Open Day
SAW’s Open Days provide the means for the Association to advance towards many of its objectives.
- By holding both internal and Open competitions, woodturning of the highest standard can be seen and enjoyed by other turners and the general public, as well as stimulating the creative ideas of those who enter.
- Carefully selected trade stands give the opportunity for turners to buy tools, material and equipment relevant to the art/craft.
- Demonstrations, by both club and professional turners, provide entertainment, instruction and ideas, and the chance for club members to practice their demonstrating skills to a wider audience.
SAW Open Day 2026, Sunday October 25th at Mytchett – Professional Turner Paul Hannaby
Competitions for Open Day
For the Open Day competitions, Judges to be announced.
The Person in Charge (PiC) of the competition is to be determined
The email address is competition@sawoodturners.org
The Open Day Competitions Comprise:
SAW Club Competition (SAW members only)
Members can submit up to 3 mainly spindle turned pieces and 3 faceplate turned pieces in their category (Beginner. Novice, Intermediate, Open, Premier) to be judged by the visiting professional turner(s). Rosettes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended. Engraved tumblers and medals are subsequently awarded to 1st and 2nd placed turners respectively.
The following trophies are also awarded:
Geoff Quinell Memorial Trophy – Best in SAW Premier Group (Faceplate and Spindle) (selected by the visiting professional turner(s))
President’s Platter – Best in Open and Intermediate Classes (selected by SAW President or their nominee)
Vice-President’s Platter – Best in Novice and Beginner Classes (selected by SAW Vice-President or their nominee)
Inter-Club Table-Top Competition (Visiting Clubs and SAW)
Visiting Clubs and SAW each submit ten pieces made in the previous 12 months by different turners. Each table is judged by the visiting professional turner(s). Rosettes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended. The 1st placed Club wins the SAW Chairman’s Gavel, to hold for one year. Clubs wishing to participate should contact the SAW Competition PIC at the above email address.
Open Invitational Competition
All pieces entered in the Inter-Club Table-Top competition are then judged individually by the visiting professional turner(s). Rosettes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended pieces.