Our Story
The first meeting held to set up the Richmond Valley Woodcrafters Club Inc. was held in February 2007 with 16 members joining the club. The club approached Summerland Farm (formerly known as the House With No Steps) and was given access to the old Dairy as a temporary workshop. Members contributed many hours towards the renovation of both the dairy and the historic Watt Cottage. The club received donations of money, equipment, tools and timber from club members as well as supporters from the local community.
In the early days funds were raised via raffles and garage sales. Over $29000 was raised as tickets were sold not only in the local Alstonville area but Lismore, Casino and Ballina. These funds saw the construction of our workshop become a reality and was further boosted by grant funding.
Construction started in June 2009 and by November was at lock-up stage thanks to the efforts of members. The more specialised tasks were completed by contractors to enable the official opening on 23rd May 2010 by Mr Don Page, the Member for Ballina. Work continued in the form of a timber store, entry-display area, back verandah, dust extraction enclosure plus ducting for the extractor. Once completed the workshop was fully operational by July 2011.
Enhancements have been done overtime such as the multipurpose area, for club meetings, morning teas and the like plus a home for the clubs Library.
Constant improvements have been undertaken over the years to ensure our club, Richmond Valley Woodcrafters Club Inc., is a safe and welcoming environment for like minded individuals to enjoy.
Honour Board |
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Year | President | Vice President | Secretary | Treasurer | |
2007-08 | J.Edwards | T.Love | J.Gilmore | J.Gilmore | |
2008-09 | L.Roberts | T.Love | J.Gilmore | J.Gilmore | |
2009-10 | J.Edwards | T.Love | G.Bourman | J.Gilmore | |
2010-11 | G.Bourman | R.Sheldrick | A.Jackson | C.Andrews | |
2011-12 | R.Sheldrick | R.Sheldrick | A.Jackson | C.Andrews | |
2012-13 | R.Sheldrick | K.Alcock | A.Jackson | C.Andrews | |
2013-14 | R.Sheldrick | I.Thomson | I.Pickford | C.Andrews | |
2014-15 | R.Sheldrick | I.Thomson | I.Pickford | P.Consalvo | |
2015-16 | I.Thomson | P.McQuhae | I.Pickford | P.Consalvo | |
2016-17 | I.Thomson | P.McQuhae | I.Pickford | P.Consalvo | |
2017-18 | P.McQuhae | M.Harris | I.Crandon | P.Consalvo | |
2018-19 | P.McQuhae | M.Harris | I.Crandon | S.Farrell | |
2019-20 | P.Consalvo | B.Nardi | I.Crandon | S.Farrell | |
2020-21 | J.Moss | I.Thomson | W.King | W.King | |
2021-22 | J.Moss | I Thomson | R.Parsons | L.Thurston | |
2022-23 | S.Farrell | TBA | S.Farrell | J.Chesworth | |
2023-24 | S.Farrell | TBA | S.Farrell | K.Van Der Heijde | |
2024-25 | S.Farrell | K.Van Der Heijde | K.Van Der Heijde | S. Farrell |
Life Members |
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Name | Date Elected | Details | |||
Jim Edwards | 20 Jul 2008 | Foundation President 2007-08 Public Officer 2007-08 |
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Trevor Love | 23 Jan 2011 | Foundation Vice President 2007-10 Workshop Construction Mgr 2007-08 Gift Shop Extension Mgr 2010 |
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John Gilmore |
17 Jul 2011 | Foundation Secretary / Treasurer 2007-09 Treasurer 2007-09 Public Officer 2008-16 Fundraising Co-ordinator 2008-10 |
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Col Andrews |
21 Jul 2013 | Treasurer 2010-14 Workshop Mgr 2009-12 Workshop Construction Mgr 2009-14 Weekly Activities Co-ordinator 2009-10 OH & S Co-ordinator 2012-14 Website Administrator 2012-21 Public Officer 2020-21 |