai.com
Secretary: Noeline Walker  noelinew@xtra.co.nz
                    Solvejg Ruarus  solvejgr@gmail.com
                    John Ogilvie  jogilvie@clear.net.nz
                    Crystal Mathieson  quartzcrystal@hotmail.com
                    John Weeber  johnweeber@windowslive.com
                   Jo Crompton  joannacrompton@gmail.com

Some Hard Working Students at the Level Two Night Class

November Newsletter

The year is rushing past as we head for Show Weekend, and all too quickly Christmas.
Firstly I appologise for the lack of pictures this month, my computer has had a hissy fit and is away being seen to so I don't have access to my usual resources. Gratitude for being able to use my husband's laptop! Secondly, it is great to see a few steps forward in Christchurch with the container shops opening in the space where Cashel Mall used to be, but  am feeling an absence of purpose without our annual exhibition! It's another unexpected space in this different life of ours and I am finding the garden is looking more organised than it often does at this time of the year - a silver lining to every cloud. I hope you are all enjoying the Spring as she progresses and getting time to think about making some lovely things in your workshops/kitchen tables. etc!

A Brief Summary of the October Committee Meeting
Monday 3^rd October 2011
Present; Arthur, Dierdric, Solvej, Jo, John O, John W, Crystal.
Apologies; Noelene, Chloe.
*Tabled resignation from Karen Atherton. Accepted with regret.Solvej will arrange a token of our appreciation for Karen and Mark.
*Noelene will takeover as class co-ordinator (as advised by Arthur, as Noelene absent).She is willing to do this – with a backup. Solvej is willing to be a backup.
*Discussion of prerequisites for allowing new people to become members of the Guild.Previously this was run past the Committee. Possible checklist of required skills and/or presenting work to the Committee were some ideas discussed.. Otherwise up to Tutor discretion for people attending the evening classes.

*Arthur has agreed to take on the role of President.

*How to manage available studio time was discussed. The duty of opening up needs to be shared. A possible cost per person for the time,also needs to be set. It costs the guild $20 an hour to use SIT.

*1^st February – is the start of the new year for the Guild.
We are planning a Guild Barbeque in February (as used to happen in past years). John O. is keen to host this barbeque and we’re all very keen for this to happen.
*There has been some difficulty with members paying online. Sometimes hard to distinguish who has paid if no further information is given. Best way to do this would be to email a copy of the transaction, and to include your name on the actual transaction.
Meeting Closed 7:30pm.

Summary of the AGM 7 October 2011-10-10
 Present ; Jo Crompton, John Weeber, Crystal Mathieson, Ed Freeman, Bob Cathro, John Ogilvie, Solvejg Ruarus, Diederic Ruarus, Ailish Roughan, Arthur Harrison, Noelene Walker and Susan Brown.
Apologies ; Pam Englefield, Sylvia Campbell, Kate Louw and Chloe Judd.
 Minutes from Previous Meeting

Have been circulated by email. Moved as read. Moved by Arthur, seconded by Diedric.
Nominations for New Chairperson

Arthur nominated by Eddie.

Moved by Eddie, seconded by John. 

Committee Additions/Withdrawals

A query to everyone on the committee, that they are happy to remain? Ailish Roughan would like to stand down, everyone else is happy to remain.

Moved by Arthur, seconded by Noelene. 

Letter from Karen

Letter read to all by Arthur. Letter Accepted.

Moved by Arthur, seconded by Jo. 

Present Letter Report to AGM

Handout printed letter presented to all from Arthur. 

Diederic Financial Report

Diederic moved statements be accepted, seconded by Noelene. 

Proposed Changes to the Constitution 

Change wording to “executive committee”.

Wording change “chairman” to “chairperson”.

These two issues moved by Diederic, seconded by Ailish. 

6.0a – Procedure For Nominating; no person shall continue in said offices for more than 2 consecutive years in one span.

Moved by Diederic, seconded by Noelene. 

6.0c – The chairperson my be nominated for a second period of 3 years only.

