Wooden toys bring joy to Council childcare centres
The Orange Woodworkers Association swapped its usual gesture of gifting Orange City Council a hand-crafted gavel and instead gave it kids toys.
To express gratitude for receiving community grants from the Council, the group traditionally made a gavel for the Mayor but this year its members made wooden toys for the Council’s childcare centres.
These toys were particularly impressive given they were crafted by a man with only one hand, according to club President Ramon jones.
“The crickets were made by member Ray Parrish who is very talented despite missing one hand,” Mr Jones said.
“Our club is open to everyone, anyone who has an interest in woodwork.
“Young, old, women or men.”
Mr Jones aid the eldest member of the group was 92 and the youngest 19.
Orange City Council has supported the group for several years with community funding grants and the latest grant given to the club was $2,800.
It allowed the group to purchase a table saw and a dust extractor.
Group member Ryan Collins said the new equipment allowed the group to be more versatile with what members could make.
“We make anything, all types of furniture,” Mr Collins said.
“The most complicated was a (wooden) soccer ball.”
The organisation is in its 16th year and anyone interested in joining should call Mr Jones on 63673048.
“We welcome anyone who has come from a trade or who has no idea about woodwork and would like some help,” he said.
For more information on applying for donations or grants contact the Council on 63938000 or go to its website http://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/grants
GIFTS: Spring Street Children’s Centre kids Arabella Campbell, Jacob Felton, Daniel Johnson and Riley Whitford play with the wooden toys gifted to them by Orange Woodworkers Association members Ryan Collins and Ramon Jones.
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