Teaching at Llandudno

[Bill Mooney]

We went on 2 weeksholiday to Llandudno but the second week I was asked to teach 2 blind members to turn. They have both had experience before they lost their site & are both in their middle 80s.
George hasn’t turned for 11 years & Roy hasn’t turned for 3 years. I have also taught Philippe, one of the craft instructors to turn.
I must say I am as proud as punch for the 2 lads as they now have the confidence to try turning at home. A lot of the techniques they learnt are totally different to what they are used to so it’s been a steep learning curve as they have virtually no site at all. Blind Veterans UK is a wonderful charity
Both turned a 6” bowl from ash.they both also made a Pen each. Unfortunately I don’t have a pic of their pens.
You’ll have to forgive the pics as I only took them on my phone & somehow the bowls look oval but in fact they are perfectly round.the main priority isn’t the pics it’s the bowls.

From l to r. Me, Philippe, George & Ray.


George’s bowl.




Rays bowl.

 

[silver]

Wow, well done Bill.

Superb effort and can see the enjoyment on the faces as well..

Nicely turned out bowls as well. Top marks to the teacher and the students.

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

Fair play to you Bill. Top man

Regards

Craig

 

[Dalboy]

There is no better man to teach them Bill well done to you and them. They certainly look as though they enjoyed themselves

 

[Unique]

Tremendous.
You've obviously done a great job in teaching them to be able to get such super results.

Regards

Tony

 

[KevinMc]

Oh well done Bill

If they learnt as much as I did when I called round to your workshop it will be great..

It just makes me feel in awe of them as I am supposed to have all my senses and I know the challenges I have..

Congrats to all..

Kevin

 

[Penpal]

Thats a fit looking young fella on the left of picture Bill, obviously takes good care of himself.Wonderful result mate being 83 myself I know the feeling of the two turners without the eye disabilities. Society owes you a great debt mate,many thanks for sharing. Happy New Year to you and LLandudno, wish you all the best mate. Bet those guys are pleased as punch.

Peter.

 

[yorkshireman]

Good on yer Bill mate

 

[Bill Mooney]

Thanks for your kind remarks. These guys were brilliant. They came in not knowing what to expect, they thought they had no chance & their cups were half empty. Well, they listened, took notice & learned to turn again using the new techniques we showed them They went home with their cups half full. They shook our hands & had big smiles while their wives shed tears of joy at the improvement of their wellbeing. Satisfaction by the bucket load. A new beginning for them hopefully & 4 new friends made. What more can I ask. They soon settled into a relaxed mode when they knew I was as blind as them.
The charity will keep in touch in a few weeks to see how they are going so it can offer more help if needed.

 

[Paul hd]

Bravo Bill.

 

[wm460]

Well done Bill, they had a great teacher.

 

[Phil Dart]

Heart warming stuff Bill. I can't conceive if turning with impaired sight, let alone teaching with impaired sight to others in a similar predicament. Hats off to all concerned.

 

[Bucks]

Well done Bill, your an inspiration to us all.

 

[Winemaker]

Brilliant well done to all