John brings to our attention that we cannot change this now, due to the possibility of this change clashing with existing rules. This issue will be brought up at next AGM.

The idea behind this is to elect new members for 3 or 2 years, so we aren’t having to elect new people every year. 2-3 year terms would maintain continuity. Jo suggested it be worded to “up to 3 years”, which removes the suggestion that you are bound into the role for the whole three years, and which could be off-putting. 

6.0a – Proposed amendment. “Officers are appointed “up to 3 years”.

Moved by Jo, seconded by Noelene.

9 votes for, 3 against. 

6.0a – With the amendment just passed.

Moved by Noelene, seconded by Jo.

9 votes for, 2 against, 1 abstains. 

6.0b – Officers are extended… ; which means said officers are automatically members of the committee and do not need a separate vote to be voted in.

Moved by Diederic, seconded by Solvejg. 

6.0c – Trying to avoid people sitting indefinitely in one Guild position. Eddie says based on experience he had to run over his consecutive time when the situation occurred that no-one else was will to take over the position he was in. Motion has been rescinded, as this is now covered in 6.0a. 

7.0a – The names of nominees should be given in writing before the AGM. This could potentially cause issues for getting enough nominations, but otherwise could clarify meeting procedure. This would mean no nominations from the floor would be allowed at an AGM.

4 votes for, 6 against, 2 abstain. 

7.0b – Adding “special meeting” to the current text.

Moved by Diederic, accepted by all. 

8.0c – Changing wording to “he/she”.

Moved by Diederic, seconded by John W. 

9.0a – This passage to be rescinded as it has already been covered. 

9.0i – If an issue cannot be resolved Chairperson has 2 votes / final decision.

Diederic proposed that we must have conflict resolution in our Constitution.

Moved by Diederic, seconded by Crystal. 

11.0a – “which may open” – allows for combined secretary & treasurer position.

12 votes for. Motion carried. 

11.0b – Change of wording to “The treasurer shall”.

Motion carried. 

General Business 

Solvejg proposes to ask Katrina and Harvey to become tutors. Accepted, she will ask. 

Meeting closed at 8:35pm. 

Committee Members 2011-2012

Chairperson: Arthur Harrison        craftyart@2002@yahoo.co.nz
Treasurer: Diederic Ruarus           diedericr@gmail.com
Secretary: Noeline Walker*         noelinew@xtra.co.nz

John Weeber          johnweeber@windowslive.com
Solvejg Ruarus       solvejgr@gmail.com
John Ogilvie**        jogilvie@clear.net.nz
Crystal Mathieson   quartzcrystal@hotmail.com
Chloe Judd             lucka_lee@hotmail.com
Jo Crompton***    joannacrompton@gmail.com
*Noeline is also Class Co-Ordinator for the night classes
**John is Membership Secretary
***Jo is the Newsletter person - any contributions or ideas come to her.


Delft Clay Workshop
Saturday, November 19th, 10am - 4pm, $20. Please contact Arthur on 382 1332 to book a spot. Take a look at the last Delft Clay workshop photos , click on the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/silversmithsguild/sets/72157619972545091

September / October

Hello All

Here we are and it's October already - time has got away with me so you have two sets of minutes here. Press on through that and get to Crystal's review of the Cuttlefish Casting workshop! 

Don't forget the AGM tomorrow night - 7th October at 7.30pm, we look forward to seeing you!

There is a bit going on with the evening classes going well with great work from Solvejg, Arthur Crystal, and myself tutoring at the moment. 

We have also had the workshop available for members to use on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm - the next Saturday is this week on the 8th of October. We will be reviewing this after the AGM. It costs the Guild $20 per hour to use the workshop so we will need to work out how to meet that cost if we continue to make Saturdays available - and of course we will have to have a system to have someone there to open and set up too! 

