Master Class 26th May 2012

The 3rd Master class went well being supported by seven members. Once again the pressure was on Roger and Ian in terms of delivering this session and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them both on our behalf for the time and effort they put into making this yet another enjoyable and informative session.
Roger got the session underway with an explanation of the various feather groups. This was supported by a PowerPoint presentation and a set of handouts. If anyone would like a copy of the handouts (A3 size) please email me jim417@talktalk.net and I will bring a copy to the next meeting for you. I will post a link to the PowerPoint presentation as soon as I can. A useful discussion was then embarked upon with Roger and Ian answering questions in their usual expert manner, Mark was also able to add this with some specific details relating to birds of prey. This particular part of the session was extremely useful as it bordered almost on one to one tuition and was appreciated by all.
The second part of the session consisted of an explanation and demonstration from Ian of how to fit feather inserts. This was very much in the Blue Peter style "this is one I prepared earlier" as the time available to actually carve a feather insert there and then was very limited. Once again this session was extremely useful and generated a lot of discussion on the many different approaches to enure that feather/wing inserts look as natural as possible.
I am sure that all those who attended this session will agree that the great benefit is the almost one to one tutorial aspect that can be achieved with a relatively small group. All in all I think it was a very worthwhile session and that all of us, including Ian and Roger came away having learned something new. Thanks again to Roger, Ian and all those who were able to attend.
It has been agreed that the next session on 23rd June will focus the construction of legs and feet for waders, birds of prey, ducks and songbirds. This promises to be a really useful session which will ultimately help those of us who currently buy commercial legs save a great deal of money! Yet again it has fallen to Roger and Ian to impart their knowledge of this particular subject.
Everyone who wishes to attend this session is encouraged to bring along a soldering iron and associated bits and pieces if they have them. If you don't, fear not, bits and pieces of rod, solder etc. will be available for you to try your hand, so come along and learn a bit more about this fantastic hobby.
Roger got the session underway with an explanation of the various feather groups. This was supported by a PowerPoint presentation and a set of handouts. If anyone would like a copy of the handouts (A3 size) please email me jim417@talktalk.net and I will bring a copy to the next meeting for you. I will post a link to the PowerPoint presentation as soon as I can. A useful discussion was then embarked upon with Roger and Ian answering questions in their usual expert manner, Mark was also able to add this with some specific details relating to birds of prey. This particular part of the session was extremely useful as it bordered almost on one to one tuition and was appreciated by all.
The second part of the session consisted of an explanation and demonstration from Ian of how to fit feather inserts. This was very much in the Blue Peter style "this is one I prepared earlier" as the time available to actually carve a feather insert there and then was very limited. Once again this session was extremely useful and generated a lot of discussion on the many different approaches to enure that feather/wing inserts look as natural as possible.
I am sure that all those who attended this session will agree that the great benefit is the almost one to one tutorial aspect that can be achieved with a relatively small group. All in all I think it was a very worthwhile session and that all of us, including Ian and Roger came away having learned something new. Thanks again to Roger, Ian and all those who were able to attend.
It has been agreed that the next session on 23rd June will focus the construction of legs and feet for waders, birds of prey, ducks and songbirds. This promises to be a really useful session which will ultimately help those of us who currently buy commercial legs save a great deal of money! Yet again it has fallen to Roger and Ian to impart their knowledge of this particular subject.
Everyone who wishes to attend this session is encouraged to bring along a soldering iron and associated bits and pieces if they have them. If you don't, fear not, bits and pieces of rod, solder etc. will be available for you to try your hand, so come along and learn a bit more about this fantastic hobby.