Now in its 29th year, the annual Old Time Wood Days weekend took place in Milltown on November 9-10, with a record number of visitors attending. Over two days, more than 670 visitors enjoyed the very many activities that were available and the items on display.
The CFA stepped in to supply volunteers to assist with car parking.
Visitors were greeted at the gate with big smiles from Steve and John who were happy to relieve them of their admission fee, $5 for a great day out. What a bargain!
Many of the demonstrations involved the use of fallen timber. These included shingle making, slab cutting and the construction of post and rail fencing. The older timber cutting machines were on active display and a lathe that was used to make axe handles was of great interest to the children.
Cutting shingles.
Cutting slabs for table making.
This machine, now about eighty years old, was used to make rifle butts during world war two but now produces axe handles.
It was not only heavy machinery on display. This collection of kitchen utensils also attracted a lot of interest …
… as did this display of braces and bits …
… and Vern’s display of historic photographs.
Fallen timber, sawn up on site, provided plenty of fuel for the cooking pots.
Here’s the drag saw about to go into action, capably operated by Mark.There was also something for steam enthusiasts. Here is a circular saw for smaller timber driven by a beautifully restored steam engine …… and another driving a wood planer.
On a slightly smaller scale was this demonstration of a wood turning lathe operated by volunteers from the Hamilton Wood Turners.
The blacksmith is another annual demonstrator.
Hand crafted goods and kits for bracelet weaving were on sale.
There was plenty of coffee for thirsty visitors. The machine had a real workout …
… and John, the damper man, was kept busy over the weekend producing his famous damper slices. On top of this, the usual hot scones, cakes …
… and the Lions’ barbecue kept visitors very well fed for two days. Every year members of the wonderful Heywood Lions Club have supported the Wood days, …
… helped by the generous sponsorship of Farm Foods who have been providing sausages and hamburgers for decades. You can read more about their relationship with CIKA here.There was certainly a lot to look at and admire …… but despite all of the attractions, there was still time to relax, …… or even take a break while setting up ready for the visitors.
Dan and his Dad took a short break to pose for a photograph with one of Dan’s best friends.
When the visitors depart, it’s time to clean up, …… extinguish the cooking fires, and recover from a job well done.
Although the final figure is not yet available, it is already clear that in excess of $33,000 was raised over the weekend. No wonder John, Christine and Andrew had big smiles on their faces.
This brings the total raised since the inception of the Wood Days twenty-nine years ago to more than half a million dollars. This is a truly astonishing amount and a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the Duyvestyn family. The entire CIKA team can only say “Well done” to the family and to the volunteers who assist in the organisation and running of the weekend. It is a great reflection on the many in the local community who continue to support this yearly event, the visitors who come from far and wide and the generous sponsors that donate goods and services. Thank you.
Photographs of the event will be uploaded to the Wood Days and CIKA Facebook pages over the next week.
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