The Cuttlefish Casting workshop went very well, and we are putting on a Delft Clay workshop to follow on Saturday, November 19th, 10am - 4pm, $20. Please contact Arthur on 382 1332 to book your spot. Take a look at the last Delft Clay workshop photos , click on the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/silversmithsguild/sets/72157619972545091/

Check the bar on the right hand side for some tools for sale from Betty Inglewood. A great opportunity to add to your kit, or start up your own workshop.

Karen is back home and making a good recovery , although she is feeling a bit tired and is taking things very easy for a bit. We wish her the very best as she gets back on her feet.

I hope you are all enjoying a creative moment or two as the weather is improving and no doubt, the garden calling too

Cheers

Jo

Minutes for September Committee Meeting

September 5, 2011 

6:30 p.m. at SIT rooms

Apologies:  Chloe, Crystal, Noeline

Present:  John Weeber, John Ogilvie, Karen Atherton, Arthur Harrison, Solvejg Ruarus, Diederic Ruarus

Minutes taken as read.

Workshops:  The tool-making workshop was a great success.  We agreed we should try to schedule a few more workshops.  Arthur, John O. and John W. will organise a cuttlefish.

casting workshop.  Date of Saturday October 1 to be confirmed.

Studio Time:  We will cancel the Saturday classes scheduled for Term 4.  Since we have Saturdays free we can have Studio time on Saturdays for members.  Propose next four Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. open for members to come work.  Karen will be there to

open up and supervise the workshop and will send out email announcing it.  

Classes:  Solvejg and Karen reported that the first month of classes has gone well.  Solvejg will teach  Level One class for Term 4.  Crystal and Jo will teach Level Two class for Term 4.  We will cancel the Saturday classes for Term 4 since only one person has signed up for them.  Karen will try to get the person signed up to move to a weeknight class. 

We discussed offering one-day silver ring making courses for a minimum of 3 people.  We need to charge enough to cover SIT rent, pay the tutors, and pay the Guild something.   Minimum would be three people at $100 each.    

Discussion of AGM plans.  We discussed the agenda for the AGM.  Documents to be attached are constitution, financial documents from Diederic Ruarus, proposed changes to constitution.  Discussed purpose of AGM as both to approve the financial reports and to elect new committee members or confirm current ones until next AGM in June 2012. Diederic proposed that all current members of the executive committee hold their positions until the next AGM". Diederic suggested using the same auditor next year as he used this year.  It will cost $500.

Exhibition discussion:   Karen said there has been no further progress re an exhibition venue.  We agreed to cancel the exhibition plans for this year.  John Ogilvie suggested a BBQ party at his house for members in the summer.  He will let us know when.

Financial:    We have an internet banking account set up with Diederic, Karen and Jo as signers.  Currently we need two signatures to pay bills.  Diederic suggested that the treasurer be allowed to pay bills by himself up to $3000.  Bills over that amount will require authorisation by the other two signers.  Agreed by committee after discussion.

Diederic said that it causes problems when people pay bills online without including a note stating who is paying and for what.  He would like a note in the newsletter asking for cooperation by members.

Susan Brown wants to borrow lost wax casting equipment.   Discussed and decided that she should buy her own crucibles gas and oxygen, and any other consumables.  The hoses, along with new blow-back stopping attachments and the centrifuge will be lent to Susan.  She will need to pay a bond (returnable) of $200.  Solvejg will contact Susan and arrange.

Bond for borrowed items.    Discussed allowing members to borrow tools and place a bond to insure their safe return.  

Discuss one-day workshop plans.   Three people from Culverden want to attend a one-day class geared to making a silver ring.  Discussion regarding what fee to charge.  $100 each plus materials for three people minimum.  We can combine this with studio time. 

Meeting ended 8:05 p.m

Next meeting is AGM on Friday, October 7th. 

Minutes from Canterbury Silversmith Guild October Committee Meeting

Monday 3^rd October 2011

Present; Arthur, Dierdric, Solvej, Jo, John O, John W, Crystal.

Apologies; Noelene, Chloe.

No minutes from previous meeting are available to read.

Tabled resignation from Karen Atherton. Accepted with regret.

