Woodies’ Open Days mark 30 years of skill, generosity

The Blackall Range Wood Crafter Guild are celebrating 30 years of wood work in Montville with an Open Day May 2 and 3.

The group began on March 4, 1996, when a small group of Blackall Range residents interested in woodworking decided to “have a go” at forming a club. 

Three decades later the organisation has grown into one of the region’s largest and most active craft groups.

More than 1000 residents have been members over the years, with the guild now boasting more than 200 financial members.

Today BRWG operates from its permanent home on part of the Montville Sportsground, where two large, fully equipped woodworking sheds provide members with space to pursue their craft six days a week. 

The site is leased from the Montville Village Association.

Over the years the group has developed a strong reputation not only for the quality of its woodworking, but also for its generosity.

Members have donated practical woodcraft items to hundreds of community organisations across the Sunshine Coast hinterland and beyond, including thousands of toys that have been donated to the annual Salvation Army’s Children’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

A wide range of community groups have also benefited from the guild’s craftsmanship, including Montville Village Association, Montville Primary School, St Mary’s Church, Wishlist, Maleny Community Centre, Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre, Maleny Police, Nambour Police, Mapleton Library, hospitals, schools and kindergartens.

At the Open Day next month, visitors will be able to tour the woodworking facilities, meet members, see woodworking demonstrations,  and view displays of handcrafted items, many of which will be available for purchase at reasonable prices. 

There will also be raffle prizes for visitors, with past prizes including a Scandinavian-style coffee table valued at thousands of dollars.

The open day will form part of the wider Montville Wood Trail, a series of wood-inspired activities taking place across Montville.
• The BRWG Open Day will be held May 2–3 from 9am to 3pm at the group’s sheds at the Montville Sportsground. Entry is free.

Blackall Range Wood Crafter Guild members Philippa Friend & Keith Carter are all set for the Open day May 2 and 3.