The return of the Wood Guys and the Ornamental Wood Turning Group of Sydney will be much anticipated and plans are afoot to make their next exhibit bigger and better than ever – the Wood Turners are bringing along a rose engine lathe.

For about three centuries the rose engine has attracted wood turners with a mechanical bent and sufficient funds to afford one of these beautifully engineered machines of steel, brass and mahogany.

The main feature of a rose engine is the headstock, which is rockable and houses a spindle which can slide in its bearings, both these movements being regulated by cams or rosettes.

The variety of designs or “carvings” which can be made with a rose engine is infinite.

Along with Forests NSW the Wood Guys will be running a “Wood Guessing Competition”.

How well do you know your timber? There will be a dozen types of timber to identify and prizes will be offered throughout the weekend.

Forest NSW will once again be demonstrating the fire control engines. This will be held at the Rally Ground on Friday, February 10 and participation will be arranged directly with the schools.

National Parks & Wildlife Services will be represented at the Fair with their trailer display promoting the National Parks in our area.

Volunteers are still required to help out over the weekend. Please contact Tony Thackray 6336 0162 if you can assist. Community groups are welcome to come along and promote their message and/or sell their goods, no charges apply. Contact Kathy Sajowitz 6336 0742. If you would like to attend the 1950/60 themed dinner on February 11, please contact Lyndle Hawkes 6336 1934.