Solvej will arrange a token of our appreciation for Karen and Mark.

Dierdric – Structure of Finances Report.

Dierdric also suggests we keep the same account in coming year/s.

Noelene is prepared to be class co-ordinator (as advised by Arthur, as Noelene absent).

She is willing to do this – with a backup. Solvej is willing to be a backup.

Crystal to make sets for student handout – photocopying notes from previous classes.

Will gather information at Fridays AGM.

Jo and Crystal to redo brochure for next year when needed.

Discussing prerequisites for allowing new people to become members of the Guild.

Previously this was run past the Committee. Possible checklist of required skills and/or presenting work to the Committee were some ideas discussed.. Otherwise up to Tutor discretion?

Changes to the Constitution – to be included in the AGM.

Solvej suggest we ask Katrina & Harvey if they would like to re-involve themselves in the Guild/join the committee – when they are back from overseas.

At the AGM we will ask if any members are willing to join the committee.

Arthur is ‘reluctantly’ prepared to take on the role of President.

This issue needs to be decided at the AGM.

Nibbles and drinks at the AGM? Solvej has offered to arrange this.

Studio Time ; Last arranged session this Saturday. The duty of opening up needs to be shared. This also needs to be discussed at the AGM – as well as a possible cost per person for the time, perhaps a gold coin donation or a set $5.00 fee.

Committee agreed to paying Arthur for his time spent tutoring with the rest of the teachers.

Teachers should be paid based on the amount of sessions they teach.

Next Committee meeting will be 6:30pm on the 7^th November.

1^st February – is the start of the new year for the Guild.

Discussed possible Guild Barbeque in February (as used to happen in past years).

John O. is keen to host this barbeque and we’re all very keen for this to happen.

Discussed difficulty with members paying online. Sometimes hard to distinguish who has paid if no further information is given. Best way to do this would be to email a copy of the transaction, and to include your name on the actual transaction.

Meeting Closed 7:30pm.

Cuttlefish Casting Workshop

The Silversmith Guild’s Cuttlefish Casting Workshop went off with a bang! … well actually the bang came later when ‘he who shall remain nameless’ turned off the oxygen and gas in the wrong order. Ahem. Nonetheless it was a wonderful day of attempting to cast objects – like keys, beads and tiny figurines – into the dense powdery substance of a cuttlefish.

Tutors John O, John W and Arthur did a wonderful job of showing us the ropes, with very clear instructions both as a hand-out supplied with the initial introduction (for those who made it on time), and in their patient and enthusiastic hands-on teaching.

All equipment was supplied as well as an initial cuttlefish, then more were available for purchase as needed. There were many successes, many ‘almost successes’, and a lot of ‘attempting’, but for those with the panache to keep trying it was a day well worth the effort. Indeed, some of the pieces that did not appear to work as planned turned out to be extremely successful in their uniqueness and potential, and we look forward to seeing the final products when these casts are worked into finished pieces.

One student walked away with a beautifully completed pendant in a shell-like design, created by scraping the powdery substance into a pattern using dental tools and casting that unique shape. The finish of a cast, when brushed with a brass brush, turns out an originally beautiful finish of it’s own, and there are also many other ways to polish and finish a cast object.

As the day progressed many of us were able to handle more and more of the process independently – with a helpful tutor standing by, which was very empowering.

We had quite a few of our current students – both from the Beginners and Advanced Classes attend, which stands us in good stead for recruiting new members in the near future.

And for those who attended, to avoid the unpleasant kind of bang-for-your-buck remember ; GO GO = Gas on then Oxygen on, to turn the taps on. Then Gas off, followed by Oxygen off – to turn off. Thank you to John for this very memorable little tip.

HUGE THANKS to John O, John W and Arthur for their fantastic organising, shared expertise, and general enthusiasm in passing on such creative and enjoyable skills as were involved in cuttlefish casting.

Needless to say - we eagerly look forward to the next workshop!

- Crystal Mathieson.